About
Summary
Coastal views and a roller coaster ride on the legendary Highway One.
Destination Distance From Downtown
Difficulty
3 of 5 diamonds
The ride has a narrow shoulder on winding, sometimes steep and busy Highway One roads.
Time To Complete
3 hours
At approximately 25 miles, this loop takes you up steep climbs and long descents. Pro cyclists train on these hills and can ride in half the time.
Seasonality
Summer and Fall
The best views without the fog are in the summer and fall. However, the car traffic is much worse in the summer. Use caution!
Review
Intro
A great weekend ride in Marin is riding along the Pacific Ocean--feel the coastal breeze, watch the pelicans glide nearby and climb until your legs burn and then burn some more. It's a legendary route on Highway One beginning at Shoreline Highway, passing through Muir Beach, following along the coast on Highway One, then looping back through Mt. Tam State Park. It's epic and rewarding, beautiful and breathtaking.
What Makes It Great
A ride along Highway One is seeing Northern California at her finest. Beginning in Mill Valley on Shoreline Highway, you'll steadily climb up Tamalpais Valley and then wind your way down to the cozy and quaint Muir Beach community. From there, it's a 500 foot ascent on Highway One, reaching the top you're rewarded with ocean views and a salty breeze. From here, it's a 5-mile fast, winding roller coaster ride on Highway One to Stinson Beach. Instead of heading to the small town, you'll follow signs to Mt. Tamalpais State Park and begin the 6.5 mile, category 2 climb up to Pantoll Ranger Station. It's a hearty 1,800 ft. climb through the redwood forest. At the top, it's an easy and fun descent along Panoramic Highway back down to Shoreline.
This is a great weekend afternoon ride with plenty of heart-pumping climbs, fast and fun descents, and breathtaking views riding along the cliffs of Coastal California. A must for all cyclists!
Who is Going to Love It
Anyone looking for a good butt-kicking workout with the most incredible views of Marin. It's legendary and historic, and a must for all cyclists training for the next race.
Directions, Parking, & Regulations
Begin the ride at the Shoreline Highway intersection. Turn left on Shoreline and look for signs for Highway 1/Muir Beach. From Muir Beach, stay on Highway One until Stinson Beach. Before heading to the downtown area of Stinson Beach, turn Right on Panoramic Highway towards Mt. Tamalpais State Park. You'll stay on Panoramic the rest of the ride, looping back to Shoreline.
Weekends are always busy on Highway One, with many out of town drivers in rental cars. Use extreme caution, and share the road.
