Sleep Late and Hike

WAIVER: For us to hold our large events at local parks, the local parks require us to carry insurance for our events. To participate in our events, please sign this waiver (required by our insurance underwriter) for each event. Please do so online prior to arriving (works on mobile):
https://www.sleeplateandhike.com/waiver-signing-form/

Level: Moderate

Total Distance: 6 miles round-trip for the standard hike. 10.2 miles for the OPTIONAL hike. The first 1.6 miles are the same for both hikes.
Hiking Time: 3 hours for standard hike. 5.5 hours for the optional hike.
Elevation Change: 1100 feet for standard hike. 1952 feet for optional hike.
FACILITIES/ TRAILHEAD: None
Official Trail Use: No dogs

GPS Coordinates for meeting place:

Degrees Decimal Format for Google Maps:

37.832284, -122.515331

Degrees/Minutes/Seconds format for most cars:

Latitude 37°49'56.2"N
Longitude 122°30'55.2"W

Nearest street address:

For people with older GPS units that do not accept GPS coordinates:

The intersection of Simmonds Rd and Bunker Rd

Getting there:

Please use the Google maps link at the top to plan your own route from your home. And, download the PDF map below onto your phone before you start, or print it out.

NOTE: If possible, use the GPS coordinates when driving as the nearest street address may be a couple of miles away on some of our trips in some GPS maps. The nearest street address is there for people with older GPS units that do not accept coordinates.

Meeting place:

Parking lot at the intersection of Simmonds Rd and Bunker Rd.

Parking:

There is one parking lot at the trail head. Additional parking at the Marin headlands Visitor's Center. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early to find parking and walk to the trail head.

Carpooling

We will use this link for carpooling:

https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/w62bui

Please sign up here.

CARPOOLING MANNERS:

Please refrain from trying to negotiate your carpool in the comments, as it is equivalent to sending multiple "Reply All" emails to everyone.

Please start your carpool quest, by first adding yourself to the carpool link above.

Then, use the contact info provided by the driver or rider in the link above to contact them directly and privately.

Please be considerate of others and resist the urge to "Reply All".

Thank you for understanding.

Recommended Map:
Download it. Print it out. Load it on your phone. Use it to get to the start location.

http://www.parksconservancy.org/assets/park-improvements/pdfs/marin-headlands-map.pdf

AllTrails Maps:

Standard hike:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/miwok-and-bobcat-loop-6e616e7?p=-1&sh=pyl4xm&utm_medium=map_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

OPTIONAL 10.2 mile hike:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/marin-miwok-bobcat-10-miles-bbcbff5?p=-1&sh=pyl4xm&utm_medium=map_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

Summary:

This scenic loop uses the Miwok and Bobcat trails to circle Gerbode Valley, an area slated in the 1960s for urban development but later protected as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). The hills surrounding Gerbode Valley, part of the Marin Headlands, are vibrant in the spring with wildflowers, and alive with birdsong and avian acrobatics most of the year, but especially during the fall raptor migration. Views of San Francisco, Marin, and the Pacific coast from the high points along this loop are superb. DIRECTIONS From Highway 101 northbound, just

Hiking Directions:

Walk north on a dirt-and-gravel path, cross a bridged creek, and reach a T-junction with the Miwok Trail, a dirt road. An information board here describes the fight to save Gerbode Valley from development . On your right is a low-lying marsh, formed by the creek that drains the valley and empties into Rodeo Lagoon. At the next junction, where the Bobcat Trail goes right, you continue straight.

In fall, the Marin Headlands is one of the best places on the West Coast to observe hawks and falcons in migration. These southward-bound raptors take advantage of rising air currents, called thermals, to gain elevation for their crossing of the Golden Gate.

Soon the trail begins a moderate but relentless and unshaded climb toward the east end of Wolf Ridge. Finally, just past 1 mile, you reach a notch with views northwest to Mt. Tamalpais, and west, over a declivity in a neighboring ridge, to the Pacific Ocean. A few paces ahead is a junction with the Wolf Ridge Trail, left. This trail is for hiking only, and dogs must be leashed. Your route, which from here on is closed to dogs, continues straight. At a four-way junction, you meet the Old Springs Trail, left, open to hikers, horses, and bicycles. Your route, from here on closed to bicycles, continues straight and begins to climb over severely eroded ground that alternates between moderate and steep.

