Mt Tam East Peak Summit and Fish Gulch Loop

Mt Tam East Peak Summit via Eldridge (Lagunitas/Fish Gulch Loop) Mountain Bike Trail – Ross, CA

(An Epic mountain bike trip up Eldridge to the top of Mt. Tam, where you’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful views in the Bay Area. Descend down Eldridge, around Lake Lagunitas, and down Fish Gulch back to Natalie Coffin Greene Park)
Directions: 101N; Sir Francis Drake (west); left on Lagunitas Road; immediate left and park in downtown Ross.
Ride:
0.0 Left on Lagunitas Road to trailhead in Natalie Coffin Greene Park.
1.1 Ride up gated trail around right side of Phoenix Lake, hugging it until the trail heads away from the lake.
2.1 Left on Eldridge at a four-way intersection with Shaver Grade (hard right) and Fish Gulch (straight).
2.9 (450’) Left and continue up Eldridge. You’ll hit a couple of trying 30-50' climbs that will test your lung capacity and balance, but otherwise, it's a smooth fireroad with great views.
4.2 (980’) Left at intersection with Lakeview (another trail). (NOTE: If you’ve had enough climbing, then go right onto Lakeview and follow the directions below under Eldridge/Lagunitas Loop(in reverse), BUT FIRST bear left and check out the incredible view another 100 yards up Eldridge.) This stretch of Eldridge offers magnificent views San Pedro Mountain, (San Quentin – if you dig that), Richmond Bridge, the Bay and beyond.
5.3 (1450’)Right at intersection with Indian Fire Road and continue another 2.6 miles up Eldridge. Take in the views of the city and around 1800’ at a sharp switchback, take the trail to right out a few hundred feet and check out the views from Inspiration Point.
7.7 Cross East Ridgecrest Blvd (the paved road that takes you to the top of Mt. Tam.) and continue up to East Peak.
7.9 Arrive at East Peak (2340’). Once you’ve taken in the magnificent views of San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean, and Angel Island, head back down the paved trail or Ridgecrest Blvd.
8.1 Right/Straight back down Eldridge Grade.
10.5 Stay on Eldridge past Indian Fire Road, and
11.6 Straight through the intersection with Lakeview (Eldridge goes Right, so you’ll now be on Lakeview). After a few tight turns, this launches your bike into a fast slight downhill and heads into some redwoods where you’ll take a Left.
12.2 Left on Lagunitas and bearing right at any intersections, taking you around beautiful Lake Lagunitas, and crossing three wooden footbridges.
13.2 Right at a small sign that reads “walk your bike the next 150 feet”. The trail continues across Lagunitas Dam and then takes a left into a parking lot.
13.5 Ride out Sky Oaks Road for a few hundred yards and bear Right.
13.7 Right down a paved trail/road.
13.9 Bear Left on the Fish Gulch Trail and prepare yourself for a very steep and fast descent back to the four-way intersection with Shaver and Eldridge. (check your bike brakes before heading down)
14.5 Straight through intersection and back around Phoenix Lake to trailhead.
15.5 Ride down Lagunitas Road to Ross.
16.6 Arrive Ross Common