The best MTB trails in Deer Island Open Space Preserve

No, mountain biking is generally not allowed on the trails within Deer Island Open Space Preserve. The preserve is primarily designated for activities like hiking, jogging, and dog walking. However, the komoot guide focuses on mountain bike trails in the broader area surrounding Deer Island, extending into nearby hills and ridges where mountain biking is permitted.

The area offers a variety of mountain bike trails, primarily falling into moderate and difficult categories. You'll find routes that wind through diverse terrain, including mixed oak woodlands and expansive grasslands, with views of surrounding hills and wetlands. There are no easy routes available in this specific selection.

This guide features 15 mountain bike trails in the area surrounding Deer Island Open Space Preserve, offering a range of experiences for moderate to difficult skill levels.

Some highly-rated routes include Burdell Mountain – Old Town Novato loop from Novato Downtown, a moderate 12.6-mile path, and the more challenging Big Rock Ridge – 680 Trail loop from Novato Hamilton, which spans 26.9 miles with significant elevation gain.

The mountain bike trails in this area vary in length, generally ranging from about 10 to over 25 miles (16 km to 43 km). Depending on the route and your pace, they can take anywhere from 1.5 hours to nearly 5 hours to complete.

The trails featured in this guide are categorized as moderate to difficult, meaning there are no easy routes specifically designated as family-friendly for beginner mountain bikers. These trails often involve significant climbs and varied terrain.

While riding in the area, you can expect to encounter mixed oak woodlands, open grasslands, and views of the surrounding hills and wetlands. Some routes offer expansive vistas of Marin, including Big Rock Ridge and Mount Burdell.

While Deer Island Open Space Preserve itself is popular for dog walking, the allowance of dogs on specific mountain bike trails in the surrounding area can vary by land manager. It's always best to check local regulations for each trail before heading out with your dog.

The mountain bike trails in the Deer Island Open Space Preserve area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from around 50 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, challenging climbs, and rewarding views.

Many routes in the area, such as Burdell Mountain – Old Town Novato loop from Novato Downtown and Novato Rail-Rowland Bike Trail loop from Novato Downtown, start from Novato Downtown or Novato Hamilton, which typically offer parking options. For public transport, you would need to research local bus services to these starting points.

The broader region is home to diverse wildlife. While mountain biking, you might spot deer, various bird species including raptors, and smaller mammals. The seasonal wetlands nearby attract numerous waterfowl.

Since many of the routes start or pass through areas like Novato Downtown, you'll find various amenities such as cafes, pubs, and restaurants in Novato, which is a convenient base for your ride.