Marin Headlands - Tennessee Valley

This hike is a loop starts from Muir Beach toward Tennessee Valley but not getting there and return via Coastal Trail.

Optional beer and food afterward at Pelican Inn at 10 Pacific Way, Muir Beach, CA 94965. (415) 383-6000 http://www.pelicaninn.com/

Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: between 8-9.5 miles
Elevation: about 1700 to 1800 ft

Hike Description:
We will start at the trail head behind the restrooms at Muir Beach and go through the Green Gulch Zen Center (need to be quiet) to either mid green gulch trail (little shorter) or green gulch trail to Fox Trail (steep downhill) to Tennessee Valley Trail to our break point at Tennessee Cove. Then we head back to connect to Coastal Trail back to the parking lot. 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.

Optional food and beer after hike at the Pelican Inn, which is about 5 min walk from the parking lot. Recommend not to move car if you decide to reward yourself a beer at the pub as parking gets crowded. 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.