South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group

Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous

Distance: approx 8 miles, 4 1/2 hours

Elevation:: Approx. 1,700 feet total elevation gain

Hike Description: This hike takes us to the far reaches of Mt Madonna park. The early part is a relatively strenuous climb on the Sprig trail from Hwy 152 parking area up to the Mt Madonna campgrounds. After gaining a little over 1000 feet elevation in this early section, we'll proceed on a relatively level section of trail, turning onto Rock Springs trail at around 2 1/2 miles into the hike and proceed past an ampitheater shelter and follow a road past a Ranger station and stop at the remnants of cattle baron Henry Miller's vacation home for our snack break.
We'll make our way over to Tan Oak trail and follow it down to Loop Trail Cut-off which will take us over to Loop Trail which we'll follow to the intersection with Merry Go Round trail and proceed on Merry Go Round back to the parking lot. There are a few relatively short but steep downhill sections in this last section of the hike, so a walking stick (or two) is useful.

Directions to Trail Head: Note that this hike starts at the Sprig Trailhead off Hecker Pass rd. Please see map pin below.

Bathroom: There are outhouses in the parking lot and also at the campground we'll pass by about 1 1/2 miles into the hike.

Disclaimer: The South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release the South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers from any responsibility, liability, or claim in law or in equity. If you don't agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup event. The South Bay Ramblers does not certify the expertise of its event organizers - we are all volunteers. You are responsible for yourself. Please come prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, gear and water.

The hike is 7 miles, about 1,300 feet elevation gain. We’ll visit four preserves, starting from Skyline Ridge and through Monte Bello, Coal Creek Russian Ridge then back through Skyline Ridge. This hike has both lovely tree cover and great views.

Meet at the Skyline Ridge Open Space parking lot. Outhouse here and also when we get to Russian Ridge.

Disclaimer: The South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release the South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers from any responsibility, liability, or claim in law or in equity. If you don't agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup event. The South Bay Ramblers does not certify the expertise of its event organizers - we are all volunteers. You are responsible for yourself.

This hike is a loop starts from Muir Beach to Tennessee Valley. Optional beer and food afterward at Pelican Inn at 10 Pacific Way, Muir Beach, CA 94965. (415) 383-6000 http://www.pelicaninn.com/

Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous
Distance: between 8-9 miles
Elevation: about 1700 ft

Hike Description:
Note we will be doing below in reverse to avoid that really steep climb which everyone hates.

We will start at the trail head behind the restrooms at Muir Beach and go on to Coastal Trail heading toward Tennessee Valley (but we are not going there). Coastal trail hugs the shoreline ridge with postcard perfect views of the Pacific shore, especially on clear days (cool on a foggy day too). The trail is at time rocky with some steep ups and downs and even some stairs. Since we will hiking by the coast, it can get windy and chilly. We will take a short break at Tennessee Cove. Then we will head back to Muir Beach via Fox trail (very steep) and then to Green Gulch Trail through the Green Gulch Zen Center back the Muir Beach parking lot.

Optional food and beer after hike at the Pelican Inn, which is about 5 min walk from the parking lot. If you are not interested in what they offer on the menu ( http://www.pelicaninn.com/food/ ), you can enjoy a beer or a hot cocoa or your own food at the lawn in front of the Inn. Please plan carpool arrangement accordingly.

Boots required, layered clothing, bring lots of water, lunch, and hat. Poles (for hiking) recommended.

Carpool Details: Suggestion only, if someone has a better location, please offer. Meet at the park and ride lot located at the corner of Arastradero Road and Page Mill (at the Page Mill exit from 280).

Directions to Meeting Point: From US 101 in Marin County, exit Mill Valley/Stinson Beach. Drive north about 1 mile, then turn left at the light (at the junction with Acro gas station) to stay on Shoreline. Drive about 16 min or 6 miles following the road to Pelican Inn and turn right onto Pacific Way which leads to the Muir Beach parking lot.

There are bathrooms at trail head at Muir Beach and also at Tennessee Cove.

Disclaimer: The South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release the South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers from any responsibility, liability, or claim in law or in equity. If you don't agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup event. The South Bay Ramblers does not certify the expertise of its event organizers - we are all volunteers. You are responsible for yourself. Please come prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, gear and water.