Mount Tamalpais State Park Saturday Organized Hike Schedule

These hikes are moderately paced, approximately 5 to 7 miles over uneven terrain, and may have up to a 1500' elevation gain. These hikes are NOT accessible for everyone. Meet at 10AM sharp at the trailhead location indicated. The hikes depart on time. In the summer months pack at least three bottles of drinking water and a light lunch. If you haven't been hiking lately, we recommend starting with an Easy Sunday hike.

Please note all hikes are led by MTIA (Mt. Tamalpais Interpretive Association) volunteer hike leaders. Due to traffic conditions the morning of the hike, or a last minute illness of the hike leader, hikes can be cancelled at the last minute. All hikes are scheduled to begin at 10 am from the trailheads listed below. Please be on time.

In the event that the designated leader is not at the trailhead listed, it is recommended hikers seek advice at the Pantoll Ranger Station Information Kiosk or the East Peak Visitor Center where trail maps can also be purchased or seen on displays. Of course, you are advised to periodically check this web site for some last minute hike schedule changes, as they are received.  You can also call the MTIA Hike Info phone for a recorded message that may contain last minute information on changes to hike scheduling at 415-258-2410.  But please check this web site first for any changes.

For detailed information on what to bring and be aware of, especially for your first hike on Mt. Tam, see the "Helpful Hiking Tips", section of this web site.

For the latest West Marin bus schedule, call the Marin Stage Coach at 415-526-3239 or go to http://www.marintransit.org/stage.html

Click here for a map for Trailheads and directions.

When there is no hike scheduled please check both mttam.net, (hike schedule pages), and call 415-258-2410, there is always the  possibility of a last minute, scheduled Hike Leader.

 *Exploratory Hikes will visit lesser used connectors & trails, providing expanded Loop planning possibilities.

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Special New Year's Day Hike and Refereshments: Rock Spring Tuesday January 1, 2013

*Special Hike New Years Day - (Many of the hiking groups in the Bay Area have a tradition of hiking to East Peak on New Years Day).We'll meet at Rock Spring at 10:00 am, New Years day morning. Choose from several hikes; an easier, moderate or faster paced moderate hike, as we hike up to East Peak to share refreshments and treats at the replica RR Barn. (Only heavy rain cancels.)

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** Saturday's, March 9th Hike, will meet at Mtn.Home Inn TH., at 12:30 pm. MTIA's Annual Meeting takes place today (9:00 am to Noon) at  the Alpine Club, 730 Panoramic Highway. Coffee & bagels served at 9:00, come learn more about MTIA's work and  future plans.

*** Todays Sat., March 16th hike will meet at Whitegate Ranch Trailhead. For detailed directions:
Go to mttam.net, click Hiking, click, "Hike Meeting Locations/Trailheads/Parking". Today's theme was requested by the Marin History Museum in keeping with their perspective about Dorothea Lange, the famous depression era WPA Photographer, who spent many summers  living and vacationing with her family at Steep Ravine Cabins.

Due to limited parking at many trailheads, please carpool or use bus service on weekends and holidays whenever possible.

During rainy season, does rain cancel? The hike leader will be at the trailhead and make that decision based on the present conditions and the weather forecast. Sometimes during inclement weather the official hike is canceled and an alternate unofficial hike is offered instead. Or the group just decides to go have breakfast. Good reason to carry, share your # and use your cell phone, so you can ask or be informed during changing conditions.

The latest Fire Closure information can be obtained by calling the Marin County Fire Dept. recording 415-499-7191. In the event of a Mt. Tamalpais Fire Closure, all hikes from Trojan Point, Bootjack, Laurel Dell, Rock Spring and East Peak trailheads will instead start from the Pantoll Ranger Station parking lot.

In case of emergency, please call 911.

Important Safety Information

If the Upper Mountain is Closed Due to Fire Danger:
Hikes from Bootjack, Laurel Dell, Rock Spring, Trojan Point and East Peak will start Pantoll and will stay below Panoramic Highway.

Prepare for Summer Heat:
It gets very hot out there in July & August. If you are on medication it can intensify the heats affects. Always wear a full coverage hat. Do not drink coffee that morning. Stay very relaxed, look for shade and take it easy!

Footwear:
Sneakers, Tennis Shoes, Sandals and Running Shoes are definitely not recommended for Mt.Tam hiking, due to the steep, extremely rocky and root covered trails. Sturdy, hard soled, mid to high cut Hiking Boots are needed.

Hike Info Phone, or if  the Hike Leader is Sick:
Call 415-258-2410 to hear our taped message about upcoming hikes. Due to a last minute illness of a Hike Leader, or due to unpredictable road or traffic conditions, or not being able to find a replacement Leader, a Hike Leader may not be able to make it to the hike. In that case, hikers are advised to seek information at Pantoll Kiosk.