Gravity Wheel

Mountain Bike Mount Tams Old Railroad Grade

06.02.2015

Ready to tackle the tallest mountain in Marin? Mountain bikers who want to put their fitness to the test without too much technical stuff can retrace the "Crookedest Railroad in the World" on Mount Tam, today known as Old Railroad Grade Trail. Start this 16-mile (round-trip) ride at The Depot Bookstore and Cafe in downtown Mill Valley, the train's original starting point when the railroad was in operation from 1896 to 1930. Old Railroad Grade is an official gated dirt fire road that winds past shaded creeks and redwood trees for the first few miles and reaches amazing views of San Francisco Bay. Along the way you’ll pass the famous Double Bow Knot section, where the trail takes a few long gradual switchbacks (an innovative technique to get railroad cars up a steep portion of the mountain). At 1,785 feet up, take a break at the historic West Point Inn, once a stopping point on the railroad and accessible today only by trails. Simple snacks are available here, or break out your own trail mix and enjoy the sweeping views of the Pacific and the bay. Afterwards, stay on Old Railroad a couple of miles and continue climbing above the coastal fog line to more views of the ocean. You're making your final push! After 8 miles you reach Tam's East Peak summit and the Gravity Car Barn museum, staffed by a docent on weekend afternoons. In addition to old photographs and historical info on the railway, it houses a replica of an original Gravity Car, which once served as Tam's version of an amusement park ride. Operated by a lone brakeman, only the most daring passengers would take these carts back down the mountain. Speaking of back down …

GRAND OPENING: Celebrate where it all started! The grand opening of the Marin Museum of Bicycling is this Saturday, June 6 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Fairfax. There will be ribbon cutting, live music, trick riders, BBQ, and face painting. Ride on!

From the clock tower outside The Depot Bookstore and Cafe in downtown Mill Valley, turn NE onto Throckmorton Ave. and then turn left onto W. Blithedale Ave. Go about 1.3 miles until reaching the Old Railroad Grade trailhead. The Gravity Car Barn is typically staffed by docents from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. on weekends. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Keough's Hot Springs

    Soaking Up History

    When you slide into the soothing water of Keough’s Hot Springs, you’re bathing in a piece of Owens Valley history.

    View

  2. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

    View
  3. A woman looks out to the scenery while standing next to a bench on a high point on a hike in Orinda Oaks Park in the East Bay

    Orinda Original

    This 3.5-mile out-and-back through Orinda Oaks Park and Moraga offers scenic vistas right inside the city.

    View
  4. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Redding Ironman Whiskeytown lake
    Sponsored

    New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

    2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.

    View
  2. Hikers stand atop Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View

  3. O Enchanted Night!

    Prepare to be mesmerized! Holiday-season nights in Descanso Gardens are a magical interplay of lights and natural beauty that dazzle as you stroll through the Enchanted Forest of L

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View