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!
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.
Long 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.
An 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.
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 | Edit |Long 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 | Edit |An 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 | Edit |Do not start in Ross as the trail is closed for the summer. Go out of Deer Park in Fairfax for the same loop.
Thank | Edit |Awesome to have a 3000 ft. climb right outside your door here in Marin. Not super technical so it's good for everyone.
Thank | Edit |Rode it yesterday in the rain on my singlespeed rigid bike... tough climb... esp. with no gears. but the descent - w00t !
Thank | Edit |This a classic we should all do once just for the history.
Thank | Edit |Long climb to the top of Mt. Tam and super fast fire road back to Ross. Great views of the bay and SF.
Thank | Edit |