Col du Pantoll

The quickest way to see a beach and a mountain in one ride.

About This Route

The Col du Pantoll is a compact but punchy route that delivers an outsized experience. Named in the grand tradition of European mountain passes, this 25-mile loop climbs to the Pantoll Ranger Station on the slopes of Mount Tamalpais before descending to Stinson Beach, giving you both mountain and ocean in a single ride.

The climb to Pantoll is the main event: a sustained, winding ascent through mixed forest with ever-improving views. The gradient is moderate but relentless, and by the time you reach the ranger station, you've earned every inch of the descent that follows.

The drop down to Stinson Beach is one of the best descents in Marin - sweeping turns, smooth pavement, and the Pacific Ocean growing larger in your field of vision with every switchback. At the bottom, you can dip your feet in the ocean before heading back.

At just 25 miles, this is one of the shorter routes on the list, but don't let the distance fool you. Over 3,000 feet of climbing in 25 miles means the gradients are real. This is a perfect route for a weekday morning when you want a complete mountain-and-ocean experience without committing to a full day.

Tips

• The Pantoll climb is steady but never brutal - find a rhythm and stick to it
• The descent to Stinson is fast and exposed to crosswinds - hold your line
• Weekday mornings have the least traffic on the Panoramic Highway
• The name is a nod to the great European cols - ride it with the appropriate dramatic flair
• This pairs well with a post-ride coffee at one of the Mill Valley cafes