Look for nuthatch, creeper, chickadees, woodpeckers, wrens and warblers. Late September, October is the height of the autumn songbird migration.  For flowers, take the Benstein trail from the Rock Spring area to look for the lovely calypso orchid in late March or April.

The following directions are minimal and should not be attempted without a map unless you are familiar with the trails. The time given for each hike is average. Strong hikers will complete the route in less time. Over-the-ankle hiking boots are advised.

Old Mine - Old Stage Coach - Easy Grade to Mountain Theater - short connector to Rock Spring.
Distance 2.0 miles.
Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Cross the highway to pick up Old Mine Trail, which climbs for a short distance.  As you progress down the trail, note the tremendous views in all directions at several locations.  The trail enters a mixed forest for the last half of this leg. Take a left up the paved Old Stage Coach Road and another left in a short distance up Easy Grade. This is a moderate climb of nearly 500 feet to the Mountain Theater. A short rest here to view this beautiful facility will be well worth your time. Climb to the top of the theater on the left (west) side and turn left down the hard surfaced road. Cross Ridgecrest Blvd and follow the trail back to Rock Spring.

Cataract - Simmons - Mickey O'Brien - Cataract.
Distance 3.2 miles.
Time: 2 hours.

Walk down the Cataract Trail and after a very short distance turn right on the Benstein Trail. After about 200 yards, turn left on the signed Simmons Trail. This trail begins in the open, enters a wooded area, and then crosses a wooden bridge. Turn left and after a short climb, the trail enters another open area followed by a moderately steep climb in rocky serpentine, changing to wooded again at the crest. Continue on the trail to Barth's Retreat and follow the well-marked Mickey O'Brien Trail to your left. Here you will descend in a heavily wooded area following a stream on your right. The trail levels when you reach Cataract Trail. Turn left to return to Rock Spring, or for a delightful side trap, turn right and go to the Laurel Dell picnic area. Walk through the picnic area and down the trail for a short distance and you will see Cataract Creek as it tumbles down to Alpine Lake, a spectacular sight during the winter and spring. Retrace your steps up Cataract to Rock Spring.

Connector to Mountain Theater - Rock Spring - Nora - Matt Davis - Old Mine.
Distance: 5.0 miles.
Time: 3 hours.

Take the connector trail to the north of the trees at Rock Spring to the Mountain Theater. Follow along the upper tier of seats to join the Rock Spring-West Point Trail.  You will have excellent views to the south through much of this leg. At West Point lnn relax for a few minutes before continuing on the Nora Trail which you will join in the middle of the lower picnic area. Turn right at the signed Matt Davis Trail. There are several good view areas on this leg. When you reach Bootjack picnic and parking area, follow the trail above the restrooms. The trail joins the paved Old Stage Road shortly before reaching the Pantoll Ranger Station. Turn right on the road and then left up the signed Old Mine Trail. The trail climbs through mixed woodland before it opens up for spectacular views to the south and west. Rock Spring parking lot will be clearly visible when you crest on the trail.

Old Mine - Matt Davis - Coastal - Willow Creek Fire Road or Trail - Laurel Dell Fire Road - Cataract.
Distance: 6.0 miles.
Time: 3-4 hours.

Cross Ridgecrest Blvd. to pick up Old Mine Trail. Initially, you will be walking in an open area while climbing. As you start down you will enjoy spectacular views in all directions. The lower half of this trail is mixed woodland. Turn right at the paved Old Stage Road and right again on the Matt Davis Trail. Cross the paved highway and follow the Matt Davis Trail. You will be hiking initially in a woodland area changing to open after about 1 mile. Bear right at the signed Coastal Trail. For the next 2 plus miles you will be in open hillside with great views of StinsonBeach , Bolinas and Point Reyes. Turn right at the Willow Creek Fire Road and follow the parallel trail to Ridgecrest Blvd. Cross the boulevard and follow the fire road to Cataract Trail. Turn right and follow Cataract to return to Rock Spring.