Loop from Pantoll to VanWyckMeadows, West Point Inn, RockSprings. 7.3m/1300 ft

This is a loop hike starting from Pantoll and we head down Stapleveldt and TCC to Van Wyck Meadows. We'll continue up a short section of Bootjack to Bootjack campgrounds/lot, and up Matt Davis and Nora Trail (which I LOVE!!) to West Point inn, where we will take a short bathroom/snack break. From there, we go up the Rock Springs Trail and pass through the Amphitheater and the Rock Springs parking lot, and down Old Mine back to Pantoll. I have not done this exact route (but have done all of these trails many times) so please join with an exploratory and adventurous attitude! About 7.3 miles and 1300 feet elevation gain.

We will hike in light rain. But heavy rain will change our route, or cancel the hike altogether. It's your responsibility to keep your eyes here for updates before the hike. Thank you!

Here is our route (but with a different starting point): https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-0aa9e1b

There are water fountains and bathrooms at Pantoll, BootJack and West Point Inn. There is a very slight chance of rain as of now, so please bring your rain gear and be prepared. It will likely be muddy! Bring the usual: snacks/lunch, water, rain gear, poles, sun protection, etc.

Parking:
We'll meet at the Pantoll Campground Parking Lot by the bathrooms. Bring $8 cash to park. (And they also have a QR code now that you can scan and pay with your phone, but the mobile signal is not dependable.) There are also free spots along the Panoramic Hwy as you approach the lot and a very small lot across the street from the main lot and up the road a few feet if you can snag a spot. Another option is the Bootjack parking lot about 1/2 mile down the road (before approaching Pantoll, away from Stinson. You will pass it on the way if coming from the Mill Valley area). It is also $8 to park. Please plan accordingly, and allow time to park, walk to our meeting place, use the restroom, get water, boot up, etc and be ready to hike by 9:00.

Please have "boots on" and be ready to hike at 9:00. We don't tend to wait for latecomers. Please allow time to drive the windy road, use the bathroom, lace up, layer up, etc.

Speed:
Please note that we hike at about 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.

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.)

1. Click on the downward arrow next to your profile photo in the top righthand corner of the Meet Up Page.
2. Click on "View Profile".
3. Look for "Marin Women's Hiking Group".
4. Click on "Membership Details".
5. 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