1.
San Bruno Mountain β San Bruno Mountain loop from Cow Palace
13.2km
01:08
300m
300m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The best MTB trails in San Bruno Mountain State Park
By Fede from komoot
Β·
Updated May 28, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan mountain biking in San Bruno Mountain State Park, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many trails, it's tough to tell which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed these routes, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the very best. Consider this your shortcut to the trails that truly deliver.
Mountain biking in San Bruno Mountain State Park is all about rugged ridgelines, diverse coastal habitats, and those incredible panoramic views of the Bay Area. You'll find everything from easy paths to more challenging routes with significant elevation gains, especially as you climb towards Radio Peak at 1,314 feet. The terrain is a mix of coastal scrub, oak woodland, chaparral, and riparian areas, offering a real sense of the natural San Francisco peninsula.
If you only do one route, we'd start with the San Bruno Mountain β San Bruno Mountain loop from Cow Palace. At 8.2 miles (13.2 km) with 990 feet (302 m) of climbing, itβs a moderate ride that gives you a fantastic taste of the park's character. For something a bit easier, the Twin Peaks - South/Noe Peak β Sutro Ravine Trail π³ loop from West Portal is an easy 6.6 miles (10.7 km) option that still offers great views. More than 500 mountain bikers have already used komoot to explore here, so dive in and discover your own favorite.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Bruno Mountain β San Bruno Mountain loop from Cow Palace | 13.2Β km | 300Β m | Moderate |
| Christmas Tree Viewpoint β Laguna Honda Lake loop from Ocean Avenue & Jules Avenue | 23.5Β km | 570Β m | Moderate |
| Devil's Slide β Ace Trail loop from San Bruno | 45.5Β km | 1,120Β m | Hard |
| Presidio Promenade β Golden Gate Bridge loop from Castro | 81.7Β km | 900Β m | Hard |
| Laguna Honda Lake β Sutro Ravine Trail π³ loop from West Portal | 9.07Β km | 190Β m | Easy |
| Golden Gate Bridge β Fish Gulch trail junction loop from Taraval Street & 22nd Avenue | 101Β km | 1,710Β m | Hard |
| Troup 88 Trail loop from University of California, San Francisco | 8.07Β km | 180Β m | Easy |
| Sutro Tower Trail πΌ β Sutro Ravine Trail π³ loop from Carl Street & Cole Street | 16.0Β km | 430Β m | Moderate |
| Coast View Trail β Golden Gate Bridge loop from Castro | 76.4Β km | 1,520Β m | Hard |
| Pacifica Pier β Rockaway Beach loop from Milagra Ridge | 31.9Β km | 620Β m | Moderate |
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2.
Christmas Tree Viewpoint β Laguna Honda Lake loop from Ocean Avenue & Jules Avenue
23.5km
02:05
570m
570m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.
Devil's Slide β Ace Trail loop from San Bruno
45.5km
03:56
1,120m
1,120m
If you're looking for a mountain bike ride that truly tests your mettle while delivering incredible coastal panoramas, the Devil's Slide β Ace Trail loop from San Bruno is a solid choice. This difficult 28.3-mile (45.5 km) route packs in 3661 feet (1116 metres) of elevation gain, taking roughly 3 hours and 55 minutes to complete. You'll start with the smooth, paved Devil's Slide Trail, offering expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the dramatic coastline. But don't let that fool you; the Ace Trail segment quickly ramps up the challenge, plunging you into rugged, technical terrain with demanding climbs and descents, often around prominent bluffs and towards Montara Mountain. Expect a varied experience, from easy cruising to strenuous singletrack.
This loop is best tackled by experienced mountain bikers with good fitness, as the 'difficult' rating is well-earned, especially on the Ace Trail. Starting from San Bruno means you'll be connecting to a wider network of trails, so plan your route carefully to make the most of the diverse terrain. While the Devil's Slide portion is accessible, the Ace Trail introduces significant technical challenges, including rocky sections and steep ascents. Always check weather conditions, as the coastal exposure can mean strong winds or fog.
The Devil's Slide Trail itself has a fascinating history, converted from a landslide-prone section of Highway 1 into a multi-use path, offering safe access to a visually dramatic stretch of coastline. This repurposing allows you to experience unique geomorphology and stunning views that were once only for cars. The combination of this historic, scenic path with the raw, challenging Ace Trail creates a truly distinctive mountain biking adventure in the San Bruno area, blending history, nature, and adrenaline.
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4.
Presidio Promenade β Golden Gate Bridge loop from Castro
81.7km
04:56
900m
900m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.
Laguna Honda Lake β Sutro Ravine Trail π³ loop from West Portal
9.07km
00:48
190m
190m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6.
Golden Gate Bridge β Fish Gulch trail junction loop from Taraval Street & 22nd Avenue
101km
07:13
1,710m
1,710m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7.
Troup 88 Trail loop from University of California, San Francisco
8.07km
00:43
180m
180m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8.
Sutro Tower Trail πΌ β Sutro Ravine Trail π³ loop from Carl Street & Cole Street
16.0km
01:36
430m
430m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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9.
Coast View Trail β Golden Gate Bridge loop from Castro
76.4km
06:17
1,520m
1,520m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10.
Pacifica Pier β Rockaway Beach loop from Milagra Ridge
31.9km
02:44
620m
620m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Tips from the Community
Traveler
August 15, 2025, Bike Repair Station
All tools and bike pump for simple repairs along the trail.
