18.4 miles
Distance
4,679 ft
Climb
-4,695 ft
Descent
1,500 ft
High Point
Summer riding safety: Even with coastal fog breeze and shade under trees, heat from sunlight can sap energy quickly. Bring LOTS of water to hydrate (minimum 65 ounces (2 liters)) and healthy high-carb foods to fuel. Watch out for rattlesnakes!
Great combination of single track trails (Idylberry, Goat, Queenstone, Ponti Ridge) and fire roads (Chicken Shack, Big Rock Ridge, Luiz, Queenstone). Cardiac ascents on fire roads Chicken Shack and Queenstone. Technical descents on fire road Luiz and single tracks Goat and rollercoaster on Ponti Ridge; brake-check before launching Surface condition of trails and roads well-worn hardpack with some loose small rocks on roads.
Detailed Description
Chicken Shack Triple Loop is a 18 mile popular intermediate route located near Big Rock / Novato California. This mountain bike only route can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 8 trails. This route climbs 4,679 ft with a max elevation of 1,500 ft then descends -4,695 ft.
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Trail Products
33 Reviews & Comments
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+ 0
Tigrtheshredder
(Nov 24, 2022 at 9:42)
Trail Goat Trail
Very steep slippery and fun! Would not recommend for beginners.
[Reply]
Tigrtheshredder
(Nov 24, 2022 at 9:38)
Trail Big Rock Ridge Fire Road
Lots of steep ups and downs along big rock ridge
[Reply]
Hoolie
(Oct 9, 2022 at 10:55)
(Oct 9, 2022 at 10:55)
Trail Queenstone Fire Road
This fire road is pretty challenging, even for the BayArea. Basic fire road climb, some steeper sections are 100 yds or less. All rideable, but I walk my bike a few times (save energy for Downs). Great for locals. But if your not from here, just expect a bit harder than average.
[Reply]
bl858
(Apr 14, 2022 at 10:36)
Trail Ponti Ridge Trail
^ Yeah, that law is meant for the DMV/vehicle code as it applies to traffic laws, not as a blanket statement that says your ebike (of any class) isn't motorized anymore. It was mostly meant to reduce vehicle emissions, and does not apply to the kinds of trails mountain bikers use, only to streets and classified (paved) bike paths/lanes.
[Reply]
Nsmv81
(Apr 11, 2022 at 20:31)
(Apr 11, 2022 at 20:31)
Trail Goat Trail
Not sure if the rating is correct but it's definitely not a flowy fun trail. More like a challenge for traction and not going over the edge.
[Reply]
capttcs
(Apr 11, 2022 at 9:28)
Trail Ponti Ridge Trail
Class 1 E-Bikes are considered “Bicycles” according to CA state law and Marin County Parks. “Analog” Bikes Snobs calling e-bikes “Mopeds” is just pure ignorance & snobbery. I’m sorry I’m having more fun in my class 1 e-bike than you are having on your Amish bike. Get over it.
[Reply]
bkxc
(Feb 7, 2022 at 17:39)
Trail Ponti Ridge Trail
Very nice climbing trail! Had it all to myself and had some nice little moments on the downhill, but this is a one and done for me. Really great first step for a multi use project behind enemy lines. I hope one day this thing climbs to the top of a ton of bike specific downhill trails. We can dream!
[Reply]
Fairfaxian
(Oct 31, 2021 at 13:27)
Trail Ponti Ridge Trail
Ponti was NOT built as a “bike” trail. The berms are to make the trail sustainable in rain. The guy who got this project approved for bikes completed despite with considerable pushback. It is a test piece for further multiuse trails. So we need to respect that and ride accordingly. I too prefer bike specific trails -like Tamarancho (which I have assisted on for over 20yrs) it takes time to make progress in Marin. Wanna help?Support & join Access4bikes!
[Reply]
superhorse
(Aug 27, 2021 at 23:18)
Trail Luiz Fire Road
Its true. even go down feel the steep.
