What we’re about
This group's goal is to get exercise while exploring and learning about the geology and natural science of the San Francisco Bay Area. The aim is the mid-point between the hiking groups that don't stop long enough to explore and learn about what they're passing and the nature groups that see lots of great stuff, but don't get that much exercise.
Hikes will be lead by members with knowledge of unique, exotic, or otherwise fascinating features of our area. If you have a favorite hike that you'd like to lead, drop a suggestion and I'll make you a leader (you just have to commit to coming on the hike and sharing your knowledge).
Everyone with interest is invited, and presentations should be aimed at people with interest but not necessarily a strong academic background in the subject (although some conversations occasionally get pretty deep).
Our primary focus will be on geology, but we won't pass up a good tidbit of information about the flora and fauna as we hike.
I've finally started putting together a website with more details on the geology of our hikes. You can find them at https://geology.trampleasure.net/ A few direct links to pages on my site include:
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Geology of Angel Island; 5.5 milesAngel Island, Tiburon, CA
Rather than circling the island, we'll hit the good geology stops in the first couple miles on the west side of the island, then we'll head on up to the summit where we'll find breathtaking views of the Bay.
You will need to get your own ferry tickets to get to the island. Ferry departure times from SF or Tiburon can be found here.
Meeting: When you get off the ferry, walk past the information booth; we'll meet to the left of the restrooms, near the sign for the North Ridge Trail (you don't have to walk very far from the ferry). The night before our hike, I'll send my cell number to those who are registered.More information about Angel Island and the hike are available on my website: Angel Island.
Distance: About five to five and a half miles.
Elevation change: The summit is 788 feet, and we're going all the way up this time. With the ups and downs along the road, we'll probably climb about 1,000 feet total.
Finish time: We historically finish hiking around 2:45. The next ferries back leave at 3:20 (both SF and Tiburon).
Carpools & Public Transit: If you're interested in carpooling to the ferry, leave your city and whether you are looking for or offering a ride in the comments section below. The SF Ferry leaves from the Ferry Building, which is just a couple blocks from the Embarcadero BART station.
Geology:
Angel Island is Trip 3 in Geologic Trips -- SF and the Bay Area (chapter title: Metamorphism and Blue Schists). Low tide is at 10:37 AM, so we'll get decent views of some of the sites that are best at low tide.From the book: "Most Franciscan rocks have not been metamorphosed; that is, the pressures and temperatures in the subduction zone were not high enough to alter the rocks significantly. However, the Franciscan rocks that make up Angel Island are metamorphosed. They have been altered by extreme high pressure in the subduction zone. These rocks mus have been carried to greater depths in the subduction zone than most Franciscan rocks."
More information about Angel Island and the hike are available on my website: Angel Island.Notes:
Donations: I'll 'pass the hat' before we start. A suggested donation of $2 is requested to help cover Meetup fees (and buy me a cup of coffee). I'll also have QR codes for Paypal, Venmo, and CashApp for those who no longer carry cash :-)Layer your clothing: it can be breezy out there in the middle of the bay.
Bring food and drink. There are food concessions at the start, but not when we'll be at lunch time. We'll have lunch on a lovely beach before we head up the mountain.
Dogs are not allowed.
Be sure to get to your ferry terminal a bit early, we have had a few people miss the boat in the past.Attendance limit.
I set no limit, but we usually get 10-20 people. - Mammoth area, hot creek camping/hikingObsidian Flat Group Campground, June Lake, CA
Registration is now open on my geology.trampleasure.net website.
- You need to register on that site to be officially included.
- When you register, you will not pay online, but I'll send you information about how to pay (PayPay, Venmo, CashApp, Zelle, or good old check in the mail).
- If you can't make all five days, you can still register if you can make at least three days of hiking.
- The road to Devil's Postpile is closed for construction until July, so we won't he able to visit this this year.
Just a placeholder to let folks know this is happening. You can RSVP to this event if you think you will come, but we'll create another event in late April for confirmation of your attendance.
We have Obsidian Flat Group Campground reserved for June 15-21. This is a 'primitive' campground that only has vault toilets (no running water), but is located right below an obsidian dome, and not near any other campsites, so we'll be on our own.
If anyone wishes to stay in a hotel, there are options in the Mammoth area, or elsewhere along highway 395. I recommend getting a reservation early, as they may book up (especially the more budget-friendly ones). The campground is closest to Crestview, but is also close to Mammoth. Folks who stay in the hotel are welcome to join us at the campground for socializing, campfire, etc.
More details about the trip, including maps, photos, and geology information, can be found here.Update on getting there through Tioga pass (Highway 120).
This is considered the best and fastest way to get to our destination from the SF Bay Area, but Peak Hour Ticketed Entry tickets are required (even if you have a Senior or other National Parks pass).
I just bought one last night (5/6) and as of that time there are still 231 left. The only timeframe that was available was 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, which should work well for getting through. This means you can enter during those times. The pass is good for three days, so you'll need to buy one for the drive out and one for the drive back. They are only $2; I think it's just about limiting the number of people going into the park. I'd buy one now if you think there's a chance you are going to need it.
Here's the address for the tickets:
https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086745/ticket/10086746
If that doesn't take you directly to the page, try this one and click on Book Now:
https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086745
