Pantoll Road – Mount Tamalpais Summits loop from Mill Valley
Pantoll Road – Mount Tamalpais Summits loop from Mill Valley
4.9
(3289)
16,925
riders
Pantoll Road – Mount Tamalpais Summits loop from Mill Valley
02:10
35.1km
940m
Road cycling
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
124 m
Mill Valley Railroad Depot & Book Cafe
Highlight • Cafe
Tip by
5.40 km
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
10.3 km
Pantoll Ranger Station & Campground
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
10.4 km
Pantoll Road
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Tip by
12.7 km
Rock Springs Picnic - Trailhead Parking Area
Highlight • Parking
Tip by
12.9 km
Mountain Theater - SB Cushing Memorial Mt Tam
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
13.1 km
Mount Tamalpais Summits
Highlight (Segment) • Summit
Tip by
35.1 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
32.9 km
2.19 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
33.0 km
2.17 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (740 m)
Lowest point (20 m)
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Weather
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Thursday 9 July
26°C
11°C
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're seeking a truly rewarding road cycling challenge in the Bay Area, the Pantoll Road – Mount Tamalpais Summits loop from Mill Valley is a standout. This difficult 21.8-mile (35.1 km) road cycling route packs in a massive 3094 feet (943 metres) of climbing, typically taking around 2 hours and 9 minutes. It's a demanding ride that offers experienced cyclists some of the region's most iconic views and a significant workout.
What to expect on Pantoll Road – Mount Tamalpais Summits loop from Mill Valley
The journey on this route is a constant visual feast, transitioning from dense redwood forests to wide-open vistas. You'll tackle iconic climbs towards the summits of Mount Tamalpais, including a moderately steep, three-mile stretch along East Ridgecrest Boulevard to the East Peak summit. The effort is substantial, but the reward is breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the San Francisco skyline, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Descending Pantoll Road offers delightfully banked corners, making for a fast and fun finish. This route is best suited for cyclists with very good fitness looking for advanced cycling trails near Mill Valley.
Planning your visit
This loop is a favorite among local road cyclists, often considered one of the Bay Area's crown jewels. While mostly well-paved, be aware that some segments might be unpaved and difficult to ride, potentially requiring you to push your bike. The best time of year to cycle Mount Tamalpais is typically during clear weather to maximize the panoramic views, which can extend to the Farallon Islands and even the Sierra Nevada on exceptionally clear days. Parking is available in Mill Valley, but it's always wise to arrive early, especially on weekends.
Trail details
- Distance: 21.8 miles (35.1 km)
- Elevation gain: 3094 feet (943 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 9 minutes
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