Break Out the China Camp

Bike and Picnic at China Camp State Park in Marin County

{APRIL 13, 2023 UPDATE: Due to recent storms, before going to the park, please check ahead for weather forecasts, along with trail status and conditions; trails can be muddy and have debris or unexpected hazards; exercise good judgement and caution.}

Close to San Francisco, close to the shores of San Pablo Bay, China Camp State Park is also a beautiful place for a mountain bike, even if you’re a beginner (yes, there’s a trail for you!). Named after an 1880s shrimp-fishing village settled by Chinese immigrants, this popular state park offers a variety of well-maintained trails. In spring, wildflowers festoon the trailsides.

Mountain biker at China Camp State Park in the North Bay Marin

Mountain biker on a trail at China Camp State Park

Mountain biker taking in the bay scenery at China Camp State Park

The 5-mile Shoreline Trail is ideal for newbies because it’s smooth and never gets too steep, plus riders get to enjoy bay views almost the entire way (tip: in spring, wildflowers can be beautiful along this trail). Intermediate and advanced riders can tackle an awesome 11-mile loop with great singletrack and nothing too technical.

BONUS FOOD & DRINK: Post-ride make your way to the Quan Bros. snack shop in the park’s Fisherman’s Village. The charming no-frills establishment serves food and drinks (there’s ice cream!). Dine alfresco at a nearby picnic table with views of San Pablo Bay. Or bring your own food and head to the south side, where a stretch of pebble beach runs up to a grass knoll with picnic tables.

11-mile loop directions: From the main entrance to the Back Ranch Meadows campground, follow the Shoreline Trail up to the Bay View Trail. At 1.8 miles in, you’ll hang a left on Bridge #12 to stay on the Bay View Trail. A short descent on Back Ranch Fire Trail will then link you back again to the Bay View Trail. Connect to the Oak Ridge Trail for some really fun swooping singletrack. Follow the Shoreline Trail back to the campground to complete the loop.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View