May
hikes
Always bring lunch and water. Consider layered clothing, sunscreen and hiking poles.
Canine hikers should also bring leashes, litter bags, and water for their dogs.
May 1 Thu 1A hike
Blackie's Pasture. Two very easy hikes from Blackie's Pasture to Tiburon and back, stopping at a yummy bakery with a fabulous San Francisco view. Back by 1 pm or sunset. Meet: 9:30 am or 6 pm at Blackie's Pasture on Tiburon Boulevard.
Richard Watson (415)461-9255 or rgwatson[at]pacbell.net
Cosponsored by Marin Group
May 3 Sat 1B hike
Spectacular Table Rock. A short but steep hike to rocky cliffs. Moderate-to-leisurely pace. Return to trailhead by 5 pm. Optional post-hike dinner and spa. Rain cancels. Bring: extra water (if hot day); swimsuit and towel for spa; and $ for optional post-hike dinner. Meet: 11:30 am at parking lot in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. Directions: dirt parking lots for the park are located at crest of Highway 29 north of Calistoga on both sides of road. Carpooling: leader at Rockridge BART at 9:15 am. Cost: $10 for spa.
Guy Mayes (510)522-1590
May 3 Sat 2B hike
San Bruno Mountain. Explore San Bruno Mountain with San Bruno Mountain Watch, a group dedicated to protecting the Mountain and its rare plants and endangered Mission Blue, Elfin, and Silverspot butterflies. Bring: wind/ sun protection. Wear sturdy shoes and long pants. Meet: 10 am at the San Bruno Mountain Watch office, 44 Visitacion Avenue, Brisbane. Directions: drivers take Bayshore Boulevard to Old County Road, main entrance to Brisbane. Pass city park, and go straight up Visitacion. Or take #292 SamTrans bus, departing 9:12 from Transbay Terminal; five minute walk to meeting place. Call SamTrans at (800)660-4287 for northbound bus information. Cost: $2 voluntary donation; no one turned away.
David Schooley and Ken McIntire (415)467-6631 or sanbruno[at]mountainwatch.org
May 3 Sat 2B hike
Black Mountain. A special hike into Black Mountain, a private ranch protected by the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (www.MALT.org). Not open to the public, Black Mountain is one of the largest properties protected by a MALT agricultural conservation easement. The spectacular lands that we view from the top of the mountain are a valuable resource, providing not only food for the body, but food for the soul as well. Meet: 9:30 am at Fairfax Parkade (across from Fairfax Theater) for carpools.
Richard Watson (415)461-9255 or rgwatson[at]pacbell.net
Cosponsored by Marin Group
May 4 Sun 2B hike
Golden Gate Bridge - Marin Headlands. The Bridge and the Headlands with panoramic views everywhere. Over the Bridge to the Coastal Trail, east along the SCA trail above Sausalito, along Morning Sun - Alta trail to: maybe Gerbode Valley's Bobcat Trail, or down to Sausalito and waterfront return. 8 to 10 miles at a moderate pace. Drizzle OK, rain cancels. Back 5 pm-ish. Optional post hike dinner/beverages. Bring: Layers, lunch, snacks, water and sunscreen. Meet: 10:30 am at Battery East parking lot, first dirt lot EAST of the Bridge on the San Francisco side.
Jim Spalding (415)337-6799 or cpaspaldg[at]aol.com
May 4 Sun 2B hike
Mount Wittenberg. A great, moderately paced hike to Mount Wittenberg, the highest peak on Point Reyes. Great views from the Baldy and Sky trails. Bring lunch and liquids to share. Back by 5 pm. Meet: 9:30 am at Fairfax Parkade (opposite Fairfax Theater) for carpools.
Richard Watson (415)461-9255 or rgwatson[at]pacbell.net
Cosponsored by Marin Group
May 4 Sun 2B hike
Oakland Hills, Dimond Canyon, Joaquin Miller Park. Enjoy wilderness in the middle of Oakland. Redwoods and ferns along pretty streams. Potluck gourmet chocolate bar tasting at lunch. Meet: 10 am at Dimond Park entrance, north of Fruitvale and MacArthur Boulevard. AC Transit bus 53.
Richard Bullock (415)986-8977 or richardbullock[at]yahoo.com
May 4 Sun 3C hike
Big Rock Ridge and Loma Alta. Hike from Big Rock up to Big Rock Ridge, which is one of Marin's highest summits, to enjoy the views of Lucas Valley. Head back down to climb up Loma Alta on the opposite side of Lucas Valley. Splendid views all around us on this strenuous hike. Total miles are around 13, and the elevation gain is around 2800 feet. The pace is moderate-to-brisk, and rain cancels. Meet: 9 am at Big Rock parking area. Directions: go west on Lucas Valley Road off of Highway 101 about six miles to Big Rock parking area.
Thomas Post (415)391-2409 or tpost123[at]hotmail.com
Cosponsored by Marin Group
May 4 Sun 3C hike
Fairfax loop. A beautiful hike on the north side of Mount Tamalpais at a moderate-to-brisk pace. Return by 4:30 pm. Meet: 9:15 am at Fairfax Parkade (across from Fairfax Theater). Directions: take the #23 Golden Gate Transit bus from San Anselmo.
