Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or ready to start a new sport, locals and visitors to Fremont in the San Francisco Bay area will find some of the best cycling trails in California and the West Coast. Cycling is a healthy and eco-friendly way to see the gorgeous countryside. Grab your gear and get started on the outdoor adventures you’ve dreamed of amid year-round mild temperatures and sunny days.
Here are 4 of the best among dozens of cycling trails in Fremont.
Alameda Creek Regional Trail
Let’s begin with Fremont’s longest cycling trail, the Alameda Creek Regional Trail. This 22.3-mile out & back trail with an elevation gain of 177 feet is classified as an easy trail and can be completed in 6.5 hours. It’s a popular trail with runners, birders, and equestrians, but it’s possible to find a degree of seclusion when the trail is less crowded.
The paved trail runs from Niles Canyon to the salt flats at the Bay. You’ll likely encounter picnickers and anglers at a rocky creek at Niles staging area. The scenery includes residential areas shaded by eucalyptus, locust, pepper, and pine trees. The south bank trail affords access to Coyote Hills Regional Park, the perfect place to stop for a respite.
You can access this trail from thoroughfares in Union City, Newark, and Fremont.
Lower Meadowlark Trail
For a shorter ride with a higher elevation gain, hit the Lower Meadowlark Trail connecting Dumbarton Quarry Campground to Coyote Hills Park. The easy 2.1-mile out & back trail has an elevation gain of 360 feet and takes around an hour to complete. It’s an easier section of a loop trail that is too steep for comfortable cycling.
Your adventure begins on the Serpentine Trail, a paved connector located behind the campground picnic area. You’ll come to a solidly packed gravel road in about .1 mile and will soon see the signs for the upper and lower trails. The easy incline rises slightly when you reach the upper Meadowlark Trail. Tall grasses sway in the breeze as you pass South Marsh, and you’ll likely spot wild turkeys roaming the varied landscape.
Parking is available at the trailhead. Picnic tables are located at the Beard Staging area.
Rainbow Lake Loop
This loop trail is an easy 1.4-mile trail with an elevation of 22 feet that can be completed in less than a half-hour and is perfect for beginners or families with kids. The trail is gravel or paved with asphalt and is 6 feet wide with stunning views of Rainbow Lake. Shade is limited so be sure to slather on plenty of sunscreen.
The entire trail is in the gentle grade category (3% or lower). The route is lined with picnic tables and benches to take a break along the way. Two paved parking spaces are available at the trail’s west end off of Isherwood Way.
Tuibun Trail
If you’re looking for a bit more of a cycling challenge, the Tuibun Trail is for you. The route-type trail is classified as moderately challenging with a 3.2-mile run at an elevation gain of 275 feet. It can be completed in about 1 hour and 12 minutes,
This trail is especially scenic and leads to and from the Glider Hill Summit for a view of the surrounding mountains, marshland, and bay. The trail is also popular with birders and hikers. Most of the trail is paved and flat until you reach the summit. It’s sunny and exposed making it a good choice for winter cycling.
Parking is available after the pay booth past the entrance.
Conclusion
In addition to beautiful off-road trails, Fremont offers bike lanes and routes throughout the city. Unfortunately, even in bicycle friendly cities, accidents do happen. Fremont saw 53 bicycle accidents in 2023. Be sure to obey all traffic laws, use designated bike routes and wear a helmet while exploring this beautiful city on two wheels!