Fairfax MTB Guide - Fairfax, California
Fairfax is one of the birthplaces of mountain biking and remains a must-ride destination for anyone visiting Marin County. Surrounded by towering redwoods, steep fire roads, and legendary singletrack, the area blends mountain biking history with some of Northern California's best modern trail building.
Whether you're flowing through Endor, weaving between the redwoods on B-17, descending the beautifully crafted Caballo Rojo, testing your skills on Solstice, or tackling newer favorites like Cake Boss and Hobo DH, Fairfax offers a ride for nearly every skill level.
Many riders combine these trails with a lap around Camp Tamarancho, one of the only legal singletrack networks in Marin. A day pass is required to ride Camp Tamarancho, with proceeds helping support local scouting programs and trail maintenance. The best riding is during the dry season from April through October. Because many local trails close when wet, always check current trail conditions before heading out.
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Location: Fairfax, Marin County, California
Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced
Best Time to Ride: April – October
Bike Type: Mountain Bike & Class 1 eMTB
Parking: Free
Restrooms: Yes
Water: Camp Tamarancho
Trailforks: Fairfax
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The best place to start your ride is Splitrock Tap & Wheel, a rider-friendly bike shop, café, and gathering spot in downtown Fairfax.
Splitrock Tap & Wheel
Amenities
Free parking nearby
Restrooms
Food & drinks
Bike shop
Great post-ride stop
Water is available inside Camp Tamarancho between Goldman Trail and Broken Dam Trail.
Important: A Camp Tamarancho day pass is required to ride the Tamarancho trail network. Purchasing a pass directly supports trail maintenance and youth programs.
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Endor (Blue)
A fun and beginner-friendly flow trail with berms, bridges, rollers, small jumps, and a skills area. An excellent place to warm up or build confidence before tackling more advanced trails.
B-17 Trail (Blue)
Fast, flowing redwood singletrack named after the historic B-17 crash on White's Hill. Smooth, narrow, and one of the area's classic descents.
Caballo Rojo (Blue)
A beautifully built downhill-only trail featuring berms, bridges, and playful jumps. It's the perfect way to finish a ride through Camp Tamarancho.
Solstice (Black)
One of Marin's few legal technical singletracks, offering rock features, drops, and skinnies. Be sure to follow the designated exit routes and avoid riding through the nearby school to help protect trail access.
Truck Trail (Blue)
A smooth, flowing trail suitable for climbing or descending. It provides a fun connection between the surrounding trail network while avoiding the San Domenico campus.
Cake Boss (Black)
One of Fairfax's newest trails, combining hip jumps, rock rolls, technical sections, and creative trail features. A favorite for riders looking to mix flow with technical riding.
Hobo DH (Black)
A technical descent filled with roots, drops, and jumps. Challenging, fast, and consistently one of the best trails in the Fairfax area.
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A great loop for experienced riders is:
Start from Splitrock Tap & Wheel
Ride into Camp Tamarancho
B-17
Endor
Exit via Caballo Rojo
Ride Up to Hobo DH
Head over to Finish with either Solstice or Cake Boss
This route combines classic Marin singletrack, modern flow trails, and technical descents into one unforgettable ride.
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Trail Conditions
The best riding is between April and October, when the trails are dry, fast, and in excellent condition.
Many Fairfax trails close during wet weather to prevent erosion. Always check Trailforks before your ride and respect trail closures to help preserve access.
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Marin Trail Stewards
Marin Trail Stewards build, maintain, and advocate for sustainable mountain bike trails throughout Marin County. Their volunteer trail days and stewardship efforts have helped create many of the area's newest and most enjoyable trails.
Website:marintrailstewards.org
Marin County Bicycle Coalition
The Marin County Bicycle Coalition works to improve cycling access, safety, and advocacy throughout Marin County while supporting responsible trail access and rider education.
Website:marinbike.org
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Splitrock Tap & Wheel
A unique combination of bike shop, taproom, and café. Whether you need last-minute repairs, a cold drink, or a post-ride meal, Splitrock is one of the best places to begin or end your ride.
Website: splitrocktapandwheel.com
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Splitrock Tap & Wheel
The perfect pre-ride coffee stop or post-ride hangout, with food, drinks, and a bike-friendly atmosphere.
Address: 2020 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax, CA 94930
Website: www.splitrocktapandwheel.com
The Lodge Fairfax
A popular local restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches, salads, and craft beer, ideal after a long day on the trails.
Address: 1573 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax, CA 94930
Website: www.thelodgefairfax.com
Fairfax Brewing Company
A relaxed brewery offering a rotating selection of craft beers and a great place to unwind after exploring Marin's legendary trails.
Address: 765 Center Blvd, Fairfax, CA 94930
Website: faxbrewco.com
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Purchase a Camp Tamarancho day pass if riding the Tamarancho trail network.
Respect all trail closures and avoid riding when trails are wet.
Follow the designated exit routes on Solstice and Truck Trail, do not ride through the San Domenico School campus.
Carry enough water, especially on warmer days.
Support Marin Trail Stewards and the Marin County Bicycle Coalition to help maintain and improve local trails.
Grab a meal or drink at Splitrock Tap & Wheel, The Lodge Fairfax, or Fairfax Brewing Company after your ride.
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Are eMTBs allowed? Yes. Class 1 eMTBs are permitted on trails where bicycles are allowed.
Do I need a pass for Camp Tamarancho? Yes. A day pass is required to ride the Camp Tamarancho trail network.
Can beginners ride here? Yes. Endor is an excellent place to develop skills, while more advanced riders can challenge themselves on trails like Solstice, Cake Boss, and Hobo DH.
Where should I park? Splitrock Tap & Wheel is one of the most convenient places to start your ride.
Should I ride after it rains? No. Many Fairfax trails close during wet weather. Always check current trail conditions before heading out.