Tennessee Valley to Gerbode Valley Loop

Tennessee Valley to Gerbode Valley Loop is a moderately demanding over and back ridge climb providing superlative panoramas and an opportunity to visit a charming, unspoiled little valley. There is approximately 1600 feet of elevation gain in the two climbs. Loop length is 7.00 miles. Difficulty rating is 2.5 (moderate).

Trailhead Park at the lot at the end of the Tennessee Valley Road. To start the southern loop ride to Gerbode Valley go south through the lot up-hill towards the stables. The Marincello road begins the climb toward Wolfback Ridge a scant .05 mile from the lot at the gate on the left.

Mile .05 Marincello Fire Road. As you climb this mile and half ascent of 800 feet notice how broad the road could be. It was originally graded in the early sixties to be the grand boulevard entrance to the proposed Marincello sub-division. Fortunately, this was one of the first major victories for no-growth adcovates in Marin.

Mile 1.05 As the road rises in elevation, enjoy the superb views to the Northeast of the Strawberry and Tiburon Peninsulas and San Pablo Bay beyond them.

Mile 1.35 As the road gets momentarily steeper try to gaze down into Oakwood Valley below you. The fire road into it is accessable from Tennessee Valley Road at the narrow bridge approximately one half mile from the parking lot, and makes for an easy ride to explore the pond at the top of the road.

Mile 1.45 At the crest the Marincello Fire Road intersects with the Bobcat Trail Fire Road. The upper portion of this trail that leads to the FAA beacon is closed to cyclists. Descend on Bobcat Trail Fire Road. Notice the North tower of the Golden Gate Bridge visible through the notch in Wolfback Ridge

Mile 1.85 On the right is the trail to Hawk Camp where overnight camping is allowed with a permit. Stop for moment and enjoy the view down into Gerbode Valley, beyond into Fort Cronkite and out towards the Pacific ocean.

Mile 2.25 After a roller coaster blast from Hawk, bear right at the intersection of fire roads from that originate at Spencer and Rodeo Avenues off Highway 101. Bobcat now winds two miles down the east side of Gerbode Valley, affording excellant vistas of this pristine area amazingly located a mere six miles from San Francisco. Something we have the Army to thank for.

Mile 4.29 The Rodeo Valley Trail is on the left. If you want to extend your ride into Forts Barry and Cronkite this will lead you to the east, to Sausalito and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Mile 4.35 Junction with the Miwok Trail. Left leads to Rodeo Lagoon and Beach, continue right for a challenging one mile climb, that can be made more difficult if there is late afternoon wind to head into.

Mile 5.40 The Wolf Ridge trail (no bikes) leads off to the left, we've got one more crest to make, then a short coast to some single track.

Mile 5.65 Oldsprings Trail meanders to the Northwest with numerous bridges crossing the soggy ground. A sweeping vista of Tennessee Valley is to be had to the west, with the climb up the Coastal Fire Road plainly evident (and beckoning). The trail continues with a gradual descent back to the parking lot.

Mile 6.80 Slow as you enter the stable area (no point in further alienating other user groups).

Mile 7.00 Return to parking lot. If you're up for the challenge, turn around and reverse the ride or go1.9 miles west out the paved road to Tennessee Valley Beach, a nice spot to relax or start the more rigorous Muir Beach Loop ride described next.

Tennessee Valley to Muir Beach Loop

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