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Sausalito — Mill Valley Path – Alpine Dam loop from Marin City

Sausalito — Mill Valley Path – Alpine Dam loop from Marin City

Hard

2.6

(22)

riders

Sausalito — Mill Valley Path – Alpine Dam loop from Marin City

04:25

63.5km

1,160m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: April 30, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 11.3 km for 55 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

945 m

Sausalito — Mill Valley Path

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Excellent direct paved bike route along the 101 corridor but entirely in nature, through the Bothin Marsh wetlands.

Tip by

11.1 km

Old Railroad Grade Trail Gate Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

Sweeping views south and east, all the way to SF, and Mt Tam right above behind you to the north. The bench is dedicated to the family who built their house in front of you 60 years ago.

Tip by

11.2 km

Railroad Grade at Fern Canyon & Summit

Highlight • Trail

Uphill from this intersection a portion of the Railroad Grade has been taken over by Fern Canyon Rd after the Mt Tam railroad closed. A short distance uphill on pavement brings you to the end of Fern Cyn. A bit before the end the Railroad Grade gravel forest road splits off again to the right. The Temalpa Trail that joins here is steep with stairs, not open to biking.

Tip by

15.2 km

Railroad Grade Fire Road Overlook to San Francisco

Highlight • Viewpoint

On clear days views open up along the trail across the bay and including the San Francisco skyline

Tip by

15.9 km

Flowy downhill section above Laguna Creek

Highlight • Trail

After looping around West Point the Railroad Grade trail snakes through open and tree-lined sections with fun curves.

Tip by

16.2 km

Mount Tamalpais West Point

Peak

31.7 km

Alpine Dam

Highlight (Segment) • Structure

Constructed in 1917 this dam forms Alpine Lake, which sites between Kent and Bon Tempe Lakes. The road across the top of the dam make it a great place to ride on a loop around the lake.

Tip by

32.4 km

Alpine Lake

Highlight • Lake

This lake was formed by the building of Alpine Dam in 1917. It sits between Kent Lake and Bon Tempe Lake, and is popular for a variety of outdoor activities.

Tip by

35.3 km

Mount Tamalpais Watershed

Nature Reserve

46.5 km

Fish Gulch trail junction

Highlight • Trail

From easiest to hardest climbs out of phoenix lake from this junction:
-Shaver Grade, easy grade, longer, shaded and pretty
-Eldridge Grade, medium, good length and can connect you to mt tam east peak
-Fish Grade fire road, very steep, we hiked the bikes

Tip by

63.5 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

26.1 km

17.3 km

15.6 km

4.47 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

38.0 km

18.2 km

6.83 km

523 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (620 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Weather

Today

Sunday 12 July

21°C

11°C

9 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Description

The Sausalito — Mill Valley Path – Alpine Dam loop from Marin City is one of Marin County's most iconic rides, a challenging gravel biking route that truly earns its "difficult" rating. Spanning 39.5 miles (63.5 km) with a substantial 3794 feet (1156 metres) of elevation gain, this loop will take you around 4 hours and 24 minutes to complete. It's perfect for experienced riders looking for a diverse mixed-surface adventure that blends paved paths with demanding climbs and potential gravel sections, showcasing the best of Marin County gravel biking.

What to expect on Sausalito — Mill Valley Path – Alpine Dam loop from Marin City

Your journey begins on the flat, paved Mill Valley-Sausalito Multiuse Pathway, offering serene views of Richardson Bay and Mount Tamalpais as you pass through wetlands. This easy start quickly transitions into the more demanding terrain of the Alpine Dam loop, where you'll encounter challenging climbs through the Mount Tam Watershed, past lakes, and through iconic redwood forests. Elevated sections, particularly the famous "Seven Sisters" on Ridgecrest, deliver spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Bay, and the San Francisco skyline. Expect a significant workout with steep and twisty ascents, making this route best suited for confident riders seeking a rewarding physical challenge and stunning natural features.

Planning your visit

Starting from Marin City provides convenient access to the Mill Valley-Sausalito Multiuse Pathway, which then connects you to the Alpine Dam loop. While the core loop is predominantly paved, Marin County offers an extensive network of fire roads and gravel trails around Mount Tamalpais and the Marin Headlands that can be integrated for a more dedicated gravel biking experience. Be prepared for significant climbing and ensure you carry enough water, especially on warmer days. The route is popular, so an early start is recommended to enjoy the quiet roads, particularly past the golf course along Alpine Lake.

Trail details

Distance: 39.5 miles (63.5 km)
Elevation gain: 3794 feet (1156 metres)
Difficulty: difficult
Estimated time: 4 hours and 24 minutes

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Sausalito — Mill Valley Path – Alpine Dam loop from Marin City

Sausalito — Mill Valley Path

Old Railroad Grade Trail Gate Overlook

Railroad Grade at Fern Canyon & Summit

Railroad Grade Fire Road Overlook to San Francisco

Flowy downhill section above Laguna Creek

Alpine Dam

Alpine Lake

Fish Gulch trail junction

Nearby routes

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