SEPTEMBER 4, SATURDAY: MT. TAM, NORTH SIDE - CASCADE & CARSON FALLS TO SAN GERONIMO RIDGE

Leader: Gary Weiss (415)279-5570 gary@ixia.com. Meet: 9:00am By Starbuck's under the Safeway sign at Market & Dolores. Depart 9:15. Rating: Strenuous, 11 miles, 2500 feet elevation gain. We'll begin on Bolinas-Fairfax Road, head up to the ridge and down into Elliot Nature Preserve. We'll cross Cascade Falls (only a trickle this time of year) and climb up to the Ink Wells - a bizarre, but beautiful small canyon. Then we continue up the Split Rock Trail to San Geronimo Ridge. Just before the top is one of the most-intact remnants of the stone walls that once delineated the Mexican Land Grants. Then we'll follow the ridge up to a plateau of the rare Sargent Cypress - reminiscent of a pygmy forest. Then it's across to the Saddle and cross-country down Little Carson Creek ravine to Carson Falls (also, only a trickle). Then up to Pine Mountain Road, past the old Carey Camp site and back to the cars. This is a similar route to a hike I led a couple of years ago. There are several steep climbs and descents, but nothing too wild. The cross country stretch is fairly tame - except for the burrs that will just love your socks! As usual, most of the trails are not on maps. Bring: Please bring LOTS of water - especially if it's hot. And good hiking shoes, sunscreen, bug repellent if you're bothered. And lunch and snacks.. Canceled in event of heavy rain. Driving distance 47 miles round trip. Carpooling cost: $6.00 per passenger. (includes $6 tolls). Alternate meeting place: If you are coming from the East or North Bay, we can stop and meet you at the Fairfax Parkade. This is the large parking area across from the theatre (9 Broadway, Fairfax). We can be there between 10- 10:15AM. But PLEASE call me to let me know you'd like to meet there, or we may not stop.

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SEPTEMBER 12, SUNDAY: MCNEE RANCH STATE PARK (MONTARA MOUNTAIN)

Leader: Stan Mandell (415)378-5612 stan. Meet: 9:30am under the Safeway sign at Market & Dolores. Depart 9:45. Rating: Strenuous, 8 miles, 2000 feet elevation gain. McNee Ranch State Park is a scenic and beautiful and surprising park. This moderately strenuous hike winds it's way continuously from the ocean up to the top of 1,900-foot Montara Mountain with panoramic Bay Area and ocean views at every turn. The trailhead is located on Highway 1 just south of Devil's Slide and across the road from the north end of Montara State Beach. There is a small parking lot at the trailhead but there is a larger parking lot on the ocean side about 100 yards just down the road. Well behaved dogs are allowed. Take Highway 1 south out of Pacifica and follow the roller coaster road past Devil's Slide. When you see Montara State Beach looming before you watch for the trailhead (plainly visible) on the left and park in the lot a little further on the right. Be careful crossing the highway. Meet at the trailhead at 10:30. If going directly let the leader know to expect you. Bring: Water, lunch, sturdy shoes (climb is steep in spots), hat. Event will occur rain or shine, though in heavy rain it may be shortened. Driving distance 40 miles round trip. Carpooling cost: $4.00 per passenger.

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