Highlight • Historical Site
Former Railroad and Gravity Car Station
Mountain biking
5.0
(12)
Tips
April 18, 2022
Mountain biking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Former Railroad and Gravity Car Station
5.0
(1)
5
riders
13.0km
01:14
320m
320m
The Old Railroad Grade and Gravity Car Loop offers a unique mountain biking experience, tracing the path of the historic "Crookedest Railroad in the World" up Mount Tamalpais. You'll start amidst shaded redwood groves and fern-lined creeks, gradually climbing through oak woodlands to more exposed chaparral, all while enjoying increasingly expansive views of the Bay Area. The trail's consistent 6% grade on a wide fire road makes the 8.1-mile (13.0 km) ascent of 1059 feet (323 metres) aerobically challenging but not overly technical, leading to the stunning East Peak. Expect a moderate ride that takes about 1 hour and 14 minutes, perfect for those seeking a rewarding climb with incredible scenery.
To make the most of your visit, plan to start your ride from the East Peak Visitor Center, which offers facilities and serves as a natural hub for the area. While specific parking details aren't always highlighted, arriving early, especially on weekends, is advisable to secure a spot and enjoy the trail before it gets busy. This route is best enjoyed on clear days when the panoramic vistas from the summit are at their most spectacular, allowing you to see San Francisco and even the Sierra Nevada.
This loop is steeped in history, following the route of the Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway that operated until 1930. You'll encounter engineering marvels like the Double Bowknot, where the old railway gained elevation, and the historic West Point Inn, a welcome stop with world-class views. At the East Peak Visitor Center, you can see a replica of a gravity car, which once whisked passengers down the mountain. This blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and a good workout makes it one of the popular trails routes in the Marin County area.
4.8
(9)
110
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
76
riders
37.9km
03:42
950m
950m
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
Details
Informations
Elevation 310 m
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Friday 12 June
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13°C
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Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
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