Trailhead
Angel Island State Park is located in San Francisco Bay and can be reached by ferries from San Francisco, Vallejo, Oakland and Tiburon. This ride departs from the Angel Island ferry dock, located just North of Sam's Anchor Cafe on Main St. in Tiburon, Marin County. This ferry runs virtually every day, year round (call 415.435.2131 for times). -- Please note that the ferry company does not provide regular weekday service between December and February. For accurate fare and schedule information check out http://www.angelislandferry.com.

Pay parkinglots are located off Tiburon Blvd. on the left as you enter town and at the end of Main St. Our suggestion is to park in the lot at "Blackie's Pasture", on the right side of Tiburon Blvd. (hwy.131) as it narrows from four lanes to two, and ride into town on the bike path.

A visit to Angel Island is a rewarding experience, and an entire afternoon, if not the whole day, should be allotted to truly savor the experience. Starting with the pleasant boat ride, combined with sweeping views of San Francisco, Marin and the East Bay, and history around every bend make this trip worthy of a picnic lunch. The riding is not particularly difficult, with a large part on paved roads (vehicles are not permitted on the Island, except for park maintenance trucks and the obtuse sightseeing train).

After embarking at the Ayala cove dock, ride past the concessions (Bike Rentals available) and begin the pleasant single track climb up to the 5.5 mile perimeter road, one of two concentric roads that circle the island. Going left leaves makes for a downhill return ride. The inner circle is a fire road approximately 3 miles long and is about 300 feet above the perimeter road. These two roads are connected by short trails on the north and south sides of the island. The lower, paved road is the more traveled of the two. It affords access to most of the historic sites that ring the island (the North, East and West garrisons and immigration stations, the Nike Base and Southern Artillery batteries). The upper road is less traveled and offers the best views and more privacy, and access to the hiking trails to the top of Mt. Livermore. Bike racks are situated at these trailheads, so bring a lock if you want to hike to the top.

The East Garrison has the largest collection of buildings on the island, including the former hospital and gymnasium, a museum of Angel Island history and a baseball diamond, volleyball court and group picnic areas. During the summer ferry service from the East Bay is available here. There is also a pleasant, sandy beach nearby.

Following a steep climb to the site of former Nike Missile Base, you'll be rewarded with a dramatic view of San Francisco, Alcatraz Island and the Bay and Golden Gate Bridges.

Climb to the top of Battery Wallace for a sweeping bridge to bridge view, with Alcatraz Island between. Imagine the battles never fought. 

The West Garrison, dating back to the Civil War,with many restored buildings, is less than one half mile from Ayala Cove.

More information on Angel Island State Park and its history:

Angel Island State Park (415-435-1915)

Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation

Angel Island Home Page

Ferry service info for:

San Francisco (415.546.2628)
Oakland (510.522.3300)
Vallejo (707.643.3779). 

The information about this ride is provided as a courtesy to the reader and is as current and accurate as possible; however land use policy, weather, acts of god, war and ignorance may make the content incomplete, out of date or just generally useless; so, as trust goes only so far these days, use your brains and your heart before you ride. Photos and ride information compiled by Chas Blackford. 

©2000 Bicycle Trails Council of Marin