Re-breaking Ground on Caballo Rojo

August 23, 2025

After a decade-long delay for permitting and planning—and with over $150,000 invested by the Access4Bikes community—we’re thrilled to finally kick off Phase 2 on Caballo Rojo at Camp Tamarancho. With approvals from the Town of Fairfax, Marin County, and our generous landowners, Access4Bikes is ready to turn paperwork into progress—building a sustainable, flowy, downhill-only trail that elevates the fun factor of the Tamarancho mountain-bike loop to eleven.

The Journey: Permits, Surveys, Engineering

Over the last ten years we’ve navigated local, county, and state regulations—everything from grading permits to environmental surveying–to finally get to this milestone. We’ve translated regulations and survey data into a sustainable trail alignment, complete with engineered grades, drainage, and structural elements to ensure this trail performs for decades.

What’s Ahead: Bridges, Walls, and Flow

Phase 2 has officially begun. Here’s what’s on deck:

  • Four engineered bridges over seasonal drainages to prevent creek sedimentation.

  • One engineered retaining wall to stabilize steep slopes and protect the trail tread.

  • Carving a continuous, downhill-only line from the Goldman Trail junction to the lower section of Iron Springs Road—packed with rollers, berms, and natural features to make it fun for Tamorancho riders.

Why It Matters

  • Safety on Alchemist: Diverting downhill traffic onto Caballo Rojo reduces congestion and blind corners on Alchemist, making the climb to Goldman safer and more enjoyable.

  • Reduced Road Burn: will exit onto Iron Springs Road at a safer location, minimizing vehicle interactions and strengthening our trail network’s ties to the community.

  • Sustainability: Engineered drainage, bridges, and retaining walls keep sediment out of seasonal creeks and ensure the trail endures for generations.

Join the Crew

We estimate another $100,000 in materials and construction costs before we cut the ribbon this winter. You can help:

  • Volunteer Trail Days: Check our calendar for upcoming build sessions.

  • Support the Build: Make a tax deductible donation, or become a sustaining member to keep tools humming and bridges rising.

Caballo Rojo is more than a trail—it’s proof that the Marin mountain-biking community, through grit, determination, and generosity, can overcome challenges and build something lasting. Let’s get back to work.





Next
Next

Solstice on Solstice 2025: Marin’s Downhill MTB Race Lights Up the Longest Day