Bolinas Ridge - W Ridgecrest Blvd
Bolinas Ridge, technically known as West Ridgecrest Boulevard, high above Mill Valley, CA, is widely celebrated by riders as one of the most scenic and unique motorcycle routes in California- and it’s one of my favorite California Motorcycle Roads. I have been bringing groups here for nearly 25 years- you have to see this road! It’s gonna blow your mind.
Tucked away in Marin County minutes from San Francisco, this remote, two-lane paved backroad traces the crest of a high, treeless ridgeline running parallel to the Pacific Ocean far below.
Getting to the summit requires navigating a series of tight intersections starting north of Sausalito, including a five-mile climb up the Panoramic Highway near Mount Tamalpais. Riders often face heavy, dense coastal fog on the ascent, but sticking with the climb pays off. The summit typically breaks clear above the marine layer, revealing sun-drenched rolling hills and expansive, panoramic vistas. Ride it in spring, and the ridge is a treeless carpet of emerald green.
Not a road for speed, instead, you go slow. Make it your plan to crawl along this road - make it last- stretch out the experience and take advantage of numerous turnouts to soak in the incredible scale of the landscape. Pick any pull out, park the bike and walk up the ridge for a mind blowing panorama of the Pacific Ocean two thousand feet below and stretching to the horizon. Bolinas Ridge is a treasure, a gem that requires you to slow down, savor the experience and simply enjoy the ride.
On the north end, the redwood forest, left to the ocean or right onto Fairfax-Bolinas Rd to Alpine Lake and twisty twisty into Fairfax.
Our stop, Tomales and the Route One Bakery.
Bolinas Ridge during our brief California springtime is a visual delight.
Not a fast road, this is a place where you go slow to lengthen your experience.
The view of the tiny ocean community of Bolinas from atop Bolinas Ridge.
3-D visual of Bolinas Ridge
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