View from Eldridge Grade

The Old Railroad Grade and Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Loop offers a quintessential Mount Tamalpais mountain biking experience, blending historical charm with spectacular scenery. You'll traverse wide fire roads and more technical sections, passing through cool redwood canyons, sunny chaparral, and exposed ridges. The journey provides ever-changing vistas, from the Pacific Ocean to the San Francisco Bay, making the sustained climbing feel incredibly rewarding.

This moderate 14.9-mile (24.0 km) loop involves a significant 2457 feet (749 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 39 minutes to complete. The West Blithedale Avenue Trailhead is a convenient starting point. While the Old Railroad Grade offers a manageable gradient, the Hoo-Koo-E-Koo section includes steeper pitches and some rocky, rooted terrain, so come prepared for a solid workout.

Mount Tamalpais is widely recognized as the birthplace of mountain biking, making this loop a ride through history. The Old Railroad Grade follows the path of the historic "Crookedest Railroad in the World," and you can even stop at the West Point Inn, a historic establishment from 1904. The diverse terrain and consistent views solidify its status as a classic Marin County ride.

Challenge yourself on the Eldridge Grade to East Peak Loop, a 11.7-mile mountain bike ride with panoramic views from Mount Tamalpais.

The Mount Tamalpais West Point loop from Larkspur offers a truly epic mountain biking experience, taking you through diverse terrain from cool redwood forests to open chaparral. As you climb, you'll be treated to increasingly incredible views over the San Francisco Bay Area, with the panoramic vistas from West Point being a major highlight. This difficult 23.6-mile (37.9 km) route with 3130 feet (954 metres) of elevation gain is a demanding ride, but the scenery and varied trails make it incredibly rewarding.

To tackle this route, you'll need to plan your connection from Larkspur to the main Mount Tamalpais trail system, which might involve some road cycling or linking up with fire roads. While specific parking in Larkspur isn't outlined, ensure you check for available trailheads and parking options nearby. Given the significant distance and elevation, starting early in the day is advisable, especially on warmer days, to allow ample time for the 3 hours and 42 minutes estimated duration.

Mount Tamalpais holds a special place in mountain biking history, recognized as the birthplace of the sport. Early pioneers modified bikes on its slopes, creating the