Wildlife: In addition to the ever-present turkey vultures, you may see another large black bird, the common raven. These relatives of jays, crows, and magpies are able to make an astounding variety of sounds . And while Poe’s “Nevermore” may not truly be part of their vocabulary, other weirdly human sounds certainly are. Ravens are also great aerial acrobats, and seem to enjoy chasing each other in frenzied pursuit. Wild for Flowers In spring , especially after a wet winter, the hills are decorated with a dazzling display of California poppy, mule ears, paintbrush, Ithuriel’s spear, yarrow, blow wives, and blue-eyed grass. Nearly 50 species are listed in the pamphlet Frequently Seen Wildflowers of the Marin Headlands, available at the visitor center.

View northwest of Mt. Tamalpais from a high point on the Miwok Trail in the Marin Headlands. A single-track trail, right, climbs to a vantage point beside a fenced-in communication facility, used by the FAA to direct commercial aircraft. Just left of this junction are a few large rocks, a convenient place to sit and rest. After enjoying the scenery, continue uphill on a gentle grade, and then begin a moderate descent. The 1041-foot high point on the ridge dividing Tennessee and Gerbode valleys , home of the FAA facility, is uphill and right. Where a dirt road goes right to the FAA facility, you bear left and descend to a junction. Here the Miwok Trail turns left, but you go straight, now on the Bobcat Trail. Soon the Marincello Trail, part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, joins from the left. This trail is open to hikers, horses , and bicycles. Continuing straight and passing several unsigned dirt roads, you come to a junction with the road to Hawk Camp, right. Passing the road to Hawk Camp at about 3 miles, your route continues downhill on a gentle and then moderate grade, then follows a rolling course to a junction. Here, a short connector goes left to the Alta Trail, closed to bicycles, but you continue straight on the multi-use Bobcat Trail. Soon your route makes a sweeping right-hand bend and passes the Rodeo Valley Cutoff, a hiking-only trail veering left. The Bobcat Trail now zigzags gently down into Gerbode Valley. After passing through a eucalyptus grove, you enjoy a level walk parallel to the creek, which remains hidden from view behind a screen of willow thickets. You pass the Rodeo Valley Trail, left, then cross the creek, which passes under the road through a culvert. In about 50 feet, you close the loop at the Miwok Trail. Here you turn left and retrace your route to the parking area.

Some content from Weintraub, David (2004-09-29). Afoot and Afield: San Francisco Bay Area: A Comprehensive Hiking Guide (Kindle Locations 764-778). Wilderness Press. Kindle Edition.

WAIVER: For us to hold our large events at local parks, the local parks require us to carry insurance for our events. To participate in our events, please sign this waiver (required by our insurance underwriter) for each event. Please do so online prior to arriving (works on mobile):

https://www.sleeplateandhike.com/waiver-signing-form/

HIKING TIME: 3.5 hours
DISTANCE: 7.2 miles, Loop.
ELEVATION GAIN: Approx. 1400 feet
DIFFICULTY: Moderate terrain and elevation.
RULES: No Dogs allowed
FACILITIES: Restrooms and water at trailhead.
WEATHER:
https://www.wunderground.com/weather/us/ca/el-cerrito/KCAELCER23

RECOMMENDED MAP:
https://www.ebparks.org/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=24425

MEETING PLACE:
Parking lot at trailhead. Free. 66 spots available. Some street parking available as well. Meet by the bathrooms.

• Please use the Google Maps link above to familiarize yourself with the trip and explore various route options from your home. Zoom in all the way.
• The GPS locations below and the map link above are accurate enough to find us by looking around with your eyes when you get there.

(Most Cars) GPS Degrees Minutes Seconds Format:
37°57'06.9120"N, -122°19'02.0352"W
(Google Maps) GPS Degrees Decimal Format:
37.951920, -122.317232

If you have the Waze app installed on your phone, click this link. It will open Waze and start navigating to the trailhead.
http://waze.to/?ll=37.951920,-122.317232&navigate=yes

• As always, it is good practice to confirm the night before that any app you use takes you to where you expect by comparing the destination with what is posted above on your PC/Mac
• Most street addresses provided are approximate, and may be up to a couple of miles from the hike location. Use GPS coordinates when driving, if possible.

