traili

Mount Tamalpais - Bike Trail

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Route Statistics

Overview of route details and metrics

Distance

60.0 km

Duration

3h 58m

Elevation Gain

2783m

Elevation Loss

2784m

Surface Type

Paved

77%

Unpaved

0%

Gravel

0%

Unknown

23%

Cycle path

19%

Back road

34%

Road

47%

Other

0%

Route Description

Detailed information about this route

Mount Tamalpais: The Ultimate Marin County Cycling Experience

View from Mount Tamalpais Photo by brookpeterson

Spanning 38 miles through the breathtaking landscapes of Marin County, this legendary ride is widely considered one of the top five cycling routes in California. Beginning in the charming town of Fairfax and traversing the Mount Tamalpais, this route offers cyclists a journey through diverse terrain and some of the most remarkable cycling landscapes on the California West Coast.

Ride Characteristics

The route winds from Fairfax through Mount Tamalpais State Park, featuring dramatic elevation changes, forest passages, ridge lines, and spectacular panoramic views of San Francisco Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding Marin landscape.

Terrain and Challenges

  • Total Distance: 38 miles
  • Elevation Gain: Significant, with two primary challenging climbs
  • Road Surfaces: Varied, from smooth ridge roads to forest paths with occasional rough patches
  • Difficulty: Advanced, suitable for experienced cyclists

Mount Tamalpais Key Highlights

Climbing Segments

  • Initial Climb: Longest and most challenging, leaving Fairfax
  • Alpine Lake Climb: Second major ascent, approximately 2 miles of serpentine climbing
  • West Ridgecrest Boulevard: Scenic ridge riding with rolling terrain

Scenic Viewpoints

  • East Peak Summit: Panoramic views of San Francisco, Bay Area, and Pacific Ocean
  • West Ridgecrest Boulevard: Spectacular ridge-line vistas
  • Seven Sisters: Series of challenging rollers with expansive landscape views

Route Sections

Fairfax to Alpine Dam

  • Dense, shadowy forest environments
  • Roller-coaster terrain
  • Occasional challenging road surfaces

Alpine Dam to East Peak

  • Climbing through woodland landscapes
  • Transition from forest to open ridge lines

Descent from East Peak

  • 11-mile descent with smooth, banked curves
  • Minimal traffic (especially before 3 PM)
  • Considered one of the west coast's premier cycling descents

Practical Considerations

Weather Variability

  • Extreme microclimate changes possible
  • Temperature differences of up to 20 degrees within short distances
  • Recommend flexible clothing layers

Traffic

  • Heaviest traffic on mountain's south side

Local Attractions

  • Fairfax: Coffee stop at Barefoot Cafe
  • Marin Museum of Cycling
  • Mountain Bike Hall of Fame

For cyclists seeking the quintessential California riding experience, this Mount Tamalpais route represents a breathtaking journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the United States.

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