Angel Island Ride Report

[michael stallman]

I took the kids to Angel Island today, and we had a great time. It was sunny and windy and not too crowded.

Angel Island is in the San Francisco Bay, and was used for military defense and immigration/quarantine from the 1860s through 1960s. Now it's a California state park, with a 5 mile long ring road and lots of hiking trails, some of which are also open to bicycles. The most interesting attraction is the two immigration museums, but there's lots of old garrison/forts to explore and great views all around.

To arrive, we took Caltrain to San Francisco, then rode a short distance to the Ferry Building. We bought tickets and got in line for the 8:35AM departure. I had worried the ferry might be crowded, but there was plenty of space for bicycles. Once on the island, many other ferry passengers rented bicycles (many, many ebikes). The bike rental concessioner recommended a counter clockwise loop, but looking at the wind map we went clockwise, which worked out great. There were some steep sections that my 8yo needed to walk her bike up, but some strategically dispensed candy (for "extra energy") can give children enormous motivation.

We had planned to come back on the last ferry at 4:30, but the younger ones were tired and we instead got on the 2:35pm. I wouldn't hesitate to go again.

~Michael

[michael stallman]

I forgot to mention -- we passed someone riding an orange Appaloosa along the Embarcadero (actually passed him twice, in both the morning and afternoon.) I wonder if he's on this list.

~Michael

[Dan]

Looks like a magical spot, and that’s a very nicely set up bike. 

[Drew Fitchette]

Great ride report, Michael!

Jealous of that view, and great shout for candy as a motivator. I’ll try that with my Nephew next time I take him on a ride!

[Bill Lindsay]

next summer do it as an S24O!  You'll need to book way in advance, but it's worth it to have the island mostly to yourselves.  Chocolate chip pancakes in the morning was my go-to motivator for my kids to do it.  

BL in EC

On Friday, June 19, 2026 at 5:59:06 PM UTC-7 michael stallman wrote:

[Joe Putnam]

Sounds like a great trip, Michael! My girlfriend and I are thinking of doing on overnighter there, and this just reminded me that we should actually plan it! Nice Atlantis :) Great set up (and not unlike my red Saluki)!