Last updated: April 25, 2024
Thing to Do
Bike the Bolinas Ridge Trail
NPS / S. Frisbie
Distance: 2 to 22 miles (3 to 35 km roundtrip)
Enjoy open, grassy hillsides, redwood forests, decent climbs, and bumpy downhills on this multi-use trail. The trail itself is a dirt double track; road bikes are not recommended. From the Bolinas Ridge Trail's northern trailhead, the trail consistently ascends throughout its 11.1 miles (17.8 km) distance. From an elevation of ~360 feet (~110 meters) along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, it gradually climbs to an elevation of ~1,680 feet (~510 meters) at it southern terminus along the Bolinas-Fairfax Road. This is an out-and-back trail, so it provides visitors with the flexibility to choose how long they want to make their adventure. Turn around and retrace your ride whenever you are ready or map a return route with connecting trails and roads. The Bolinas Ridge Trail intersects with the Jewell Trail, the Shafter Grade Road/Trail, the Randall Trail, and the McCurdy Trail, all of which are open to bicycles. (Please note: as of March 2022, e-bikes are prohibited on the Shafter Grade Road/Trail and on the Cross Marin Trail through Samuel P. Taylor State Park.) Be advised that shoulders on area roads are narrow or non-existent and traffic can be heavy. Ride with care.
Visit the Bicycle Riding at Point Reyes National Seashore page for specific regulations pertaining to bicycles and tips and information about trail etiquette and safety. (While designated as part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Bolinas Ridge Trail and most of the trails referenced on this page are managed by Point Reyes National Seashore.)
- Bicyclists must yield to all other trail users, especially to horse riders.
- Class I e-bikes under 750 watts (1 h.p.) are allowed on the Bolinas Ridge Trail, the Jewell Trail, the Randall Trail, the McCurdy Trail; and the Cross Marin Trail from its junction with the Jewell Trail to its northern trailhead.
- The speed limit for all bikes is 15 mph (24 km/h).
- Please ride respectfully.
This trail also passes through cattle pastures and grazing cattle may be present; give them plenty of space when passing. Dogs are allowed on the Bolinas Ridge Trail, but must be on a six-foot or shorter leash at all times.
This route description alone is not a substitute for a trail map. Print out the park's South District trail map (3,422 KB PDF) before your visit, or pick one up at a visitor center on your way.
Always check current conditions before heading out into the park and familiarize yourself with park regulations. Please practice Leave No Trace principles.
Visit the park's Trail Advisories and Closures page for current information about closed trails, trails blocked by trees, or other temporary hazards or advisories.
Details
Duration
1-3 Hours
The Bolinas Ridge trail spans 11 miles (17.6 km) from its northern trailhead along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to its southern terminus on the Fairfax-Bolinas Road. Allow 1.5 hours for a one-way ride (if you have vehicles at both ends of the trail) or 3 hours to ride the entire 22 miles (35.2 km) roundtrip. However, it is an out-and-back trail, so it offers visitors the flexibility to choose how long they want to make their adventure. Connecting trails also offer the opportunity for loop rides.
Activity
Biking
Age(s)
All ages.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are permitted on the Bolinas Ridge Trail, as well as on three trails that intersect with the Bolinas Ridge Trail: Jewell Trail, Randall Trail, and McCurdy Trail. Aside from at the parking areas, pets are not permitted beyond the trail. Download the map showing the trails that are open for pets along Bolinas Ridge. (4,592 KB PDF)
Pets must be on a leash at all times; the leash must be no longer than 6 feet.
Visit Point Reyes National Seashore's Pets page for more information.
Cattle
Bolinas Ridge Trail, Jewell Trail, McCurdy Trail, and Randall Trail within Golden Gate National Recreation Area pass through cattle pasture. Cattle can feel threatened by dogs, which they may perceive to be a predator. Mother cows may become aggressive when trying to protect their young. Please read Understanding Working Rangelands: Sharing Open Space: What to Expect from Grazing Livestock (1,314 KB PDF) to better understand basic cattle behavior and to give yourself a better chance to predict how cattle are likely to react to your dog's presence. This will help make your hike along these trails safer and more enjoyable.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Bolinas Ridge Trailhead along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
Allow five minutes driving time from Bear Valley to the Bolinas Ridge Trailhead, which is 1.1 miles (1.8 km) east of Olema on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. You can also connect to the Bolinas Ridge Trail from the Randall or McCurdy trailheads or from the Bolinas Ridge Trail's southern trailhead, all of which are south of Bear Valley via Highway 1. Allow 15 minutes driving time to Randall Trailhead, 20 minutes to McCurdy Trailhead, and 35 minutes to Bolinas Ridge Trail's southern trailhead.
Directions to Bear Valley
Directions from Bear Valley to Bolinas Ridge Trailhead
Directions from Bear Valley to Randall Trailhead
Directions from Bear Valley to McCurdy Trailhead
Directions from Bear Valley to Bolinas Ridge Trail's southern trailhead
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Winter
The heaviest rainfall occurs in the winter months. Come prepared for rain and drizzle to possibly last for several days. In between winter rains, it is often sunny, calm, and cool.
Spring
Most spring days are windy. Expect cool temperatures in March. By late May and early June, temperatures can be quite pleasant.
Summer
Although there is very little rain during summer months, there is often dense fog, which tends to burn off by mid-day. Afternoons are often sunny and warm to hot with a light breeze.
Fall
Point Reyes experiences some of the clearest days in late September, October, and early November. The occasional storm will start rolling through in late October, bringing clouds, wind, and rain. The strongest winds occur in November and December during occasional southerly gales.
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
The Bolinas Ridge Trail and the other trails within this area of Golden Gate National Recreation Area are open daily for bicycling from 6 am to midnight. The Cross Marin Trail through Samuel P. Taylor State Park is open from 8 am until sunset. The Shafter Grade Road/Trail, which is on Marin Municipal Water District land, is open from 7 am to sunset.
Accessibility Information
The parking for the Bolinas Ridge Trailhead on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard consists of two roadside pullouts that are mostly unpaved. There is a narrow V-shaped chute/gate that prevents cattle from escaping at the trailhead which might be difficult to pass through for some users. Cyclists must lift their bikes over this feature. The trail follows an old ranch road that continues to be used by ranchers and occasionally by fire crews and park staff. The trail/road is eight to ten feet wide in most places and its surface is mostly compacted soil. While the trail's surface is typically even, rain and heavy traffic can make the trail muddy and rutted in various sections. The trail traverses through open grasslands, shrubs, and forests. Steep grades exist at various locations.