MT. TAM (SUNDAY) NORTH SIDE VIEW & FOREST HIKE
Hike Date: Sunday, December 8, 2024
Leader: Gary Weiss
Leader Email: gary@sfhiking.com
Leader Phone: 415 279-5570
Carpooling Meeting Location: 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.
Carpooling Meeting Times: 9:00 AM from SF, departing shortly afterwards; 8:50 from Rockridge BART, bottom of escalator.
Rating: Level 3.5
Mileage: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1500'
Description: This is a reasonably short, yet stunningly beautiful post-party hike. We'll start at the parking area at the Dip in East Ridgecrest Blvd., between West and Middle Peaks. We'll be on several non-system trails - all well-behaved ones. We'll start by heading west on the Bucket Trail, then go down several sections of the Rocky Ridge Fire Trail to Lower Northside. Between Bucket and Rocky Ridge we'll take a peek at the amazing views from the Helipad (photo above). From there we'll hike the full length of the beautiful Cross Country Boys Trail to High Marsh. We'll then take a couple of trails up to the magnificent Lunar Landscape with northerly views forever. From there we'll take the Swede George Trail up to Potrero Camp, then Potrero Meadows to Rifle Camp. The return will take us on Northside to International and back to the cars. This route has a respectable amount of mileage and elevation - a very rewarding hike.
Dogs are always permitted in the Marin Watershed.
Bring / Wear: Please bring plenty of water, lunch, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes, layers(!) and hiking poles if you use them (there are a couple of somewhat steep ups and downs). And chocolate!
Weather Policy: Check with hikeleader in the event of questionable weather.
Trailhead Meeting Place: We'll meet at the "Saddle", also known as the "Miller Trailhead". Exit US 101 at the Hwy 1/Stinson Beach off ramp. Turn left at Tam Junction to stay on Hwy 1. Continue for 8 miles until a fork in the road. Keep right to head up towards Mt. Tamalpais and Muir Woods. At the intersection (4 Corners) take the middle option - straight ahead uphill. Continue for ~ 2 miles. You'll see Mountain Home Inn on the right. Continue until the fork across from the Pantoll Ranger station/parking lot. Go up to the right. When you reach the large parking area for Rock Spring, continue up to the right. In 1.9 miles we'll be parking on the right. Please park perpendicular to the road. Google Maps link
Trailhead Meeting Time: 10:00 AM
Trailhead Departure Time: 10:15 AM
Total driving distance, there and back: 46.5 miles from SF; 77 from Rockridge.
Passenger Carpool Fees from SF: $11; From Rockridge BART: $12
(I will inform you of carpooling arrangements by late Thursday or early Friday.)
Level-1
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Level-2
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Level-3 |
Level-4 |
Level-5 |
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easiest
< 5 miles
< 500' gain
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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 |
