Flow & Form – A Contemplative Hike on Mt. Tamalpais

Join us for this unique hike as we explore the interplay of flow and form in the natural world. This experience will take us on a journey through Mt. Tam's shifting landscapes, where fluidity and structure reveal themselves in striking ways.

This 6-mile moderate loop will lead us through sheltered waterfalls, sunlit ridgelines, open wildflower meadows, and dense forests, offering a living reflection on how nature navigates between yielding and creating boundaries.

Along the way, we will pause to observe, reflect, and discuss:

How does nature create porousness and protection within different landscapes?

What can flowing water, ridgelines, and deep woods teach us about personal boundaries?

Where do we experience both receptivity and discernment in the world around us?

This hike is a chance to move with intention, engage with the land, and explore how we balance openness and containment in our own lives. Expect moderate terrain, moments of guided reflection, and time to simply be present with the landscape.

Trailhead: Rock Spring, Mt. Tamalpais
Our Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3335741857908767588
Our Meeting Spot: https://g.co/kgs/7Hv8YMQ

Distance: 6 miles | Moderate (1,000 ft elevation gain)

Duration: ~3.5–4 hours (including stops for discussion & reflection)

Best for: Hikers interested in nature, symbolism, and contemplative exploration

Cost: Free

What to Bring

• Layered clothing for warmth that allows you to remove and carry layers if needed, wear something you can sit on the ground for meditation (you can also stand if you prefer)
• A hat and sunscreen for sunny parts of the trail, comfortable and sturdy shoes for hiking and navigating potential mud and unstable terrain.
• Bring water to drink to stay hydrated.
• A light snack to stay nourished if you need.

Who Is This For?
This hike is for those who long for deeper connection with nature’s intelligence. No experience in meditation or nature connection practices is necessary, just a sense of curiosity and a willingness to listen. Expect uneven and potentially muddy terrain.

Your Guides:
Tim Gnatek, Leader of Groundfloor Hike Club, Avid Trail Runner & Mindfulness Practitioner
Tim has spent the past 25 years exploring the trails of Marin, developing a deep connection with the region’s landscapes. As the founder of Hike Club, he brings together a community of adventurers to experience the outdoors with intention, curiosity, and camaraderie. An avid trail runner and seasoned hiker, Tim blends his love for movement with a dedicated mindfulness practice, approaching nature as both a physical and meditative experience. Whether on rugged summits or quiet forest paths, he invites others to engage with the land in a way that is both challenging and deeply restorative.

Tracy James, Spiritual Herbalist and Life Coach
Tracy coaches at the intersection of shamanism, leadership, eco-sentience, and mindful embodiment. For over 20 years, Tracy has integrated ancient and modern approaches into the Nature-based embodied coaching methodology she terms Elemental Energetics™. Tracy has lived in the Amazon jungle in Peru and carries deep knowledge of northern Amazonian plant medicine practices.

With her compassionate and intuitive approach, Tracy creates safe spaces for exploration and growth, supporting seekers as they navigate life transitions, heal from trauma, deepen their spiritual practice, and cultivate authentic leadership. Her work fosters personal and spiritual growth and positive change in all dimensions of life.