Cyclists can now navigate a safer, off-road route through Mt. Tamalpais State Park with the recent completion of the Easy Grade Trail. This 0.6-mile section officially became part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail network in June, addressing a long-standing safety concern for riders.
Previously, mountain bicyclists using the Ridge Trail through Mt. Tam had to detour onto Pantoll Road, a narrow, winding route with limited shoulder space and vehicular traffic. The new Easy Grade Trail allows cyclists to bypass this road segment, enhancing their safety and providing a more immersive experience within the park's scenic landscape.
"This 0.6 mile section is now part of the Ridge Trail network, closing a RT gap for cyclists and creating a safer trail experience through Mt. Tam State Park and beyond," the Bay Area Ridge Trail organization stated on Instagram.
The development is a significant step for the Marin County Bicycle Coalition's 3 Gaps Initiative, which aims to create a seamless connection between the Mountain Theater and the Pantoll Ranger Station. The project is part of the larger Bay Area Ridge Trail, a planned 550-mile multiuse trail designed to follow the high ridges encircling the San Francisco Bay.
While still under development, the Bay Area Ridge Trail has already garnered national recognition, with National Geographic naming it one of its "100 Hikes of a Lifetime." The network is currently about 70% complete, with 400 of the planned 550 miles accessible to the public. Recent expansions at Rancho Cañada del Oro and Calero County Park have also contributed to its growing connectivity. Once fully realized, the Ridge Trail loop is intended to connect all nine Bay Area counties, linking over 75 parks and public lands.
The new trail offers a direct and car-free alternative to Pantoll Road, improving access between two key park landmarks.