Black Sand, SlackerHill, EngagementHill, SCA. Alta, Bobcat Loop, 8.2 m/1710 ft.
Details
Please join me in saying goodbye to 2025 and celebrating all the hikes, and laughs we shared, and new friends we made with a stunning hike in our sweet local playground!
This was a fan favorite hike that we did on November 2. We hit some amazing spots with stunning coastal views at Black Sand Beach, Hawk Hill, Slacker Hill and Engagement Hill and hike a long loop around SCA, Alta and Bobcat. It's a stunning hike that really allows us to savor this amazing area we call home.
This hike is about 8 miles and 1710 feet of elevation gain. Crossing my fingers for a clear enough day because the views are really spectacular! Right now, the forecast is calling for a break in the rain and wind. But if the forecast changes, I will likely change our route to something more pleasant for the conditions, and save this one for another day.
We'll start at Gerbode Valley Trailhead parking lot, which is about 1.6 miles past the Baker-Barry Tunnel on the right hand side. Look for the sign on the right hand side of Bunker Rd that reads "Gerbode Valley Trailhead" (with a right arrow). Turn in there. Don't use Apple Maps because it takes you to the wrong place. Google maps gets you to the correct place for this one. Parking is free. We'll meet near the bathroom.
Please note that the wait time to go through the tunnel can be up to 5 minutes. Please allow extra time. Members really appreciate starting on time and frown at late comers!! Please bring water and snacks or lunch. We will take a short break along the way.
Bring the usual: snacks/lunch, water, rain gear, poles, sun protection, etc. We'll stop for snacks/lunch when needed.
Please have "boots on" and be ready to hike at 9:00.
Speed:
Please note that we hike at about 21-25 minutes per mile (sometimes 22/23) on average, even while going up and down. We don't rush but we also don't take a lot of breaks. We make bathroom, water and short snack breaks and sometimes take a photo or two. We stop at junctions to make sure we're all together. If it's a longer hike, we may stop for lunch and that will be included in the hike description above. Please know your fitness level and be sure you can keep up. If you are significantly slower, you will be asked to turn around or hike on your own.
Elevation:
If the elevation statistics means nothing to you, think of it as:
1000 feet of elevation gain = ~100 flights of stairs.
Please look at the stats and know what you're signing up for and that you have the fitness level required for the hike.
IMPORTANT:
For the safety and well-being of the group, please take into consideration the distance/elevation gain-loss and your own fitness level when signing up for a hike. As the group leader, I organize hikes but please note that I take no responsibility for your safety. If signing up for a hike, please agree that you are responsible for your own well-being. Sorry, no dogs. Please note that there's a 2 "no-shows" and last minute (less than 24 hours) removal from group policy. Please be courteous to the group and be on time so we can stick to the schedule. Thank you!
MANDATORY:
For all participating members I am requesting that you please be sure to fill out the "Membership Details" for this group under your profile BEFORE your next event. It will only take one minute and it is mandatory going forward before you participate in any hikes or events. It only needs to be done once. PLEASE NOTE -- THIS MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE ATTENDING THIS EVENT OR ANY HIKES: (If you are a new member, you would have already completed this.)
***MEMBERS WHO RSVP AND HAVE NOT COMPLETED THIS, WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY MOVED TO THE NOT GOING LIST. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE MEMBERSHIP DETAILS BEFORE YOU ARE ALLOWED TO JOIN, PLEASE!!!!!*** You may rejoin the hike once this is completed if there is still space. Thank you!!!
To find the form, you need to use a desktop or laptop. It does not work on the mobile app. (Or to make it even easier: remove yourself from the group and then rejoin. An automatic prompt to answer the questions will pop up, even on your mobile phone.)
- Click on the downward arrow next to your profile photo in the top righthand corner of the Meet Up Page.
- Click on "View Profile".
- Look for "Marin Women's Hiking Group".
- Click on "Membership Details".
- Answer ALL FIVE questions under "Group Bio".
Liability Waiver
By signing up for or attending this hike, you acknowledge that outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to injury, illness, accidents, and even death. You agree that you are participating voluntarily, are responsible for your own safety and well-being, and will use your best judgment at all times. By attending, you release the hike organizer(s), co-hosts, and group members from any and all liability for injuries, damages, losses, or death that may occur during or as a result of this activity.
Thank you very much!
Laura