CARSON FALLS & LIBERTY GULCH: MT. TAM NORTH SIDE

CARSON FALLS & LIBERTY GULCH: MT. TAM NORTH SIDE

Hike Date:  Saturday, January 31, 2026

Leader:  Gary Weiss | gary@sfhiking.com  | 415 279-5570

Carpooling Meeting Times:  9:00 AM from SF OR Rockridge, departing shortly afterwards.

Please only show up at the carpool meeting place if you've arranged to meet your ride or driver there.

Rating: Level 3

Mileage:  7.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1350'

Description: I've led a version of this hike a couple of times - years ago.  Watershed crews have been recreating the Liberty Gulch Trail on the north side of Alpine Lake; it's now complete.
Starting from the lower parking area below Bon Tempe Dam we'll hike the full length of the new Liberty Gulch Trail which will ultimately take us up to Oat Hill Fire Road, just above (Little) Carson Falls.  We'll make a loop to get to and go below the falls.  After this winter's rains it should put on quite a show.  After the Falls we'll hike down Pine Mountain before a gentle climb on the also new Azalea Hill trail.  From the top of Azalea Hill we'll begin our descent - with amazing views of the watershed and a grand Mt. Tam in the distance.  This hike has a couple of relatively short, but stiff uphills; the downhills are gentle.  Dogs are always allowed in the Marin Watershed.

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

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

Trailhead Meeting Place: We'll meet at the lower (small) parking area below the main Bon Tempe Dam lot.  From Fairfax, you'll be turning left onto Bolinas-Fairfax Rd.  About 1.7 miles from town you'll see a sign on the left that says Lake Lagunitas, Alpine Lake..... Turn left here.  After paying the $8 per car fee, you'll stay on the road for another couple of minutes before you come to a dirt/gravel road on the right which will take you to Bon Tempe Dam.  Feel free to try parking at the very end, but most likely you'll need to turn around and park in the main lot (a couple of minutes walk).   Google Maps Link

(If you would to carpool from Fairfax, we can meet you at the Fairfax Parkade parking lot across from the theater (9 Broadway).  Let me know if you'd prefer to do this.)

Sky Oaks Watershed Entry Fee:  $8

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:00 AM, departing at 10:15 AM.

Total driving distance, there and back: 49 miles from SF; 59 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.)