CAMINO ALTO -- BALTIMORE CANYON LOOP

CAMINO ALTO -- BALTIMORE CANYON LOOP

Hike Date:  Saturday, April 27, 2024

Leader:  Leonard Gabriele

Leader Email:  leonardgabriele@sbcglobal.net

Leader Phone:  415.309.0337

Hike Rating:  Level 5

Hike Mileage:  10.1 miles (...optional shorter 2.6 mi / Level 1 hike, see Description below).

Elevation Gain:  2,142'

Description:  This hike is mostly on fire roads. The first part of the hike in the Camino Alto Open Space can be a 2.6 mile out and back Level 1 hike for those wanting a shorter, easier hike. The more difficult hike follows a series of fire roads and trails through the Camino Alto, Blithedale Summit and Baltimore Canyon Open Space Reserves and loops back to our starting point. The route alternates between the oak woodland and redwood forest that form the backdrop of the towns of Southern Marin with great views across the bay and across the Water District lands to Mount Tam. There should be late spring wildflowers.  See the AllTrails route here (map).

Bring / Wear:  Bring water, layered clothing, lunch, and sunscreen, hiking boots and hiking poles if you use them.

Rain Policy:  If the hike needs to be cancelled or rescheduled due to weather, I will send out an email to those who have registered.

Dogs:  The Open Space District allows dogs off leash and under voice control on fire roads and on a 6 ft. fixed lead on single track trails.

Are you up for the hike?  If so, here are the meeting options...

• SF Meeting Location:  Whole Foods (map) @ 2001 Market Street.  Meet on the Dolores Street side.  There's parking on the street or below the building.

SF Meeting Time:  9:25 AM (departure shortly thereafter).

• East Bay Meeting Location:  Rockridge BART station (map).  Meet at the bottom of the escalators.  There's free and ample parking.

East Bay Meeting Time:  9:20 AM (departure shortly thereafter).

NOTE:  Please only show up at Whole Foods or the Rockridge BART station if you have a ride arranged ahead of time (see Carpool Fees below).

• TRAILHEAD MEETING LOCATION:  We will meet where Escalon Road meets the Escalon Fire Road (map).  

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:00 AM (hike begins at 10:15 AM).

Total Driving Distance (round trip):  30 miles (SF), 52 miles (Rockridge BART).

Carpool Fees* (per passenger):  $6 (SF) or $8 (Rockridge BART).

*Includes bridge toll.

NOTE:  I'll reach out to those registered who have indicated that they need/want a ride or can take passengers.  If you need to contact me for whatever reason, please do so before Friday @ 3:00 PM the day before the hike.