Mt Tamalpais Mountain Bike Ride From Ross

Mt. Tam East Peak Summit via Eldridge – 15.8 miles; 2400’ elevation gain - Ross, CA

(An Epic mountain bike trip up and back on Eldridge Grade to the top of Mt. Tam, where you’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful views in the Bay Area and ride a great mountain bike trail. It’s a challenging long climb, but gradual most of the way and the views keep you going.)

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 (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 from mile 11.6 on either the Eldridge/Lagunitas Loop or Eldridge/Shaver Grade Loop, BUT FIRST go 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’) Stay Right on Eldridge when you hit 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. The last mile of this ride may seem like hell in places if you’re not used to riding trails strewn with “death cookies” – fist-size rocks that pull your bike in every direction.
7.7 Cross East Ridgecrest Blvd (the paved road that takes you to the top of Mt. Tam.) and continue up to the top of East Peak.
7.9 Arrive at East Peak. Once you’ve taken in the magnificent views of San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean, and Angel Island head back down Ridgecrest Blvd or the paved trail.
Return the same way you came (and be careful mountain biking down the top part of Eldridge), Rinse Repeat, Need I say more?
15.8 Arrive back at Ross Common.