The Mysteries of Mt Tamalpais (Plane Crash, Huge Golf Ball, Air Force Base)

Come discover the mysteries of Mt. Tamalpais.

We will visit the wreckage of the 1944 Navy plane crash (unmarked secret trail), the huge golf ball on the top of the mountain (satellite), and then the abandoned Air Force base (where Colin's Step father was stationed). The swimming pool is filled in but the diving board platform and old snack shack is still there.

This hike is approximately 10 miles. Allow 5 hours. There will be some steep climbs.

Note- The photo of the route map is not completely accurate because there are some secret trails not shown on the map (but well defined and safe to hike).

We'll start at the Rock Springs Parking Lot, hike to Mt. Theater, West Point Inn, 1944 Plane crash wreckage, East Peak Ranger Station, Huge Golf Ball (Satellite), abandoned Air Forcer Base, and finally back to Rock Springs Parking lot.

We will have lunch at the East Peak Ranger Station with breath taking view of the San Francisco Bay (where there is running water and real bathrooms).

We start at 9:45AM sharp and should be back around 2:30 to 3:30pm (yes you get to sleep in a bit)!

Please arrive around 9:30am to give you time to find a parking space. The weather is supposed to be sunny but there could be fog, so bring layers.

Hiking pace: Medium to fast. Not for beginning hikers. Pace will be 2.5 MPH.

Elevation gain is about 1,925 ft. There are some steep climbs.

Bring plenty of water.

Please arrive a few minutes early. We will circle up on time and leave immediately afterwards.

Please change your RSVP no more than 24 hours in advance if you cannot make it. If you do not take yourself out of the hike more than 24 hours in advance or simply not show up (3 times) you will be removed from the group. There may be people on the waiting list wanting to participate.

DIRECTIONS
FROM: San Rafael
Head South towards San Francisco.
Follow US-101 S to CA-1 S in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley. Take exit 445B from US-101 S

Continue on CA-1 S. Take Panoramic Hwy
Right onto Pantol Rd to E Ridgecrest Blvd (Rock springs is at the intersection these two roads).

Meeting place: We will meet at the Rock Springs parking lot/Trail head (3801 Panoramic Highway) located where Pantol Rd, meets Ridgecrest Blvd (see photo). Also look for my bright red 2021 Ford Ranger in the parking lot.

By signing up for this hike, you agree to the following:

I recognize that there are risks associated with participating in group hikes. I assume full responsibility for personal injury, including disease-carrying insect bites and snake bites, to my self and family members. I agree to indemnify and release from liability the leaders of this group against all claims, causes of action, damages, judgements, costs or expenses, including attorney fees which may arise.