Fairfax-Bolinas Road Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

8.7
PDI
4.4 mi
DISTANCE
1,507 ft
GAINED
6.4 %
AVG. GRADE

FULL CLIMB STATS

INTRO

Like many of these extremely peaceful and scenic western Marin County climbs, we are surrounded by redwoods much of the way.  "BoFax" as it is referred to locally, begins at the northern end of Bolinas Lagoon and climbs to the three-way intersection of Ridgecrest Boulevard (the route from this point to the top of Mt. Tam)- Fairfax-Bolinas Road- Bolinas Ridge Road. It is not uncommon to encounter more cyclists than vehicles on this route - as of August 19, 2015 there were 19,682 "attempts" (rides) by 5,438 cyclists up this Strava segment; and as of January 10, 2021 there were 53,880 attempts by 11,086 cyclists.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

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The average grade is 6.3%; 31% (1.3 miles) is at 0-5%, and 58% (2.6 miles) is at 5-10% grade.  The steepest quarter-mile is 10.3% and steepest half-mile is 9.2%. 

See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway;  Fully paved and in good condition.  The road is very narrow with no center strips.  Beware of debris on the descent. 

Traffic:  Minimal to none - this is a safe ride. 

Parking:  You can park at the junction at the climb finish (Map; Street View) or start (Map; Street View). 
Provisions:  Stinson Beach Market four miles south on Highway 1 or Fairfax 15 miles northeast. 
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
See the Routes in Area button on the menu bar above or our climb area page for more great bike climbs in this area - Marin County.

While there are lodging options in Marin County you can always elect to stay in nearby San Francisco and enjoy the city while on your cycling adventure.  There are some house rental options in Marin County too.

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CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling Fairfax-Bolinas Road:

Ride 4.4 miles gaining 4,180’ at 6.3% average grade.

Like many of these extremely peaceful and scenic western Marin County climbs, we are surrounded by redwoods much of the way.  The climb begins at the northern end of Bolinas Lagoon and climbs to the three-way intersection of Ridgecrest Boulevard (the route from this point to the top of Mt. Tam), Fairfax-Bolinas Road, and Bolinas Ridge Road. It is not uncommon to encounter more cycling traffic than vehicle traffic along this quiet climb.  As of October 2019, 10,153 Strava registered cyclists had completed this segment.  The roadway is narrow with no shoulder, but the route is safe due to low traffic volume.

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Climb start.

Sign at the start gives us an indication of the minimal attention this road receives.

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This climb was part of the 2019 San Francisco Haute Route.

Oak and high brush line the roadway for the first half of the climb.

We ride among redwood trees for the last portion of the climb.

The climb’s finish is at intersection with Fairfax-Bolinas Road from Alpine Dam and Ridgecrest Boulevard.

 

That’s a wrap!!

   

This climb in the California Coast section of the Pacific Coast Range can be extended to include the bike climb to the summit of Mt. Tamalpias via Fairfax-Bolinas Road.