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Routes
Mountain biking trails
United States
California
Marin County
Fairfax

Cascade Fire Road – Gestalt Haus loop from Fairfax

Routes
Mountain biking trails
United States
California
Marin County
Fairfax

Cascade Fire Road – Gestalt Haus loop from Fairfax

Hard

4.9

(8341)

11,297

riders

Cascade Fire Road – Gestalt Haus loop from Fairfax

03:33

34.0km

950m

Mountain biking

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 3, 2026

Tips

Includes a very steep uphill segment

You may need to push your bike.

After 5.16 km for 422 m

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1

384 m

Marin Museum of Bicycling

Highlight • Monument

Premier bicycle history museum and cultural center in Fairfax, displaying key examples from the 19th century Golden Age of Cycling, home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, showcasing the birth and evolution of the mountain bike, and features many more bicycles: road, track, racing, touring and everyday transportation; extraordinary bikes dating from 1868 onward. Moved the Hall of Fame from Created Butte, CO, to Fairfax. Now, the bikes, biographies, photos and Fame are on display.
1966 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax, CA 94930
$10
Open:  THURSDAY—SUNDAY 11am-5pm
Closed: Mondays—Wednesdays
Closed: - Thanksgiving Day
- 24 & 25 December, January 1-16
mmbhof.org

Tip by

2

5.15 km

Porcupine Trail

Highlight • Trail

3

9.81 km

Pygmy (dwarf) sargent cypress forest 🌲🌲

Highlight (Segment) • Forest

Pygmy (dwarf) sargent cypress forest (stunted growth on poor soils) along San Geronimo Ridge fire road ( komoot.com/highlight/198100 ) in Gary Giacomini Open Space Preserve ( marincountyparks.org/depts/pk/divisions/open-space/gary-giacomini ). Dwarf forest, elfin forest, or pygmy forest is a rare ecosystem featuring miniature trees, inhabited by small species of fauna such as rodents and lizards. They are usually located at high elevations, under conditions of sufficient air humidity but poor soil. There are two main dwarf forest ecosystem types, involving different species and environmental characteristics: coastal temperate and montane tropical regions. Temperate coastal dwarf forest is common for parts of Southern California.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarf_forest
This is a segment of a longer dirtroad tour komoot.com/tour/13627077 between Point Reyes and San Francisco.

Tip by

4

22.9 km

23.4 km

Gary Giacomini Open Space Preserve

Nature Reserve

6

26.9 km

Cascade Fire Road

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Cascade Fire Road connects Geronimo Ridge down to Cascade Canyon, and on to Fairfax along Anselmo Creek.

Tip by

7

33.7 km

Gestalt Haus

Highlight • Restaurant

Gestalt Haus is a great get together for cyclists. The restaurant has an indoor bicycle garage, european craft beers and great sausages. What else can you wish for after an awesome mountain bike loop?

Tip by

B

34.0 km

End point

Bus stop

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

26.7 km

2.73 km

2.03 km

982 m

973 m

618 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

26.7 km

4.19 km

2.44 km

618 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (510 m)

Lowest point (30 m)

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Weather

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Today

Saturday 11 July

26°C

9°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

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Description

The Cascade Fire Road – Gestalt Haus loop from Fairfax is one of those mountain biking routes that truly tests your limits: a difficult 21.1-mile (34.0 km) ride with a hefty 3132 feet (955 metres) of climbing, typically taking around 3 hours and 32 minutes. This loop is definitely for advanced riders seeking a challenging day out, especially if you appreciate a rewarding post-ride spot.

What to expect on Cascade Fire Road – Gestalt Haus loop from Fairfax

You'll navigate varied terrain, from dirt and gravel fire roads to demanding singletrack, all set within the scenic redwood groves at the foot of Mount Tamalpais. Be prepared for significant elevation changes and sections that might even require pushing your bike, indicating STS S3-S6 difficulty levels in parts. A major highlight is the Gestalt Haus, a popular gathering spot for cyclists, perfect for European craft beers and sausages after your ride. This ride demands very good fitness and advanced riding skills, making it ideal for experienced mountain bikers looking for a serious challenge.

Planning your visit

The loop starts from Fairfax, a town known for its cycling culture and nearby amenities. While specific parking details aren't provided, Fairfax offers various options for pre- and post-ride needs. Given the challenging nature and varied terrain, checking current trail conditions before you go is always a good idea to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

Trail details

  • Distance: 21.1 miles (34.0 km)
  • Elevation gain: 3132 feet (955 metres)
  • Difficulty: difficult
  • Estimated time: 3 hours and 32 minutes

Nearby routes

Hard

5.0

293

Fairfax Tamarancho Trails loop

01:42h

17.8km

410m

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