INDIAN TREE OPEN SPACE PRESERVE: BIG TREES & UPPER MEADOW LOOP
Hike Date Saturday, May 24, 2025
Leader: Gary Weiss
Leader Email: gary@sfhiking.com
Leader Phone: 415 279-5570
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.
Meeting Times: 9:15 AM from SF, departing shortly afterwards; 9:35 from Rockridge, bottom of escalator.
Rating: Level 3
Mileage: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1250'
Description: This preserve is in north Marin; you'd expect some oaks and bays in the canyons. What amazed me when I first scouted this hike 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 on a short, 1/2 mile stretch on the only fire road we'll be on - Indian Tree Fire Rd. 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: 10:15 AM
Trailhead Departure Time: 10:30 AM
Total driving distance, there and back: 69 miles from SF; 78 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
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strenuous
9-12 miles
< 2000' gain
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very strenuous
12-15+ miles
>2000' gain |
