East Peak

The most epic views in all of Marin, from the very top of it.

About This Route

East Peak is the summit of Mount Tamalpais, the iconic mountain that defines the Marin County landscape. Riding to the top is a rite of passage for every Marin cyclist, and the views from the 2,571-foot summit are some of the most spectacular in the entire Bay Area.

The route climbs from the valley floor through several distinct ecological zones: starting in oak woodlands, passing through dense mixed forest, and emerging onto the exposed upper slopes where the views begin to open up. The final push to East Peak is the steepest section, with grades that touch 15% in places, but it's mercifully short.

From the summit, on a clear day, you can see the Farallon Islands to the west, the Sierra Nevada to the east, San Francisco and the Bay spread out below, and Mount Diablo rising across the water. It's a 360-degree panorama that makes every foot of elevation gain worth it.

The descent is long, fast, and technical. The road from the summit has some rough pavement and tight switchbacks, so descend with care. Once you're off the mountain, the route rolls through the valley back to the start, giving you time to cool down and process what you just experienced.

Tips

• The final climb to East Peak is the steepest part - use your easiest gears
• The summit can be 15-20 degrees cooler than the valley floor - bring a warm layer for the descent
• Go on a clear day for the best views - fog can sock in the summit, especially in summer
• The descent has rough pavement and tight switchbacks - descend cautiously
• There are restrooms at the summit parking area