[Reply]
Moabman1
(Jul 18, 2021 at 11:23)
Trail Ponti Ridge Trail
What happened on Ponti, as well as many other single tracks in Marin is this. Marin County open space prohibited Ebikes from singletrack. As a result they received considerable public push back which frankly caught them by surprise. As a result they suspended the Ebike restrictions “for further study”. The Ebike signs on Ponti went up before the suspension.
[Reply]
getinsideways415
(Jul 5, 2021 at 18:17)
Trail Goat Trail
Do not come up Luis Fire Road to hit this downhill! I would try from the other side. Goat trail is not that steep but definitely a happy medium. There’s a few slippery rock sections and a few tight brush tunnels. Otherwise, probably the most fun going down this side of the mountain
[Reply]
getinsideways415
(Jul 5, 2021 at 17:46)
Trail Luiz Fire Road
This guy said it all below. You won’t make it half the way up without a foot down lol it’s a steep one! I just wanted to ride Goat Trail. 10 / 10 would not recommend unless on ebike
[Reply]
newbermuda
(May 24, 2021 at 18:57)
Trail Ponti Ridge Trail
Just climb up ponti and ride down the “hiking” trails...definitely the better option.
[Reply]
mtbflauto
(Mar 5, 2021 at 9:41)
(Mar 5, 2021 at 9:41)
Trail Ponti Ridge Trail
I agree, this trail has berms and jumps, it’s obviously a bike trail. And yes, to add insult to injury, the hikers are karens and act like they own the trail
[Reply]
Squarepedaler12
(Mar 4, 2021 at 22:37)
Trail Ponti Ridge Trail
Look, I get it. We all can coexist, but with 6+ hiking trails literally surrounding this trail, what is the logic behind hikers using this obvious purpose built bike trail? Was told to slow down by two lovely ladies. It is an 8%+ grade in some parts. I thought we followed the science. Great work to trail builders, beautiful work and flow.
[Reply]
mtbflauto
(Feb 22, 2021 at 20:53)
(Feb 22, 2021 at 20:53)
Trail Ponti Ridge Trail
A lot of details are missed on Trailforks, so ebikes are probably allowed
[Reply]
newbermuda
(Feb 9, 2022 at 15:07)
Trail Ponti Ridge Trail
Ebikes are not allowed and rangers patrol this "trail". They will ticket you for your moped.
[Reply]
chohman
(Feb 19, 2021 at 18:47)
Trail Ponti Ridge Trail
The description says this trail is closed to e-bikes. I was passed by at least 10 e-bikes Thursday evening. Is this an error or just not enforced?
[Reply]
sf-trailrider
(Jan 18, 2021 at 16:38)
Trail Ponti Ridge Trail
I was so excited for a new legal single track trail. Well built unfortunately with so many hikers with families and dogs that there was no way you could enjoy the downhill without a collision. Traffic was worse than China Camp. With so many hiking trails, can we not have one trail just for biking?
[Reply]
dawaon-kosiek
(Jan 16, 2021 at 18:39)
Trail Ponti Ridge Trail
Definitely a green trail but there are a few jump able rollers that are fun. It is not the best to descend because of the amount of people coming up. But a truly great trail
[Reply]
mtbflauto
(Jan 8, 2021 at 20:48)
(Jan 8, 2021 at 20:48)
Trail Ponti Ridge Trail
No, a trail really doesn’t need to be that challenging at all to be blue. I think what makes it a blue is the rollers (which can be jumps)
[Reply]
awaite
(Jan 3, 2021 at 11:43)
Trail Ponti Ridge Trail
Not "Officially Open" but signed and riding allowed. Expected to be official in Spring '21. Definitely busy, especially weekends and late afternoons on weekdays. Bells are highly recommended. Also, this is 100% a green trail. In no way is it blue, for reference see pic of non-mountain bike (gravel?).
[Reply]
ValentinebPpkox
(Dec 28, 2020 at 14:23)
Trail Ponti Ridge Trail
12/26/2020
A great bicycle trail, flowing but not too fast, berms that are reminiscent of a proper bike park! It is a multi use trail so pay attention!
