Note! Some trails have more advanced options! Make sure you either stick with the trail name listed in italicsin that case so you don’t go over your head. Note that none of these trails are very technical, but the lower in the list they are, the more elevation change is involved (e.g. climbing and descending).
If you’re a regular mountain biker, these can be really, really boring. If you have to introduce someone to mountain biking on the dirt, these are the best local places in the Bay Area. They are listed in order of perceived difficulty. If these are too easy, check out the intermediate and advanced rides.
Most of these trails are not only ridable by all, but also walkable and do not require much climbing.
Beginner Trails |
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| Trail | A | T | Trailhead | Description |
| Baylands |  |
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Terminal Rd and San Antonio, Palo Alto | Easiest trail in the South Bay. Very flat, some minimal climbing, and a bowl area to work on technical skills. |
| Wilder Ranch Ohlone Bluff Trail |
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Main Lot off Hwy 1 | Ohlone Bluff Trail, flat fireroad along the beach with gorgeous views. |
| China Camp Shoreline Trail |
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China Camp Village | Shoreline trail involves the most singletrack with the least amount of climbing. Small technical sections, some switchbacks. |
| Arastradero | |
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Arastradero Rd or the Page Mill Park and Ride | Good mix of terrain, jump section, minimal elevation change. |
| Quicksilver |  |
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Hacienda Rd or Mockingbird Rd.. | Long fireroad options. Extended climbs, but lots of history and not technical. |
| Fremont Older | |
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Prospect Rd. Lot | Non-technical singletrack, but has a significant amount of climbing. |
