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Northside Loop
Running Route
Moderate
8.37 mi
1,143 ft
The beauty of the Northside loop is that it follows the contours around the top of Mt. Tamalpais so you never encounter any insurmountable climbs. Instead you will experience gentle rolling hills, lush green forests on the Northside Trail and amazing views of the entire bay from the south face of the mountain. The terrain on this route varies from technical single-track including a stretch of loose shale, to spacious fire roads. At the intersection of Old Railroad Grade and Rock Springs Trail you will come across the historic West Point Inn. The Inn was built in 1904 as a restaurant stop for passengers on the Mt. Tamalpais and Muir Woods Railway, which no longer exists. Take a break here to enjoy the view and use the restroom. Before you finish the loop, you will run through the Mountain Theater, an outdoor stone amphitheater built in the 1930's. Run directly through the center row and hook up with the trail on the other side. You may want to fill up your bottle at the drinking fountain here because, although there are outhouses back at Rock Springs, there is no running water.
Route and Elevation
Segments
Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
---|---|---|---|
E Ridgecrest Blvd Climb | 0.72 mi | 308 ft | 8.1% |
Rifle Camp to Colier Spring | 1.03 mi | -197 ft | -2.0% |
Northside Trail - Intl to Eldridge | 2.07 mi | -171 ft | -1.4% |
Northside Trail from Collier Springs to Inspiration Point | 1.46 mi | 135 ft | 0.2% |
Middle Peak Rd Climb | 0.23 mi | 148 ft | 11.7% |
Wheeler Trail Climb | 0.41 mi | 177 ft | 7.6% |
Verna Dunshee Trail Climb | 0.49 mi | 148 ft | 5.7% |
Ridgecrest gate to West Point Inn | 1.37 mi | -430 ft | -5.9% |
Rock Spring Trail | 1.42 mi | 243 ft | 2.9% |
Rock Springs Trail (fixed) | 1.25 mi | 236 ft | 3.2% |
E Ridgecrest Blvd Climb | 0.22 mi | 161 ft | 13.2% |
E Ridgecrest Blvd Climb | 0.26 mi | 194 ft | 13.8% |