OAKWOOD and GERBODE VALLEYS LOOP
Hike Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Leader: Ken Robin
Leader Email: k.robin@sbcglobal.net
Leader Phone: 510.926.9220
Hike Rating: Level-3
Hike Mileage: 6.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 900'
Note: This hike is restricted to 30 people. If you would rather do this hike on the next day, Sunday (4/12), let Ken know (contact info above). He is open to repeating this hike.
Description: This hike in the Marin Headlands introduces an unofficial trail (which I don’t believe the hiking club has taken before) across the upper stretches of Gerbode Valley. We’ll start in the scenic Oakwood Valley, hiking through meadows and forest, eventually reaching Alta fire road. Skirting Gerbode Valley, we’ll hike to Hawk Camp, and then take an unofficial trail, undulating eventually to the Miwok trail. The Old Springs trail takes us down to Tennessee Valley, and then the Rhubarb trail back down to the starting point. Most of the hike is on single track trails. Views to the Bay, then over Gerbode Valley toward the City, and then over Tennessee Valley.
Bring / Wear: Bring lunch, water, hat and sunscreen (most of the hike is exposed), and hiking poles if you use them. The upper part of Oakwood Valley gets steep, but most of the remainder is gradual.
Rain Policy: Hike may be cancelled if heavy rain.
Dogs: Sorry, no dogs allowed in Tennessee Valley. 
TRAILHEAD MEETING LOCATION:
Oakwood Valley Trailhead. Go across the Golden Gate Bridge and take highway 1 toward Stinson Beach. In 1/2 mile turn left at Tennessee Valley Road. In another 1/2 mile, just past the last houses, there's a large meadow on the left. Park on the right side of the road. The Rhubarb Trailhead (link) is across the street from where we'll be meeting.
Trailhead Meeting Time: 10:00 AM (don't miss the hike, arrive early).
If you are not a member you can: 1) Become a member by clicking on the [Join] menu above and then register for the hike or 2) Contact me so that I know that you would like to be part of the hike.
Interested in carpooling? If so, here are the options...
- San Francisco Meeting Location: Whole Foods (map) @ 2001 Market Street. Meet on the Dolores Street side. There's parking on the street or below the building.
Meeting Time: 9:30 AM (don't miss your ride, arrive early).
- East Bay Meeting Location: Rockridge BART station (map). Meet at the bottom of the escalators. There's free and ample parking.
Meeting Time: 9:15 AM (don't miss your ride, arrive early).
Note: Please only show up at a meeting location if you have arranged to be a driver, or a rider, ahead of time... (see Carpool Fees below).
Total Driving Distance (round trip):
25 miles (San Francisco)
59 miles (East Bay)
Carpool Fees (per passenger):
$6 (San Francisco)*
$10 (East Bay)*
*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.
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
|
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 |