CARPOOLING:
We will use this link for carpooling. Please sign up here.
https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/ud502p

Please refrain from trying to negotiate your carpool in the comments, as it is equivalent to sending multiple "Reply All" emails to everyone. Please start your carpool quest, by first adding yourself to the carpool link above. Then, use the contact info provided by the driver or rider in the link above to contact them directly and privately. Please be considerate of others and resist the urge to "Reply All". Thank you for understanding.

SUMMARY:
Wildcat Canyon Regional Park encompasses 2,427 acres along the Wildcat Creek watershed and the surrounding hills and ridges. The park extends from the Tilden Nature Area above the Berkeley hills in the south to historic Alvarado Park at the north end in Richmond.
https://www.ebparks.org/parks/wildcat/

HIKING DIRECTIONS:
Starting at Alvarado Staging Area, head northeast on Wildcat Creek Trail for 0.23 miles. Pass Bonita Trail on your left and continue straight on Wildcat Creek Trail for 0.21 miles. Pass Belgium Trail on your left and continue straight on Wildcat Creek Trail for 1.57 miles. Pass Mezue Trail on your left and continue straight for 0.10 miles. Pass Leonards Trail on your left and continue straight for 0.18 miles. Cross a creek and pass Rifle Range Road Trail on your right (0.04 miles), then take Havey Canyon Trail on your left for 1.50 miles. Turn left onto Nimitz Way (paved road) for 0.68 miles. Turn left onto San Pablo Ridge Trail for 0.07 miles, pass Mezue Trail on your left again, and continue straight/right on San Pablo Ridge Trail for 1.21 miles. Pass Green Ridge Trail on your right and continue for 0.15 miles. At the four-way intersection, continue straight onto Belgum Trail for 0.20 miles. Pass Monte Cresta Trail on your right and continue straight/left on Belgum Trail for 0.65 miles. Turn right back onto Wildcat Creek Trail for 0.21 miles, then pass Bonita Trail on your right and continue for 0.23 miles back to the trailhead.

PLEASE READ THE EVENT DESCRIPTION ABOVE BEFORE POSTING A MESSAGE.

WAIVER: For us to hold our large events at local parks, the local parks require us to carry insurance for our events. To participate in our events, please sign this waiver (required by our insurance underwriter) for each event. Please do so online prior to arriving (works on mobile):
https://www.sleeplateandhike.com/waiver-signing-form/

HIKING TIME: 3 hours
DISTANCE: 6.2 mi
ELEVATION GAIN: 1200 ft
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
RULES: No Dogs allowed.
FACILITIES: None.

RECOMMENDED MAP:
https://www.ebparks.org/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=24286

MEETING PLACE:
Parking at trailhead. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early to find parking, and walk to the trailhead.

• Please use the Google Maps link above to familiarize yourself with the trip and explore various route options from your home. Zoom in all the way.
• The GPS locations below and the map link above are accurate enough to find us by looking around with your eyes when you get there.

(Most Cars) GPS Degrees Minutes Seconds Format:
37°42'15.8"N 121°56'47.1"W
(Google Maps) GPS Degrees Decimal Format:
37.704391, -121.946429
https://goo.gl/maps/gJJRD3yNEDN2

Nearest Street Address:
11556 Bay Laurel Street, Dublin, CA
PARK ALONG SILVERGATE DRIVE. There is no parking lot, only street parking.

If you have the Waze app installed on your phone, click this link. It will open Waze and start navigating to the trailhead.
http://waze.to/?ll=37.704391,-121.946429&navigate=yes

• As always, it is good practice to confirm the night before that any app you use takes you to where you expect by comparing the destination with what is posted above on your PC/Mac
• Most street addresses provided are approximate, and may be up to a couple of miles from the hike location. Use GPS coordinates when driving, if possible.

CARPOOLING:
We will use this link for carpooling. Please sign up here.
https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/wvnsru

Please refrain from trying to negotiate your carpool in the comments, as it is equivalent to sending multiple "Reply All" emails to everyone. Please start your carpool quest, by first adding yourself to the carpool link above. Then, use the contact info provided by the driver or rider in the link above to contact them directly and privately.

