Blithdale Ridge / Corte Madera Ridge Fire Rd Junction

The Coast View Trail – Golden Gate Bridge loop from Castro offers an incredibly diverse and challenging mountain biking experience, taking you from urban San Francisco to the dramatic coastal bluffs and open ridges of Mount Tamalpais. You'll encounter largely singletrack terrain on the Coast View Trail, which is known for its stunning panoramic ocean views and beautiful coastal hillsides, making it a classic XC singletrack. Be prepared for sections with surface erosion, deep ruts, and rocks, especially on descents where you'll need constant braking and high alertness.

This extensive route, covering 48.8 miles (78.6 km) with 4431 feet (1351 metres) of elevation gain, is a difficult ride that typically takes around 5 hours and 53 minutes. Connecting these distinct areas means you should anticipate significant road riding sections to link the different geographical zones. The Coast View Trail is a popular multi-use trail, so be aware of hikers, particularly during peak times like weekends. An early start is highly recommended to complete this demanding loop.

While the Coast View Trail is a highly regarded "must-do" for mountain bikers in the Mount Tamalpais area, its integration into a loop from Castro across the Golden Gate Bridge creates a unique, very extensive adventure. This combination showcases some of the best mountain biking and scenic viewpoints the region has to offer, including glimpses of the San Francisco Bay and potentially redwood forests. It's a ride for those with good fitness and advanced riding skills, promising a memorable journey through iconic Northern California landscapes.