Marin County, CA: Northern California Chapter, Mt. Tam Hike

Enjoy all the shades of spring on a hike around Mt. Tamalpais while enjoying fantastic views from every direction. The distance will be 9 miles, with 1900 feet of climbing, which we’ll take at a moderate pace. We’ll meet at the Rock Spring Parking Lot before beginning our walk to the Mountain Theater, followed by an energetic hike up the Rock Spring Lagunitas Fire Road. After lunch at Laurel Dell, we’ll hike along the Coastal Trail, with views of the ocean almost 2,000 feet below, to the Pan Toll Ranger Station before heading sharply uphill back to the cars. Sign up early as this hike is limited to 25 people due to Marin Municipal Water District rules..

Schedule: Meet in the parking lot at the Rock Spring Trailhead on Mt. Tam at 9:30 AM. We’ll have lunch at the Laurel Dell Picnic Area and expect to arrive back at the parking lot by 4:00 PM.

Level of Difficulty: This is a strenuous hike. Total distance is about 9 miles with some 1900 feet of climbing. Expect to maintain a moderate pace (2-3 mph) for several hours with periodic breaks. Please have recent experience with comparable distances and elevation gains, or else you will not be able to keep up with the group. If you’re just starting out or haven’t been training, we strongly recommend joining one of our monthly Lake Merritt walks or spending time building your endurance on similar hikes.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register Now button below to sign up. Because space is limited to 25, please register if/when you are certain you can attend. Thank you!

Cancellation: Please email us at norcal@americanpilgrims.org so we can offer your space to someone else.

Getting There: From San Francisco and the south, take Hwy 101 North and from locations north and east, take Hwy 101 South to Mill Valley (from the East Bay, cross the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge). Take the Hwy 1 exit and continue on Hwy 1 through Mill Valley. Turn right onto Panoramic Hwy, drive around the mountain and turn right uphill onto Pan Toll Road. Drive 1.2 miles to the Rock Spring parking lot. Restrooms are available in the parking lot and the lunch spot, but no water.

Carpooling: Registered participants will have access to an online “Carpool Bulletin Board” to post a message if they need a ride or can give one.

What to Bring: Dress for the weather (layers work well). Good hiking shoes and sun protection (hat, sunscreen). A bag lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Hiking poles will be helpful. Also, a plastic bag to sit on during lunch, if wet.

Hike Leader: Dick Duker

The Ruff Stuff: For insurance purposes, we are unable to welcome dogs, except service animals, at our events.