Sunrise on the Golden Gate Bridge and hike to a Sausalito morning

I know, 6:30 in the morning is VERY EARLY, but the sunrise over The City from the bridge is an amazing treat- not to be missed. Let's spend a brisk morning walking across the Golden Gate Bridge. It's absolutely gorgeous, and surprisingly peaceful. We're supposed to have a dry week (weather-wise), so althgough it might be cold, this may be our best chance for dry trails. If the weather changes and rain is forecast for Saturday, or we have a wet Friday, I will cancel the walk by 5:00 PM Friday evening.

We’ll meet at the SAN FRANCISCO side of the Golden Gate Bridge. We'll be in the little space in front of the restrooms (which might not be open- but the porta-potties will be) We'll take off exactly at 6:30 so we can watch the sun rise as we cross the bridge. Sunrise is at 7:23 and this part of the walk takes about 45 minutes, so we should hit the Marin side just as the sun finishes its ascent. We'll take a short break to ooh and aah (also: restrooms) before hitting the trails to Sausalito.

San Francisco will be glistening behind us as we hike SCA Trail at that time of day. This trail winds over the hillside of the Marin Headlands, with views in every direction. It's a hiking trail, not a paved fire trail, so expect uneven terrain with occasional rocks, roots, and wooden stairways. There are some uphill sections, mostly at the beginning, but none particularly steep for long, and the payoff of the view is worth it! We should have the trail almost entirely to ourselves.
The SCA trail veers into the Alta Trail, and finally the (appropriately named) Morning Sun Trail to the Spencer lot at the top ridge of Sausalito. We cross a very haphazard road, then we'll stop in Cloud View for a quick break before heading down the hidden stairs of Sausalito to Bridgeway.

This walk should take just about 3 hours. By then you'll be hungry, and Sausalito will be waking up and ready for brunch. There are multiple cafes and restaurants waiting to serve you. Also, Lepperts Ice Cream, which opens at 9:00.

GETTING TO THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
MUNI bus #28 leaves DALY CITY BART and 6:00 AM and arrives at the bridge at 6:30-that's cutting it close but without traffic you will JUST make it. The one before it leaves at 5:40 AM
From the other direction, it starts at Powell and Beach, leaving at 6:00 and arriving at 6:19.

DRIVING/PARKING: The bridge main lot is closed on weekends. I think your best bet might be the Employee Overflow lot on the WEST side of the toll plaza, at $5 per day. The information I have shows that it is open on weekends, but double-check with Golden Gate Transit https://www.goldengate.org/bridge/visiting-the-bridge/directions-parking/

GETTING BACK FROM SAUSALITO: Well, you could walk (taking South Street to East Road), but it's mostly uphill.
BUS: GOLDEN GATE TRANSIT bus #130 leaves El Portal at Bridgeway (next to the Wells Fargo) once an hour at :43 past. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the Golden Gate Bridge Parking Lot, then has stops along Lombard, Van Ness, Civic Center and the Transbay Terminal. $8.75 cash or $7.00 $4.25 Senior with the tap on/tap off Clipper system.

FERRY: The Golden Gate Ferry leaves Sausalito at 11:30 and arrives at the Ferry Building at 12 noon ($14 cash or $8.25/7$7 Senior with Clipper). https://www.goldengate.org/ferry/route-schedule/sausalito-san-francisco Blue and Gold Ferry departs at 12:30 ($14.75/$9.00 senior. No Clipper). https://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/sausalito/

PLEASE NOTE: If you park in the Golden Gate Bridge lot, the ferries drop you far from your car and you will probably have to take a cab to it.

WHAT TO BRING:
DRESS IN LAYERS has never been more true. It will be dark and cold when we start our walk. The bridge can be windy. Bring a warm jacket, hat, scarf. etc. I would also bring a sweatshirt for when it warms up.
COFFEE?: The coffee shops at the bridge will NOT be open. If you need your cup of coffee in the morning, it's best to make a thermos-full and bring it with you. Likewise a snack.
CAMERA: Oh yes. My crummy camera took some really great pictures. If you have a good camera, you will be very happy you brought it. Please note that this is NOT A photography group, so we won't be taking long stops for vista shots
WALKING POLES: The trail can be steep and uneven. Poles aren't necessary, but could be handy.
CLIPPER CARD for the ride home. You can download one to your phone.

DOGS are NOT ALLOWED on the Golden Gate Bridge (just as well, as the noise would be very difficult for them) so it’s not possible to bring one on this walk.

ATTENDANCE- 6:30 is early, so be realistic about the likelihood that you'll get there. This group takes its attendance policy seriously. We try to keep our walks to a comfortable number of people, and to do so we need cooperation from the membership.

• NO-SHOW and LATE CANCEL- If you add a guest who doesn’t come- that’s a no-show on your record.
• CRASHERS You must RSVP “ yes” to attend this walk. This includes any guests.
• CHRONIC CANCELERS (or “place-holders”) We know who you are

You are responsible for your safety on all City Steps Meetup events. Your yes RSVP indicates that you have read and agreed the Liability Waiver found at thebottom of every Meetup page.