Big Trees Loop Hike in Novato, 4.6 miles/800 ft
Details
Scheduled by request! I have never done this hike before (at least from what I can remember!). Please come with an exploratory attitude. There is shade and some sun.
The Alltrails descriptions reads:
"This trail can be accessed from Vineyard Road, where roadside parking is available, and takes you to the Indian Tree Open Space Preserve. It loops through a shaded grove of redwood trees, offering views of the surrounding hills, Stafford Lake, and the valley below. Be prepared for steep, narrow sections."
Our Route: (With a slightly different starting point and beginning.) https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/deer-camp-big-trees-upper-meadow-loop?u=i&sh=q3rnww
Parking:
Navigate to the Big Trees Trailhead and park free on Vineyard Yard.
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