Level: Beginner
Length: 18 mi (29 km)
Surface: Fire Road
Configuration: Loop
Elevation: +397/384 ft
Total: 60 riders
Mountain Biking Eldridge Grade To East Peak Loop
#605 of 987 mountain bike trails in California
#8315 in the world
Basically it's 8 mile climb to the top of Mount Tam and a great downhill back to Ross. The views are great and altough it's all on fire roads it's a pretty cool loop.
Riding by Lake Lagunitas and Lake Bom Tempe is a bonus!
First added by Pedro_Carvalho on Apr 30, 2020. Last updated Apr 30, 2020. → add an update
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Start at Ross Common. Parking in front of post office.
A little more challenging route to East Peak than old railroad. It has been groomed a lot over the years but still offers a little bit more chuck at the top.
| Thank | EditLong uphill climb to top - great views, about 2000 ft climb that starts in covered forest, and ends up with exposed rock gardens. Good for a long session of climbing, but not so steep its unmanageable.
| Thank | EditAn excellent regular ride. 2100+ feet top to bottom, average around 6% grade. First 1400 vertical feet (up to intersection with Indian Fire Road) is pretty smooth, a few short steeper stretches around 8-10%. Above 1400 feet, the majority of the trail includes long stretches of rock gardens all the way to the top. Several stretches with stellar views. In comparison to the Old RR route on the south side - views aren't as good, a bit more technical, a good bit less traffic. Once comfortable with the rock gardens, you can pull this off in about 2 hours roundtrip from Natalie Coffin Greene park.
| Thank | EditDo not start in Ross as the trail is closed for the summer. Go out of Deer Park in Fairfax for the same loop.
| Thank | EditAwesome to have a 3000 ft. climb right outside your door here in Marin. Not super technical so it's good for everyone.
| Thank | EditRode it yesterday in the rain on my singlespeed rigid bike... tough climb... esp. with no gears. but the descent - w00t !
| Thank | EditThis a classic we should all do once just for the history.
| Thank | EditLong climb to the top of Mt. Tam and super fast fire road back to Ross. Great views of the bay and SF.
| Thank | Edit