LABOR DAY HIKE: SOME SWEET SPOTS ON MT. TAM
Hike Date: MONDAY, September 7, 2026
Leader: Gary Weiss | gary@sfhiking.com | 415 279-5570
SF Carpool 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.
East Bay Carpool Meeting Location: Rockridge BART, bottom of escalator.
Carpool Meeting Times: 9:00 AM from SF OR Rockridge BART, leaving shortly afterwards.
Rating: Level 3
Mileage: 6.5 - 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 800 - 1000'
Description: Some of you regulars have seen many of these areas - but not all! This will be a convoluted route that has us visiting some amazing, hidden spots. There are a few somewhat steep ups and downs, but nothing too difficult. Starting at the Quarry Parking Lot behind Mountain Theater we'll head down to the top of the Cataract Watershed, soon climbing above it to the west, amid Serpentine, Sargent Cypress and views of the Pacific. From there we'll visit Simmons Triangle, Barth's Retreat, then down to Potrero Camp, Azalea Meadow and Cross Country Boys Trail. Hike location may be changed (you'll get plenty of notice) due to excessively hot weather or smoke from any nearby fires. Dogs are permitted in the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed.
Bring/Wear: Plenty of water, good hiking shoes, lunch, snacks and poles if you use them. AND chocolate!
Rain Policy: Contact hikeleader if weather is questionable.
Trailhead Meeting Place: Trailhead Meeting Place: We'll meet at the Quarry Parking Lot behind Mountain Theater.
Exit Hwy 101 at the Stinson Beach/Hwy 1 exit. At the first big intersection - Tam Junction - keep left at the Arco Station to stay on Hwy 1. After several miles you'll reach an intersection where Hwy 1 continues straight ahead. Keep right instead to get onto Panoramic Hwy. At the first big intersection - 4 Corners - go straight up - not down to the left or right. Stay on Panoramic for another 4+ miles. The road forks at Pantoll Ranger Station - stay right onto Pantoll Rd. After less than a mile you'll get to Rock Spring Parking lot. Turn right and continue for .4 miles. Large dirt parking lot on the right.
Google Maps Link
Trailhead Meeting Time: 10:00 AM
Trailhead Departure Time: 10:15 AM
Total driving distance, there and back: 69 miles from SF; 101 miles from Rockridge.
Passenger Carpool Fees from SF: $8 From Rockridge BART: $11
(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 |
|
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 |
