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. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Hiker in the forest at Mount Sutro in San Francisco

    San Francisco's Middle Earth

    No need to travel to New Zealand to visit Middle Earth. San Francisco’s Mount Sutro Open Space is practically Hobbiton—a hidden “shire” in the middle of the city. Okay, maybe not quite as magical, but still an incredible place to take a hike in city limits.

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Hike top Angel Island Mount Livermore San Francisco Bay

    Good Heavens

    The 4-mile hike to the top of Angel Island offers Bay-mazing scenery. Some people claim you get a five-bridge view: Richmond-San Rafael, Bay, Golden Gate, San Mateo-Hayward, and Dumbarton bridges.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View

  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Woman hiking down the stairs to Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

    Secluded Royale

    Panoramic coastal views and a killer leg workout combine on this 2.7-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike to secluded Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

    View