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A great before, or after work workout loop with beautiful scenery.


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Map Key

7.4

Miles

11.9

KM

0%

Singletrack

1,278' 390 m

High

280' 85 m

Low

1,317' 401 m

Up

1,317' 401 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

64%

Max Grade (32°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

A quick, uncrowded, mostly shaded, feels like you are in the wilderness and has wonderful views, loop. We often say to each other "I can't believe this is in our back yard"!

There is plenty of climbing, but there are many fast flowy turns, too. It is just as much fun to go slow and enjoy the company and the environment as it is to race through the Madrone Trail - Las Trampas Regional Park at top speed.

Need to Know

The East Bay Regional Park District plows the fire roads in June or July every year. Depending on the touch of the person doing the plowing, the trail could be very dusty and slippery for a month or so. Also, the trails are too muddy to ride after several winter storms in a row.

Description

This loop can be done in either direction. Going counter-clockwise has the advantage of gaining most of the elevation on pavement and having more downhill to ride on the Madrone. The disadvantage is that you have to climb "The Elevator", a short but steep grade just after entering the dirt.

Directions:
  • Start at Alamo Starbucks/Ace Hardware parking lot and proceed up Las Trampas Road.
  • At about 1.25 miles you'll run into a gate for a gated community. Go around the gate, the EBRPD has an easement for hikers and bikers to use the private road to access the park.
  • At about 1.75 miles take the first right (there is a small EBRPD sign) and go about 100 ft to get to the dirt access road.
  • Proceed onto the fire road. After a steep downhill there is a very steep uphill (we call it "The Elevator").
  • Continue climbing, pass another gate (the actual entrance to the park), continue climbing until you tee into the Madrone trail.
  • Go left to follow the Madrone.
  • The Madrone weaves in and out of ridges and canyons at about 1000ft elevation. Most of the trail is in shade but when the trees go away the views are great to the East.
  • There is a really nice grove of Madrone trees at about 4 miles.
  • At about 4.5 miles there is a fire road down to South Ave. There is no legal exit for bikes from this road. Continue straight for another mile or so and take the next left on the Camille Ave Access to Las Trampas Regional Park
  • Exit on Camille Ave
  • Take the Iron Horse Trail back to the start

Contacts

Shared By:

Mike Anciaux

Trail Ratings

  3.4 from 18 votes

#1

in Alamo

#2468

Overall
  3.4 from 18 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
39%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
22%
1 Star
6%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Alamo

#314

in California

#2,468

Overall
33 Views Last Month
7,357 Since Sep 14, 2014
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
19%
13%
69%
0%

Photos

View from Las Trampas looking north
Sep 3, 2014 near Alamo, CA
Heading clockwise before before the serious climbing begins (halfway between parking and the Corduroy Hills turn off).
Aug 8, 2023 near Alamo, CA
Heading clockwise after the Corduroy Hills turn off.  Some shade after steady climbing.
Aug 8, 2023 near Alamo, CA
Las Trampas Madrone Loop
Apr 20, 2015 near Alamo, CA
Las Trampas Madrone Loop
Apr 19, 2015 near Alamo, CA
Heading downhill
Apr 19, 2015 near Alamo, CA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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