SUMMARY:
Martin Canyon Creek Trail:
The Martin Canyon Creek Trail is one of Dublin's little known treasures. This improved trail follows Martin Canyon Creek for 0.89 miles and offers amazing views of the Tri-Valley and the canyons leading to the west. Large oaks and bay trees line the creek and trail and provide tranquil areas for respite.

Dublin Hills Regional Park:
This open space park, part of the East Bay Regional Park District, offers some of the best views found in the Tri-Valley, including the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. The Calaveras Ridge Trail begins near the Schaefer Ranch development in Dublin and soon delivers you to grass-land are as largely untouched since the 1800s.

Sunset is at about 5:55 pm. The park closes at 6:00 pm. I don't anticipate being out after dark, but it's good to be prepared. I always bring a headlamp or flashlight; don't rely on your phone.

HIKING DIRECTIONS:
→ The trailhead is located at the corner of Silvergate and Bay Laurel drives
→ Head west on Martin Canyon Creek Trail for 1.5 mi to arrive at Donlon Loop Trail
→ Continue straight for about 0.3 mi (bypass Donlon Loop on your left)
→ Turn right (north) onto Calaveras Ridge Trail for 0.33 miles to arrive at a junction, then stay to the right for 0.06 miles
→ Stay on Calaveras Ridge Regional Trail for 0.88 miles to reach the peak
→ Retrace your steps back to the trailhead (again bypassing Donlon Loop)

GPX LINK:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SN5tQ1XFd9sE5DEMkdr1jERCOSudzDWM

REFERENCES:
https://www.ebparks.org/parks/dublin_hills/default.htm

WAIVER:
Please sign the waiver form.
http://www.sleeplateandhike.com/waiver-signing-form/

PLEASE READ THE EVENT DESCRIPTION ABOVE BEFORE POSTING A MESSAGE.

SIGN WAIVER HERE: https://www.sleeplateandhike.com/waiver-signing-form/
For us to hold our large events at local parks, the local parks require us to carry insurance for our events. To participate in our events, please sign this waiver (required by our insurance underwriter) for each event. Please do so online prior to arriving (works on mobile)
CARPOOL REQUEST COMMENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED DUE TO THE LARGE SIZE OF THE GROUP. Please read below how to carpool.
Distance: 9.1 miles, loop.
Hiking Time: 4.5 hours
Elevation Gain/ Loss: ± 1,550 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Sleep Late and Hike Dog Policy: No Dogs Learn More
Please read our tutorial for hiking in the sun:
https://www.sleeplateandhike.com/tutorials/how-to-hike-in-the-sun/
Facilities:

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:

Google Maps Link:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zG3AgtsBYRgZC58u9

Please use the Google Maps link above to familiarize yourself with the trip and explore various route options from your home. Zoom in all the way.

NOTE: The GPS locations below and the map link above are accurate enough to find us by looking around with your eyes when you get there. Don't be shy, say "Hello" and introduce yourself when your get there.

(Most Cars) GPS Degrees Minutes Seconds Format:
37°16'36.5"N 122°17'13.9"W

(Google Maps) GPS Degrees Decimal Format:
37.2767932,-122.2886283

Recommended Map: Pescadero Creek Park (SMCP& R)

https://www.smcgov.org/parks/pescadero-creek-park

CARPOOLING:
We will use this link for carpooling:

https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/n03vhw

Please sign up here.

CARPOOLING MANNERS:
Please refrain from trying to negotiate your carpool in the comments, as it is equivalent to sending multiple "Reply All" emails to everyone.
Please start your carpool quest, by first adding yourself to the carpool link above.
Then, use the contact info provided by the driver or rider in the link above to contact them directly and privately.
Please be considerate of others and resist the urge to "Reply All".
Thank you for understanding.
HIGHLIGHTS

This extended trek uses the Old Haul Road and Pomponio trails, along with the Brook Trail Loop and the Towne Fire Road, to climb from redwood-lined Pescadero Creek to a high ridge of grasses and coastal scrub that borders Sam McDonald Park. This route requires two crossings of Pescadero Creek.

