MT. TAMALPAIS: LAKES, VIEWS AND MADRONE FORESTS SUNDAY HIKE

MT. TAMALPAIS: LAKES, VIEWS AND  MADRONE FORESTS

Leader: Gary Weiss

Leader Email: gary@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone: 415-279-5570

Meeting Date and Day: Sunday, Dec 08 2019

Meeting Time: 9:00 AM

Departure Time:  9:15 AM

Meeting Place: Under the Safeway sign on Market @ Dolores

Rating: Level-3

Mileage: 8 miles

Elevation Gain: 1400'

Description: We'll spend the day in the beautiful northeast portion of Mt. Tam. Starting at Bon Tempe Dam, we'll hike along the lake before dropping down towards the Phoenix Lake area. We'll then climb up through a spectacular forest of madrone trees before heading over to and around Lake Lagunitas. Passing over Pilot Knob with some of the most amazing views on the mountain, we'll then hike back along the Shadyside Trail to the cars. The hike will be moderately easy. There are a couple of somewhat steep, short uphills, but the trails are very well graded. Peeling madrone bark and amazing mosses really add to the scenery along this route.

Bring/Wear: Bring plenty of water, lunch, snacks, good hiking shoes and layers. 

Rain Policy: Rain may alter or shorten hike 

Driving Distance: 49 miles total, there and back.

Total Bridge Tolls and Entry Fees: $7 bridge toll, $8 entrance fee.

Car Pool Fees: $10.00 per passenger.

Alternative Meeting Place #1: To avoid having everyone pay for the Water District's entry fee, we'll meet at the Fairfax Parkade (towards the eastern end). Take US 101 north to the San Anselmo/Sir Francis Drake exit. Stay left. After a bit over 5 miles, just after passing a tiny gas station on the left, you'll see a block-long parking lot on the left. The entrance to the lot is at the far end. Turn left into it and we'll meet you at the other end close to the exit. G-Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/MzmyMA8UrVp1iYH19

Alternative Meeting Time #1: 10:15 AM

Alternative Meeting Departure Time #1:10:30 AM

Alternative Meeting Place #2: If you'd prefer to meet us at the trailhead, we'll be at the parking lot on the left side of Bon Tempe Dam Road - before getting down to the lake. Take US 101 north to the San Anselmo/Sir Francis Drake exit. Stay left. After about 5 miles, just after a tiny gas station on the left, turn left, then immediately right, past the theater. Then take the next left which is Bolinas-Fairfax Road. After about a mile, look for a sign on the left that says Lake Lagunitas. Once you're in there's a pay area on the right. After paying continue on Sky Oaks Road until you see a dirt road on the right towards Bon Tempe Dam. Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/59doMnDUhHF7HgJ17

Alternative Meeting Time #2: 10:45 AM

Alternative Meeting Departure Time #2:11:00 AM