Mount Tamalpais, often celebrated as the birthplace of mountain biking, faces a renewed standoff between riders and regulators. A 2024 lawsuit led by the California Native Plant Society, Marin Audubon Society, and Marin Conservation League has stalled a long-anticipated pilot program that aimed to open 6.6 miles of singletrack to mountain bikes and class 1 e-bikes on Marin Water District lands. This legal action, settled in May 2025, means the iconic singletrack trails remain off-limits to mountain bikers — a significant blow to the local biking community.

For decades, advocates pushed for shared trail access on Mt. Tam, envisioning a future where mountain bikers could explore these historic routes with respect for the environment. The Marin County Bicycle Coalition, after years of outreach and collaboration, welcomed the pilot program enthusiasm as a step forward. "We were prepared to get one or two trails and we got 10," said Krista Hoff, MCBC’s Off-Road Director, highlighting the scope of the original proposal.

Yet, the lawsuit accused Marin Water of failing to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), emphasizing the fragile ecosystem of the Mount Tamalpais Watershed. Despite Marin Water’s assertion of environmental compliance, the settlement required the district to rescind both pilot programs, leaving mountain bikers confined to fire roads and barred from the coveted singletrack.

Post-settlement, a new pilot program launching July 1, 2025, will allow e-bikes on existing bike-accessible roads for up to two years. This is a modest concession but by no means a replacement for singletrack access. Mountain biking purists and community members alike have expressed frustration, calling the outcome a 'major blow' to Marin’s biking culture.

Mount Tam remains fiercely protective of its natural character; its trails are more than paths — they are arteries through a living, breathing landscape. Mountain bikers must respect this balance if access is ever to expand. Marin Water officials promise ongoing dialogue and thorough environmental review, signaling that future opportunities might come through collective planning and community input.

For now, riders venturing to Mt. Tam must adjust expectations. Fire roads offer long climbs and breathtaking ridge-top views, but the twisting singletrack experience — the very soul of mountain biking here — waits for another day. This isn’t just a setback; it’s a clear reminder that outdoor adventure intertwines with conservation, and sometimes the terrain’s fierce spirit demands patience and vigilance.

Planning a trip? Prepare for steep climbs on gravel and dirt roads, pack adequate hydration, and respect trail regulations. Mt. Tam’s weather can shift quickly, the coastal breeze pushing riders to stay alert. For those eager to ride the birthplace of mountain biking, nearby Marin County offers alternative trail networks and stunning vistas to explore while the singletrack on Mt. Tamalpais remains closed.