This overnighter to Samuel P. Taylor State Park in Marin County is a modified take on the route posted at bikepacking.com. The main difference is, you'll skip the Marin Headlands, and instead pedal through the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed. It's less mileage, less climbing, and trades coastal views for redwoods.
You can start from the neighborhoods of Ross (or anywhere nearby) and climb gently through the watershed. It includes a fun piece of technical singletrack and nice views of the lakes, where you might spot otters if you're lucky. You'll ride Bolinas Ridge through old growth forests and into the open pastures high above Tomales Bay. When you make your way to Camp Taylor, you're almost certain to be in the company of other bikepackers.
On the return trip, you'll take on Pine Mountain, with steep climbs and descents on very rocky and technical fire roads. There's also an option to ride the famous Repack Road if you feel up for it. As a bonus, the towns of Ross and Lagunitas have some great food options. This is a challenging but beautiful route that will give you a sense of accomplishment for having tackled it.
All the details are below the photo gallery.
