The Lakes Ride
11.2 miles round trip.
Elevation change, about 1000'
Time approximately 1.5 -2 hours
Moderate difficulty, some steep spots.
Start at the Ross Common Parking lot, Town of Ross.
This ride is a popular loop around three of the lakes of the Mt. Tamalpais
watershed. It can be ridden in either direction, and can also serve as
a springboard to longer routes around the upper reaches of the Mountain.
Abundant wildlife, enchanting vistas, and three delightful
and serene lakes will make this a ride that will oft be repeated.
0. miles Beginning at Ross Commons, take a left on Lagunitas Road and continue up, passing three stop signs until you enter at 1.1 miles the Parking lot of Natalie Coffin Green Park. Go around the gate and across the bridge, climbing to the crest of the dam at Phoenix lake. On weekends this is a very busy spot for families, fishermen, cyclists, hikers and equestrians.
1.4 miles Climb up the slight rise straight ahead past the Ranger cabin and continue around the lake passing the junction at
1.6 miles with the Worn Springs Road on your right (water available here). At 2.0 miles you'll come to a four way junction. Hard left is the return route via Eldridge grade, left center is the extremely steep Fish Gulch fire road and to the right is our route, the more gently sloping Shaver Grade. Enjoy the splendor of this riparian woodland.
3.1 miles brings us to Five Corners Junction, we'll be continuing on Shaver Grade to the left, as the grade becomes a bit steeper for a short distance, then makes a quick descent before climbing up onto the the Sky Oaks Road, the paved vehicle access road for Lakes Lagunitas and Bon Tempe.
3.8 miles. Take a left at the gate onto the paved road, watch for cars. Continue up, getting some nice views to the Norteast before a fast descent to Bon Tempe Lake. If you care to pause, there is fishing and excellant bird watching here.
4.9 miles brings us to the junction with Fish Gulch Road.
Bear hard right towards the parking lot at 5.4 miles, to the foot
of Lagunitas Dam. Ride towards the right side of the lot, to take
the approached road on the right of the spillway. Alternately, go
left past the restrooms up to the east side of the dam and cross (to your
right) over the top. Continue around Lake Lagunitas in a counter
clockwise direction.
5.7 miles. On the right is the Rock Springs-Lagunitas Fire
Road, one of a number of routes up to the higher elevations of Mt. Tamalpais.
Bear left around the lake, making a number of creek crossings after which,
at
6.5 miles turn right on the Lakeview Fire Road (going left will
bring to the Lake Laugunitas Parking Lot). As the climb begins to
steepen, look back for a beautiful view of the Lake below and mountain
above.
7.1 miles brings us to the a junction with Eldrige Grade, one
of the first wagon routes to the summit, built in late 1880's by John
C. Eldridge. Descend down, to the left, and at
8.4 miles continue right (left takes you to Fish Gulch via the
Filter Plant road). Eldridge Grade now narrows as many slides in the past
decades have reduced this to a single track.
9.2 miles Back at the four way junction of Fish Gulch and Shaver
and Eldridge Grades. Bear right back around Pheonix Lake for your
return route to Ross Common
11.2 miles End Ross Common.
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