South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group

This hike is a loop starts from Muir Beach to Tennessee Valley. Optional beer and food afterward at Pelican Inn at 10 Pacific Way, Muir Beach, CA 94965. (415) 383-6000 http://www.pelicaninn.com/

Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous
Distance: between 8-9 miles
Elevation: about 1700 ft

Hike Description:
Note we will be doing below in reverse to avoid that really steep climb which everyone hates.

We will start at the trail head behind the restrooms at Muir Beach and go on to Coastal Trail heading toward Tennessee Valley (but we are not going there). Coastal trail hugs the shoreline ridge with postcard perfect views of the Pacific shore, especially on clear days (cool on a foggy day too). The trail is at time rocky with some steep ups and downs and even some stairs. Since we will hiking by the coast, it can get windy and chilly. We will take a short break at Tennessee Cove. Then we will head back to Muir Beach via Fox trail (very steep) and then to Green Gulch Trail through the Green Gulch Zen Center back the Muir Beach parking lot.

Optional food and beer after hike at the Pelican Inn, which is about 5 min walk from the parking lot. If you are not interested in what they offer on the menu ( http://www.pelicaninn.com/food/ ), you can enjoy a beer or a hot cocoa or your own food at the lawn in front of the Inn. Please plan carpool arrangement accordingly.

Boots required, layered clothing, bring lots of water, lunch, and hat. Poles (for hiking) recommended.

Carpool Details: Suggestion only, if someone has a better location, please offer. Meet at the park and ride lot located at the corner of Arastradero Road and Page Mill (at the Page Mill exit from 280).

Directions to Meeting Point: From US 101 in Marin County, exit Mill Valley/Stinson Beach. Drive north about 1 mile, then turn left at the light (at the junction with Acro gas station) to stay on Shoreline. Drive about 16 min or 6 miles following the road to Pelican Inn and turn right onto Pacific Way which leads to the Muir Beach parking lot.

There are bathrooms at trail head at Muir Beach and also at Tennessee Cove.

Disclaimer: The South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release the South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers from any responsibility, liability, or claim in law or in equity. If you don't agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup event. The South Bay Ramblers does not certify the expertise of its event organizers - we are all volunteers. You are responsible for yourself. Please come prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, gear and water.

Difficulty: Strenuous

Distance: 9.6 miles / approx. 5 - 6 hours

Elevation:: Approx. 1,900 feet total elevation gain

About the park: Rising almost 2,000 feet above the beaches of Pacifica, here is where the sun often breaks through the clouds. Even when the sun continues to hide, there’s still a chance that by the time we hike to the summit we'll be hiking above the clouds. Montara Mountain (also called McNee Ranch) is part of Montara State Beach.

Hike Description: Elevation gain is about 1,900 ft, but the views are spectacular! The total hike will be 9.6 miles and is an out and back hike. There is an extended section of the trail that is steep. A walking stick (or two) is useful for going back down this steep section.

Directions to Trail Head: Take 280 North to Highway 92 towards Half Moon Bay, then take Highway 1 North. The parking lot is on the right-hand (east) side of Highway 1 about 8.8 miles north of Highway 92. The trail head is at the south end of the parking lot.

Note: there is a small parking area on the right about 8 miles north of Highway 92. This smaller parking area is a dirt pull-out that can handle about six cars and it also has a Montara State Beach sign - don't park in this small lot. Drive past this small parking area, and park and meet in the larger parking lot about 7/10 mile further north on the right-hand side of Hwy 1.

Bathroom: There are two outhouses in the parking lot - sometimes they're pretty nasty to use and sometimes they are fine to use, you take your chances.

Disclaimer: The South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release the South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers from any responsibility, liability, or claim in law or in equity. If you don't agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup event. The South Bay Ramblers does not certify the expertise of its event organizers - we are all volunteers. You are responsible for yourself. Please come prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, gear and water.