Tristan's Patent Day Trips: Hike the Crookedest Railroad in the World
"The Crookedest Railroad in the World" was the scenic early-1900's Mt. Tamalpais & Muir Woods Railway. It is no more, but one can still see it's crooked ways in this rugged day-trip hike up the many turns and twists of the old railroad grade trail to the summit of Mount Tamalpais. Rail-truck climbing up the grade at Double Bow-Knot. (Wurm & Graves) The hike starts at the Panoramic Highway, which is itself worth the drive. The parking lot is across the street from the old Mountain Home Inn, a B&B and nice-enough restaurant. Their wine and cheese list will make a great finale to this hike -- something to look forward to! There are two ways to do this summit hike: steep and short(er) or long and steady. Either way is a 1500-foot climb. The railroad maintained an average 5% grade with the steepest bits being only 7% uphill. The steep and short(er) uphill climb starts by going past the fire station up Hog Back road. This is a graded fire road