Mount Tamalpais East Peak
Mill Valley, California
Gravel
20 miles | 2,600 ft elevation | 30% gravel
Mount Tamalpais, or more commonly referred to as Mount Tam, is often regarded as the birthplace of mountain biking. So it’s no surprise that there are plenty of amazing places to ride dirt on the mountain. The route to the East Peak via the Old Railroad Grade is a popular gravel ride and a great option for an advanced rider to do a quick ride or (in my opinion) for a beginner to try something a little challenging.
Starting from Mill Valley, head north on W Blithedale Ave and ride on pavement for 1.5 miles until you reach Old Railroad Grade fire road. As you ascend the mountain on varying types of gravel, enjoy the view of Marin to the south. Just before mile 7 you will pass the West Point Inn, and then it is just 1 more mile of dirt. Stay to the right when you reach the pavement and tackle the steep (but short) climb to the summit. Make your way through the parking lot, past the visitor center and stay to the right of the restrooms. Near the picnic benches, find the steps leading to the footpath and take a left and walk your bike to the East Peak overlook and enjoy the sweeping 360 view. On a clear day you can see the ocean, San Francisco and the East Bay.
When you leave the parking lot, you will stay on the paved road and encounter one last climb before the long descent back along E Ridgecrest Blvd and Pan Toll Road. Around mile 13, you will take a left on Panoramic Highway and continue your descent for 4.5 miles. Stay alert for the busy Sequoia Valley Road intersection around mile 17.5 and take a left. Enjoy the twists and turns through the residential redwood-lined roads back to Mill Valley.
Strava Route:
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