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. Two hikers at Bear Creek Redwoods Regional Preserve on a new trail.

    New Trails at Bear Creek

    Looking for new trails? Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve has added 170 acres of forest, grassland, and historical sites. Hike this 3.5-mile loop through the new addition.

    View
  2. 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
  3. Man hiking up a trail at Montara Mountain, with a view of the Pacific and Grey Whale sand beach in the background

    From Beach to Summit

    No need to decide between a beach and a mountaintop—this hike includes both! Explore the stunning coastal scenery on this 6-mile out-and-back up Montara Mountain and into Rancho Corral de Tierra.

    View

  4. Drake Awakening

    Part salt water, part fresh water, Drake’s Estero is smack in the middle of Point Reyes, and one of only two marine wilderness areas in the entire nation. Yeah, it’s worth a look. Get the extended version by hiking right alongside it.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Legendary Deals!

    There are outlet malls … and then there’s The Outlets at Legends! Located just east of Reno in the neighboring city of Sparks, this open-air entertainment, dining, and shopping destination isn’t just a visit, it’s an experience.

    View

  2. How Do You Après?

    Après all day? Hey, in Reno Tahoe, anything goes! But if you insist on skiing, skating, or snow tubing first—well, of course you do! Reno Tahoe is one of the best places on the planet for snow adventures of all kinds, followed by outdoor firepit gatherings and cozy indoor hideaway respites like these...

    View
  3. Woman walking in the Venice Canals of Los Angeles County

    Canal Contemplations

    With its incense-scented boardwalk, bohemian shops, skateparks, and abundance of body builders, Venice is happily eccentric, and artistic. Exhibit A: Its network of European-style canals with charming bridges, offering a tranquil tour of the town’s history.

    View

  4. Hike A Fall Classic

    Reno hit the jackpot with its well-planned urban trail system, including the Tom Cooke Trail adjacent to the Truckee River, and brilliant in fall.

    View