Summit and Sundeck: Hike Mt. Tam & Happy Hour with a View

Get ready for the inaugural hike of our meetup, an absolute classic! It's a combo of the best summit in the bay + the highest mountain-side bar in the bay.

THE HIKE
Mt. Tam is the prize hike of the Bay area, at more than 2,500 feet above sea level with 360-degree views of the ocean, wine country, the bay, and the SF skyline. Your hosts will be Brian and Ken, two experienced hikers who have done this hike several times before. We will ascend leisurely using a combination of lightly traveled trails that wind through beautiful low-brush and forests, including two beautiful, dense stands of redwoods, and several small creeks flowing down the mountain.

We will summit the East peak, which has a old wooden fire tower with amazing views. There, we will snack, take in the sun, and perhaps chat with the ranger a bit before returning down the same trail. We will linger at the top for at least 30 minutes--there's no rushing this view. There is also a bathroom and water fountain at the summit if needed.

Facts & Figures:

• 6.5 miles round trip on an out-and-back series of trails. Expect about 2.5-3 hours.
• 1,377 foot elevation gain -- this isn't tiny :)
• Mostly single-track trails with good footing

THE HAPPY HOUR

• The Mountain Home Inn is a special place, located on the Panoramic Highway with a east-facing view looking out over the entire North Bay, all the way to Mt Diablo.
• They have indoor and outdoor seating, but we will aim for the sundeck, where they have a great wine and cocktail selection, plus several local beers on draft. They also have a tasty food menu, much nicer than your typical pub.

We'll stay for at least one round. Please arrange for a designated driver or alternative transportation if you plan to stay longer. Or, spend the night there, since it's also a fancy inn :)

WHAT TO BRING
At least 1 liter of water, snacks (sugar and salty are good for hiking), sunscreen, an extra layer for wind, and sneakers or hiking boots.

You can bring a map if you'd like to familiarize yourself with all the trails. Sports Basement and REI sell great ones. You can also learn about the area from this free CA park map: https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/471/files/MountTamalpaisSPFinalWebLayout110816.pdf

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Pre-Reqs: Please join if you have previous hiking experience, or are comfortable with continued exercise and uphill climbing in the sun for 2-3 hours. We will try hard to keep the group together, but of course you can summit and return at your own pace and timing if desired. We're all about having a good time!
  *Only RSVP if you are sure you can make it, and update your RSVP asap if plans change. This is important! We limit the number for each hike for everyone's enjoyment, so if you no-show, other people can't go. :(
• Meet at the parking lot across the street from the Mountain Home Inn. Post to the group if you need carpool help. The event hosts are happy to help. Here's our meeting spot: https://goo.gl/maps/vMSzJL6WqRT2
• There's little or no cell service there, so please arrive early. We will leave promptly at 11:15.
• The parking lot is small and will probably be filled, so please park safely in pull-outs on the road before or after the lot, and walk down.
• There is a bathroom at the parking area, but no water.
• If you want to bring guests, they must join the group and RSVP for the event, too, so we can know who's coming. Thanks! See you on the trail, and at the bar afterwards :)