DIRECTIONS:

Take the Old Haul Road Trail past a metal gate and over a bridge that spans Hoffman Creek, a tributary of Pescadero Creek. Picnic tables and an information board, with an enlarged map of the park, are left. The dirt road follows a rolling course through a forest of coast redwood, where the silence may be broken by the drumming of a pileated woodpecker , and the dense shade pierced by shafts of sunlight. As its name implies, the Old Haul Road trail traces the route of a narrow-gauge railroad once used to haul logs to mills in the Santa Cruz Mountains. After a road joins sharply from the right, you curve left and descend to a junction with the Pomponio Trail, which you will use later. At the next junction, you turn left on the Towne Fire Road, signed for Shaw Flat trail camp. The road descends, makes a sweeping right-hand bend, and reaches Pescadero Creek, which you cross on a bridge. Pescadero Creek has a run of steelhead trout, federally listed as a threatened species. Climbing out of the creek canyon at about 2 miles, you pass a road, right, to Shaw Flat trail camp and emerge from dense forest. Where the Jones Gulch Trail angles left, you stay on the Towne Fire Road and climb steeply, but briefly, to meet the Pomponio Trail, a single track gated to block horses during wet weather . Turn left and go about 100 feet to a fork, then veer right on the Brook Trail Loop, also a single track. Climbing via switchbacks, you merge briefly with a dirt road, then turn left to cross the Towne Fire Road. Neck-craning redwoods tower overhead. The fire road follows a ridge , and once on its other side, you make a long traverse across a hillside that drops right, to Parke Gulch. Giant redwood stumps stand as mute testimony to the loggers’ Herculean efforts, while the surrounding forest counsels the wisdom of preserving open space. Where the Bear Ridge Trail goes right, you stay on the Brook Trail Loop by turning sharply left. At about 4 miles, you cross the Towne Fire Road and continue on the Brook Trail Loop. Now the drop, extremely steep, is to your left. With a view of the Pacific Ocean, you cross a sun-drenched hillside of coastal scrub, passing a rest bench beneath a Douglas-fir. Crossing a dirt road (not shown on the park map), you reach an open slope and then a corridor of coyote brush, beyond which is a junction. To visit the Sierra Club hut, turn right, cross the Towne Fire Road, then angle right on a short trail that climbs through forest. Otherwise, go straight to the next junction , signed for the Pomponio Trail, the Old Haul Road Trail, and the Memorial Ranger Station. Here you bear left. A rolling course takes you past a seasonal horse gate , and then switchbacks aid your descent to Towne Creek and the redwood realm, where some of the most magnificent trees in the Bay Area stand guard over their young. At about 7 miles, you turn left, cross the creek via a bridge, and then turn right and walk downstream. Soon you merge with a dirt road joining sharply from the left. Ahead you meet another road at the apex of a hairpin turn. Turn right, go about 100 yards, and then turn left to stay on the Brook Trail Loop. Beyond a seasonal horse gate, you turn left to cross a bridge over Jones Gulch.

The Joy of Trees: Joining the redwoods in this park are Douglas-firs, interior live oaks, tanbark oaks, madrones, hazelnut, blue blossom, and evergreen huckleberry. Coast live oak, California bay, creambush, and gooseberry grow at the park’s higher elevations. About 75 feet past the bridge, you swing right on the Pomponio Trail. The single track rises gently and passes the Jones Gulch Trail, right. A steady gain of elevation leads you through a forest of Douglas-fir, California bay, tanbark oak, and toyon . Beyond the next seasonal horse gate, you reach a dirt road (not shown on the park map), and angle across it. Now descend to a T-junction with a dirt road, and stay on the Pomponio Trail by turning right. Crossing Worley Flat, a gorgeous meadow, you arrive a the next junction, also a T, and turn left on a dirt road. When you reach Pescadero Creek, cross it via a bridge. Then climb to the Old Haul Road Trail , turn right, and retrace your route to the parking area.

Content from: Weintraub, David (2004-09-29). Afoot and Afield: San Francisco Bay Area: A Comprehensive Hiking Guide
PLEASE READ THE EVENT DESCRIPTION ABOVE BEFORE POSTING A MESSAGE.