MT. TAM: STRANGE TRAILS TO THE SUMMIT
Hike Date: Saturday, September 24, 2022
Leader: Gary Weiss
Leader Email: gary@sfhiking.com
Leader Phone: 415-279-5570
Meeting Time: 8:45 AM
Departure Time: Shortly after 8:45 AM
Rating: Level 4
Mileage: 9.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1600'
Description: On a day that's not overly hot - especially one with a slight breeze this is an absolutely spectacular route. That said, if it's too hot or if the top of the mountain is closed I'll have an alternate route prepared with similar mileage/elevation.We'll be on unofficial trails for the most part. One trail I've never used on a Club hike; another favorite has just become "available to use" after having been closed for about 6 years. We'll begin at Rock Spring and take the Ziesche Creek Trail to the top of Benstein. From there we'll take the old Bowling Alley Trail to West Peak. We'll then take a couple of sneaky trails up to the Helipad with killer views in 3 directions. Several other non-system trails will eventually bring us past Middle Peak and up to the East Peak summit. On the way back we'll stay on real trails. There is one very steep .2 mile downhill. But overall it's not a terribly difficult hike. We'll be fairly high up on the north side of the mountain - cooler with breezes - great for late summer!
Bring / Wear: Please bring plenty of water, lunch, sunscreen and sturdy hiking shoes. Also, for one short, steep downhills you may want to bring poles.
Weather Policy: Contact hikeleader if weather is questionable.
Trailhead Meeting Place: We'll meet at the Rock Spring parking area (Ridgecrest Blvd @ Pantoll Rd.) - on the north end near the porta-potties. Take the Stinson Beach/Hwy 1 exit off 101. After turning left at the junction (Arco station on the left) continue on Hwy 1 until a fork. The right fork takes you uphill towards Mt. Tamalpais State Park. At the next 4-way junction, take the middle option uphill. Eventually you'll come to a fork opposite the Pantoll Ranger Station parking area. Take the right (uphill) fork. You'll soon come to a large parking area straight ahead. Google Maps link
Trailhead Meeting Time: 9:45 AM
Trailhead Departure Time: 10:00 AM
Total driving mileage to and from San Francisco: 43 miles
easiest < 5 miles < 500' gain
