Lake Lagunitas Dam – Alpine Lake - Bon Tempe Dam loop from Fairfax
Lake Lagunitas Dam – Alpine Lake - Bon Tempe Dam loop from Fairfax
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(5343)
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riders
Lake Lagunitas Dam – Alpine Lake - Bon Tempe Dam loop from Fairfax
04:55
47.4km
1,410m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
18.8 km
West Point Inn
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Tip by
21.6 km
Mount Tamalpais East Peak and Visitors Center
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
26.1 km
View of San Francisco Bay from Mount Tamalpais
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
30.1 km
Rock Springs – Lagunitas Road 🚵
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
31.9 km
Lake Lagunitas Dam
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
35.8 km
Pilot Knob Trail
Highlight • Trail
39.8 km
Sky Oaks Road (junction with Shaver Grade Road)
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
40.7 km
Alpine Lake - Bon Tempe Dam
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
47.4 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
34.3 km
11.6 km
1.39 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
32.9 km
14.2 km
211 m
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Elevation
Highest point (740 m)
Lowest point (30 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Friday 26 June
21°C
11°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Lake Lagunitas Dam – Alpine Lake - Bon Tempe Dam loop from Fairfax is one of those Fairfax touring cycling routes that truly earns its "difficult" rating, offering a rewarding challenge for those seeking significant elevation gain and diverse scenery. This 29.4-mile (47.4 km) touring cycling route packs in 4615 feet (1407 metres) of climbing over approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes, making it ideal for experienced riders looking for a substantial day out in Marin County.
What to expect on Lake Lagunitas Dam – Alpine Lake - Bon Tempe Dam loop from Fairfax
Expect a journey through varied terrain elevation difficulty Lake Lagunitas Alpine Lake Bon Tempe Dam loop cycling, transitioning from paved roads to dirt and gravel paths. You'll wind through majestic redwood forests, cycle alongside the serene waters of Lake Lagunitas, Alpine Lake, and Bon Tempe Lake, and be treated to panoramic vistas, often with Mount Tamalpais as a dramatic backdrop. While sections like the wide gravel path across Bon Tempe Dam offer gentler gradients, be prepared for steep, unrelenting climbs, such as those found on Bolinas-Fairfax Road with grades up to 10%, and the challenging Fish Grade. Some unpaved segments may even require you to push your bike, so a good level of fitness and a sense of adventure are essential for this route.
Planning your visit
When planning your visit, remember that this area is part of the Marin Municipal Water District, and accessing the trails often requires a day-use fee for parking public transport permits Lake Lagunitas Alpine Lake Bon Tempe Dam cycling Fairfax. Fairfax itself is a cycling-friendly town, known as the birthplace of mountain biking, and a great starting point. For the best experience, especially considering the varied surfaces, a gravel bike or a touring bike equipped with wider tires is highly recommended. Spring is a particularly beautiful time to ride, as you might catch vibrant wildflowers like California poppies and sky lupines.
Trail details
- Distance: 29.4 miles (47.4 km)
- Elevation gain: 4615 feet (1407 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 4 hours and 55 minutes
Comments
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