(NOW SUNDAY DUE TO RAIN) INDIAN TREE OPEN SPACE PRESERVE: BIG TREES & UPPER MEADOW LOOP

  • 04/14/2024
  • 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Novato, Marin County / Hikeleader: Gary Weiss

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(NOW SUNDAY, DUE TO RAIN) INDIAN TREE OPEN SPACE PRESERVE: BIG TREES & UPPER MEADOW LOOP

Hike Date:  Sunday, April 14, 2024

Leader:  Gary Weiss

Leader Email:  gary@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone:  415 279-5570

Meeting Location (ONLY IF you've arranged for a ride in SF): Whole Foods;
2001 Market St. @ Dolores (on the Dolores St. side); parking on the street or below.
Please only show up at Whole Foods if you've arranged to meet your ride or driver there.

Meeting Times:  9:30 AM from SF, departing shortly afterwards; 9:35 from Rockridge, bottom of escalator.

Rating: Level 3

Mileage:  7.75 miles

Elevation Gain: 1200'

Description:  I hadn't hiked in this area in at least 10 years - thought I'd check it out again for a prospective hike with the club. This preserve is in north Marin; I expected some oaks and bays in the canyons.  What amazed me were several stands of old-growth redwoods and spectacular views to the east from several of the ridges (photo below).  We'll follow the entire length of the Big Trees Trail.  At the top, after a somewhat brisk uphill, we arrive at the largest stand of redwoods.  Nearby, where we'll have lunch are gorgeous views in several directions.  We'll begin our descent with a short distance on the only fire road for 1/2 mile - Indian Tree.  We'll then take Ship's Mast and Deer Camp Trails before returning to the cars via Upper Meadow. I found this park to be really magical, with very few hikers sharing the trails.  I scouted the hike in early December but scheduled it for the Spring since the area is known for having amazing wildflower displays. Well-behaved dogs allowed on leash.


Bring / Wear:  Please bring plenty of water, lunch, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes and hiking poles if you use them.  And layers.  And chocolate!!

Weather Policy:  Check with hikeleader in the event of questionable weather.

Trailhead Meeting Place: Take US 101 north to the Atherton Ave/San Marin Dr exit. Go left onto San Marin which becomes Sutro Ave.  Sutro dead-ends into Vineyard Rd.  Turn right onto Vineyard and go one mile.  Park on the left side of the road near the trailhead.  Google Maps Link

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:30 AM

Trailhead Departure Time: 10:45 AM

Total driving distance, there and back: 69 miles from SF; 78 from Rockridge.

Passenger Carpool Fees from SF:  $11  From Rockridge BART: $12

Level-1
Level-2
Level-3 Level-4 Level-5

easiest
< 5 miles
< 500' gain

moderately easy
5-7 miles
< 1000' gain
 moderate
7-9 miles
< 1500' gain

  strenuous
9-12 miles
< 2000' gain 

very strenuous
12-15+ miles
  >2000' gain
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