Coast View Trail – Golden Gate Bridge loop from Castro
Coast View Trail – Golden Gate Bridge loop from Castro
2.8
(9)
81
riders
Coast View Trail – Golden Gate Bridge loop from Castro
05:53
78.6km
1,350m
Mountain biking
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 28, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 29.4 km for 55 m
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
9.24 km
Battery Marcus Miller
Fort
26.2 km
West Blithedale Avenue Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
29.2 km
Old Railroad Grade Trail Gate Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
29.3 km
Railroad Grade at Fern Canyon & Summit
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
33.2 km
Railroad Grade Fire Road Overlook to San Francisco
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
34.0 km
Flowy downhill section above Laguna Creek
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
37.4 km
Old Mine Trail (lower) 🌲
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Old Mine Trail's upper section continues across the highway on steeper switchbacks to the Rock Springs parking at Ridgecrest Blvd parallel to the more gentle paved Pantoll Rd ( komoot.de/highlight/198543 ).
This is a section of longer tours along the ridges with more highlights and photos: komoot.de/tour/13627075
Tip by
38.3 km
Coast View Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Coast View Trail ends at Highway 1 near Muir Beach. Once you come all this way to Muir Beach, it would be a shame to leave without taking in the views from Muir Beach Overlook. The route shown on this page features a spur toward the overlook, though my visit there was thwarted at the time of the ride you see on this page due to some renovation going on at its parking lot
Tip by
67.3 km
Golden Gate Bridge
Highlight (Segment) • Bridge
While crossing, you can gaze up at the towering beams above or look down into the deep waters of the San Francisco Strait below you as sailboats drift by in the mouth of the Bay. Traveling along the Bridge can be cold, windy, and foggy, even in the summer, so dress appropriately.
At the south end, you can purchase a souvenir at the Golden Gate Bridge Pavilion and visit the café next to the visitor center. Restrooms are at both the north and south ends, and cyclists have toll-free access to the Bridge's sidewalks 24 hours a day. A bike ride across this extraordinary Bridge is an adventure you don't want to miss!
Tip by
78.6 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
42.2 km
20.3 km
6.30 km
6.16 km
1.96 km
1.78 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
43.8 km
17.7 km
12.4 km
3.32 km
1.25 km
210 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (530 m)
Lowest point (0 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Monday 6 July
17°C
12°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 30.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for an epic day out on two wheels that truly tests your endurance and rewards you with unparalleled views, the Coast View Trail – Golden Gate Bridge loop from Castro is a difficult mountain biking route spanning 48.8 miles (78.6 km) with a substantial 4431 feet (1351 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 5 hours and 53 minutes. This extensive ride is best suited for experienced mountain bikers seeking a challenging adventure that combines classic singletrack with iconic Bay Area landmarks.
What to expect on Coast View Trail – Golden Gate Bridge loop from Castro
This route offers a journey through incredibly diverse landscapes, starting from the urban energy of Castro and transitioning into the dramatic coastal bluffs and open, scrub-lined ridges of the Coast View Trail. You'll navigate largely singletrack terrain, which can be quite challenging due to surface erosion, deep ruts, and rocks, especially on descents where constant braking and high alertness are required. Expect stunning panoramic ocean views as you descend towards the Pacific, with glimpses of the San Francisco Bay and even redwood forests in associated sections. This is a classic XC singletrack experience, but be prepared for significant climbs, some of which might even require walking your bike.
Planning your visit
Connecting the Coast View Trail in Mount Tamalpais State Park to a loop originating in Castro and crossing the Golden Gate Bridge is a very extensive undertaking, combining distinct trail systems. Be aware that this comprehensive loop will likely involve significant road riding sections to link the different geographical areas. The Coast View Trail itself is a popular multi-use trail, so you should be mindful of hikers, particularly if you're riding on weekends. Given the distance and elevation, plan for an early start and carry plenty of water and supplies.
Trail details
- Distance: 48.8 miles (78.6 km)
- Elevation gain: 4431 feet (1351 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 5 hours and 53 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free