Tennessee Valley Trailhead – Panoramic Highway loop from Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Tennessee Valley Trailhead – Panoramic Highway loop from Golden Gate National Recreation Area
4.8
(2095)
12,954
riders
01:37
21.2km
400m
Gravel riding
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Last updated: May 30, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Camping Site
Get Directions
1.27 km
Highlight • Parking
Tip by
3.95 km
Highlight • Cycleway
Tip by
8.00 km
Highlight • Cafe
Tip by
9.33 km
Highlight (Segment) • Rest Area
Tip by
12.7 km
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Tip by
13.0 km
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
14.6 km
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
17.0 km
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
21.2 km
End point
Camping Site
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
8.46 km
4.65 km
4.34 km
2.92 km
795 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
8.52 km
7.93 km
4.15 km
648 m
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Elevation
Highest point (270 m)
Lowest point (0 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Saturday 27 June
19°C
12°C
18 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 31.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a challenging yet incredibly rewarding gravel biking experience in Marin County, the Tennessee Valley Trailhead – Panoramic Highway loop from Golden Gate National Recreation Area is definitely worth your time. This moderate 13.2-mile (21.2 km) route packs in 1326 feet (404 metres) of climbing, taking about 1 hour and 36 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for experienced gravel riders seeking diverse terrain and stunning coastal views, making it one of the best gravel bike trails in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
What to expect on Tennessee Valley Trailhead – Panoramic Highway loop from Golden Gate National Recreation Area
This route is a journey through varied landscapes, starting near Tennessee Beach with sandy gravel and transitioning to fire roads and even some challenging singletrack. You'll encounter a mix of surfaces, from smooth sections to rutted paths, with the first mile of Old Springs Trail being particularly steep and often requiring you to push your bike. As you climb, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Tennessee Valley, the Pacific Ocean, and the Marin Headlands, with glimpses of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay from higher elevations. The descent down Panoramic Highway is generally fast and fun, offering views of Muir Woods below, but be prepared for significant climbs like Marincello Road.
Planning your visit
The Tennessee Valley Trailhead is a popular starting point, so parking can be challenging during peak times; plan to arrive early, especially on weekends. Be prepared for potential climate changes; the Tennessee Valley can be hot, while areas near Rodeo Beach can be cold, foggy, and windy. This route is generally considered moderate to hard, requiring good fitness and advanced riding skills for some sections, particularly the hike-a-bike on Old Springs Trail. There are no specific permits mentioned for this route.
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