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. 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 20 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 fairly strenuous hike. Total distance is about 9 miles with over 1500 feet of climbing.

This hike is not suitable for those who are new to hiking or have not been training regularly. To participate, you must have recent experience completing hikes of similar distance and elevation and be able to sustain a consistent pace of 2.5 mph. Participants who are unable to keep up may be asked to turn back in order to prioritize the safety and cohesion of the group.

If you’re not at this fitness level yet, please do not sign up. Instead, focus on building your endurance on your own with less demanding hikes or on our monthly Lake Merritt walks.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register Now button below to sign up. Because space is limited to 20, 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.

Leader: Dick Duker

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