[Reply]
A great bicycle trail, flowing but not too fast, berms that are reminiscent of a proper bike park! It is a multi use trail so pay attention!
kchristo94
(Nov 29, 2020 at 16:42)
(Nov 29, 2020 at 16:42)
Trail Chicken Shack Fire Road
Hard climb if going uphill. Multiple 20%+ climbs, the first 1/2 mile hits over 30% according to strava
[Reply]
Isaacg77
(Nov 22, 2020 at 23:42)
(Nov 22, 2020 at 23:42)
Trail Idylberry Trail
I wondered this myself as I rode on it recently. I liked how technical it was for a green trail. The part east of where you can access it on mount Dana court and east of it to the end is technically bike legal according to the marinwood community services map. West of this access point looks like hike only so trail should be kept on here but maybe hide the part where it’s hike/horses only....
[Reply]
awaite
(Sep 6, 2019 at 17:14)
Trail Idylberry Trail
This trail is managed by the Marinwood Community Services District and as of this writing (9/6/2019) this trail is restricted to hikers and equestrians only so the jack*ss you encountered was correct and given Trailforks policy this should be removed for now or at least hidden unfortunately. I live on the other side of the ridge from this trail and have never been yelled at while riding it but it is technically illegal for mountain bikes sadly.
[Reply]
dhacking
(Aug 2, 2018 at 21:24)
Trail Queenstone Trail
Can't pedal up it because it's to steep and wouldn't be any fun to ride down because it's straight.
[Reply]
Dk563
(Apr 1, 2018 at 21:12)
Trail Luiz Fire Road
Brutally and relentlessly steep fire road. Had to hike at least a third of the way up. Not a lot of fun.
[Reply]
SeaBass97
(Dec 5, 2017 at 18:21)
Trail Goat Trail
Super loose, steep,narrow downhill that really gets the brakes cookin'! I heavily recommend wearing long sleeves, as this trail lacks trail maintenance and is overgrown with flesh tearing brush. No rock gardens, and very little tech on this trail, however its still a super fun downhill.
[Reply]
gbeaks33
(Sep 15, 2017 at 19:09)
Trail Idylberry Trail
Is this trail open for bikes. I came to visit San Raphael to specifically bike in the Bay area and was approached by a very hostile man about riding mountain bikes on the trails in Marin County. I showed him the Trailforks app and he claimed it was not accurate and asked that I leave the area or he'd call the police. There are no signs indicating bikes aren't allowed, and it is listed as a two-way trail on this app. If bikes aren't allowed, it should be mentioned on the trail description.
[Reply]
Trails in Route
| 3 miles | |||||
| 2 miles | |||||
| 1 mile | |||||
| 5,098 ft | |||||
| 2 miles | |||||
| 2 miles | |||||
| 3 miles |
Details
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Riding area
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Primary ActivityMountain Bike
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Difficulty ratingBlue
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Route TypeLoop
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Bike typeAM
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DirectionBoth Directions
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Physical ratingHard
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Ridelogs
More Stats for Chicken Shack Triple Loop mountain bike route
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Altitude min89 ft
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Altitude start121 ft
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Altitude end108 ft
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Grade-0%
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Grade max-67.9%
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Grade min71.3%
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Distance climb8 miles
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Distance down10 miles
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Distance flat3,652 ft
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3D
Trail Conditions
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Inadequate
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
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- Prevalent Mud
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- Ideal
- Dry
- Very Dry
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Photos
Videos
Ponti Ridge | Novato California
trail: Ponti Ridge Trail
12:08 | 89 | comments: 0 | favs:
Jun 22, 2022
youtuber
![I WILL PAY THE PRICE TODAY | Mountain Biking...]()
I WILL PAY THE PRICE TODAY | Mountain Biking Marin County
trail: Ponti Ridge Trail
21:29 | 321 | comments: 0 | favs:
Feb 7, 2022
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