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Traveler
August 15, 2025, San Bruno Mountain
Spectacular summit overlook of the city and across the San Francisco Bay at the end of the paved Radio Road
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serge πΆπππ§πͺ
August 11, 2025, Sausalito Houseboats
the typical boat houses north of San Francisco
Translated by Googleβ’
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Lisa
June 18, 2025, Old San Pedro Mountain Road summit
This isn't the sort of road you'd take a vehicle on, nowadays - but it's great for nontechnical mountain biking, and this high point gives you nice views over the surrounding hills.
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Andrus
May 29, 2025, Sausalito Houseboats
Sausalitoβs floating homes form a lively and unique community of over 400 houseboats anchored in Richardson Bay, just north of San Francisco. Originally emerging in the late 19th century as simple fishing huts and weekend getaways, these structures transformed over time into a refuge for artists, writers, and free spirits. After World War II, many abandoned materials from shipyards were repurposed to create imaginative residences, reflecting a deeply creative and unconventional way of life. Crafted from reclaimed wood, former ferries, and even repurposed streetcars, these homes became icons of counterculture living. During the 1970s, locals fiercely defended their alternative lifestyle in the "Houseboat Wars," a pivotal movement that safeguarded their place in Sausalitoβs history. Today, these floating dwellings blend architectural eccentricity with bohemian charm, providing a relaxed, water-based way of life that thrives on creativity and strong community bonds.
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Alex
May 16, 2025, Crissy Field
This large, open grass area has a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge. During World War I, it was home to the barracks, and then served as an airfield. Today, it's open to the public for picnics and sightseeing.
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Peter Turner
January 10, 2025, Golden Gate Overlook - Battery Bouteille
Lovely coastal paths let you explore the wilder side of San Francisco
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Zachary
September 19, 2024, Christmas Tree Viewpoint
The city of San Francisco sprawls out before you to the north, offering an epic panoramic view of the Marin Headlands, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and all of San Fran's iconic landmarks. The overlook gets its name from 100+ foot tall Christmas trees that were erected here in the late 1920s, before a living tree elsewhere in the city was chosen as the holiday's mascot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available in San Bruno Mountain State Park?
San Bruno Mountain State Park offers a diverse network of over 25 mountain bike trails. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy paths to more challenging rides with significant elevation gains.
Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in San Bruno Mountain State Park?
Yes, there are several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners. For example, the Twin Peaks - South/Noe Peak β Sutro Ravine Trail π³ loop from West Portal is an easy 6.7-mile path featuring urban and natural landscapes with moderate elevation changes, typically completed in under an hour.
Are there challenging mountain bike trails for experienced riders?
Absolutely. Experienced riders looking for a challenge can explore routes like the Pacifica Pier β Devil's Slide loop from San Bruno. This difficult 31.1-mile route involves significant elevation changes and offers coastal views and varied terrain, taking approximately 4 hours and 22 minutes to complete.
What are the typical trail conditions like in San Bruno Mountain State Park?
The trails in San Bruno Mountain State Park traverse a rugged landscape with uneven terrain, small hills, steep sections, rocks, and roots. The mountain's exposure to the Pacific Ocean also creates a unique microclimate with year-round fog and strong winds along the ridges, which can affect trail conditions.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in San Bruno Mountain State Park?
Due to its unique microclimate, San Bruno Mountain State Park offers moderate temperatures year-round. Spring is particularly beautiful, with magnificent wildflower displays. However, be prepared for year-round fog and strong winds, especially on the ridges.
What should I wear for mountain biking in San Bruno Mountain State Park?
Given the park's microclimate with year-round fog and strong winds, especially on the ridges, layered clothing is highly recommended. This allows you to adjust to changing temperatures and conditions throughout your ride.
Are there family-friendly mountain bike routes in San Bruno Mountain State Park?
While the park has a variety of terrains, some easier trails can be suitable for families. Consider routes with less elevation gain and smoother surfaces. Always check the specific trail details for difficulty before heading out with children.
Can I find loop mountain bike trails in San Bruno Mountain State Park?
Yes, the park features several loop trails. Popular options mentioned in the park's general information include the Saddle Loop, Summit Loop, and Ridge Trail. For a specific komoot route, the Rockaway Beach β Mori Point Headlands loop from Sweeney Ridge (GGNRA) is a moderate 21-mile option.
What can I see along the mountain bike trails in San Bruno Mountain State Park?
Mountain biking in the park offers stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the entire Bay Area, including San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean, Mount Tamalpais, and Mount Diablo. You can also visit landmarks like San Bruno Mountain itself, or enjoy the views from Radio Road.
Are there any entrance fees or permits required for mountain biking in San Bruno Mountain State Park?
San Bruno Mountain State Park is part of the California State Parks system. While general park access may have fees, it's always best to check the official California State Parks website for the most current information regarding entrance fees or specific permits for activities like mountain biking. You can find more details at parks.ca.gov.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy the most about mountain biking in San Bruno Mountain State Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from 29 reviews. Mountain bikers often praise the rugged ridgelines, diverse coastal habitats, and the panoramic Bay Area views that can be enjoyed from various vantage points along the trails.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting while mountain biking?
San Bruno Mountain State Park is an ecological treasure, home to several endangered butterfly species like the San Bruno Elfin and Mission Blue, and abundant birdlife, particularly raptors. While mountain biking, you might spot these unique species, especially during spring when wildflowers are in bloom.
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