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. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Let's Go to Paso!

    Paso Robles is a good idea in all seasons, but one season brings a special bounty: harvest season! Road-trip ready and teeming with fall colors and fun events, Paso Robles is the ultimate destination for unique autumn experiences.

    View

  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View

  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Can't Top This

    San Francisco’s Presidio was already a fantastic place to hang out for the afternoon, a beautiful site within the largest urban national park in the United States (the Golden Gate National Recreation Area). And Presidio Tunnel Tops is like a cherry on top. Make that two cherries on top, with the newly opened (July 2025) Outpost Meadow, a 1.5-acre green space located at Old Mason Street across from the Crissy Field Marsh in the Presidio.

    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. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View

  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View