Funding Secured to Open Easy Grade Trail to Cyclists!
Thanks to the generous support of donors and partners like California State Parks and the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, the Easy Grade Trail project is now fully funded. Construction will soon begin to close a long-standing Ridge Trail gap for cyclists on Mt. Tamalpais.
The Ridge Trail has been working with State Parks and local bike advocates since 2007 to open this 0.6-mile section to bicycles. Once complete, the Easy Grade Trail will offer a safer, more direct alternative to the narrow and winding, 1.5-mile stretch of Pantoll Road.
Currently, cyclists riding the Ridge Trail from Muir Woods via Deer Park Fire Road must turn onto Pantoll Road to continue north. Once the Easy Grade Trail improvements are complete, cyclists will be able to stay on the trail, traveling north toward Mountain Theater, then connecting to Ridgecrest Boulevard and beyond.
This funding comes at a “Goldilocks” moment to make the trail change-of-use possible. With the Mountain Play on hiatus for the 2025 season, construction on Easy Grade Trail can proceed without conflicts with the theater. Construction is expected to continue through summer 2025, with the Easy Grade Trail opening for hikers and cyclists in fall 2025.
Ridge Trail Council Executive Director Janet McBride shared, “It hasn’t been easy – or quick – closing the Easy Grade gap for cyclists! The Council has been working since 2007 with State Parks, MCBC, and local trail enthusiasts to change the use on this trail to allow bicycles. This is a long-standing cycle gap in the 550+-mile Ridge Trail and we were thrilled to work with a generous donor to help deliver the last piece in the funding puzzle for this project. This is a step toward connecting the Ridge Trail for hikers, cyclists and equestrians, and we look forward to celebrating with partners and friends when Easy Grade opens later this year. Special thanks to donors Janice and Matt Barger for making this possible.”
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