Brian Chan (415)861-8956
May 7 Wed 3C hike
Mythological hike. Trailhead to be determined. Possibilities include the Gates of Valhalla, the River Styx, the Sea of Tranquility, or Olympus Mons. Email your preference to the leader. Meet: call or email leader for time and meeting place. Cost: 1 drachma.
Pete Sager (415)472-1275 or pjsager[at]sbcglobal.net
May 8 Thu 1A hike
Ring Mountain. Two easy hikes with outstanding 360 degree views, unique rocks, flowers and Indian petroglyphs. Back by 12:30 pm or sunset. Meet: 9:30 am or 6 pm at the Ring Mountain trailhead on Paradise Drive, one mile east of the Corte Madera exit from Highway 101. Roadside parking.
Richard Watson (415)461-9255 or rgwatson[at]pacbell.net
Cosponsored by Marin Group
May 8 Thu 2B hike
Martinez. Join us for an historic tour of downtown and a scenic hike in the Martinez hills. Meet: 10 am in front of the AmTrak train station on Marina Vista.
Ron Ucovich (510)782-0620 or ronucovich[at]sbcglobal.net
May 10 Sat 1A hike
Carson Valley Falls. A slow-paced 4.5 mile hike to see three waterfalls in one stream. A redwood bridge at the top of the falls and a rock staircase near the upper falls. Heavy rain cancels. Hike ends 4:30 pm. Meet: 10 am at Fairfax (opposite Fairfax Theatre).
Ron Moore (510)465-5194
May 10 Sat 2B hike
Drake's Estero. My favorite hike - a moderately paced and a most charming tour of beautiful Drake's Estero area on Point Reyes. Back by 5 pm. Meet: 9:30 am at Fairfax Parkade (opposite Fairfax Theater) for carpools.
Richard Watson (415)461-9255 or rgwatson[at]pacbell.net
Cosponsored by Marin Group
May 10 Sat 3C hike
Zen Center and Muir Beach. Hike from Tennessee Valley up the Miwok Trail. Pass by Hope Cottage and hike through Green Gulch Farm to enjoy the gardens at the Zen Center. Climb to Muir Beach Overlook to enjoy spectacular views. Lunch at Muir Beach. Return by the Coastal Trail to Wolf Ridge and Hill 88, then down Old Springs Trail to Miwok Stables. 13 miles +3000'. Return by 4:30 pm. Shorter option returns by 3 pm. Rain cancels. Meet: Depart Tennessee Valley by the stables 9 am sharp. Directions: from Highway 101 exit Highway 1-Muir Woods-Stinson Beach. Turn left on Tennessee Valley Road to end of road. Pit toilet and no water at trailhead.
Brad and Katy Christie (510)402-8092 or adventure[at]bradchristie.com(preferred)
May 11 Sun 2B hike
Scenic Annadel State Park ramble. Hike up some steep moderate and steep trails and fire roads, some shared with bicycles and equestrians, through open oak and pine woodlands, to benches with scenic views for lunch on the plateau in Sonoma. Heavy rain cancels. Meet: 8:30 am in fenced Park-n-Ride lot on northeast portion of Hwy 101 - Atherton Ave. interchange in Novato for 45 minute carpools to Sonoma trail head. Directions: exit Highway 101 at Atherton Ave./San Marin Drive in Novato. Go one block east on Atherton, left on Binford (frontage) Road, and left at second opening. Cost: about $5 per car.
Richard Riopelle (415)925-1816 or richard_riopelle[at]hotmail.com
Cosponsored by Marin Group
May 11 Sun 3D hike
Double traverse of the Dipsea Trail. The Dipsea Trail is an historic route between Mill Valley and Stinson Beach over the flanks of Mt. Tamalpais. The trail is about 7.1 miles long, and it traverses some incredible terrain. There is about 2,200 feet of vertical ascent and descent on the route as well as many, many stair steps! We will be doing an out-and-back from Mill Valley, down to Stinson Beach, and back for a total of 14.2 miles and 4,400 feet of climb and descent. Meet: 10 am at Old Mill Park downtown Mill Valley.
Richard Bullock (415)986-8977 or richardbullock[at]yahoo.com
May 14 Wed 2B hike
An adventurous romp. A moderately paced hike (possibly on the short side) to beautiful, less-traveled places, and sure to include some rugged terrain. Meet: 9:30 am at Fairfax Parkade (opposite Fairfax Theater).
Judy Hall (415)457-8730
May 14 Wed 3B hike
Mount Tamalpais. A moderately paced hike on southside trails. Meet: 9 am at Miller and Locust in Mill Valley (at the bus stop).
Milt Hagedorn (415)388-1625
May 14 Wed 3C hike
Southside trails. We'll look for shaded views on southside trails. Meet: 8:45 am at Miller and Locust in Mill Valley (at the bus stop).
Ruth Tretbar (510)836-0108 or rtretbar[at]yahoo.com
May 15 Thu 2A hike
Deer Park. Two moderate and beautiful hikes from Deer Park towards Phoenix Lake. Back by 1:30 pm or sunset. Bring: a small snack. Meet: 9:30 am or 5:45pm at Fairfax Parkade (opposite Fairfax Theater) for carpools.
Richard Watson (415)461-9255 or rgwatson[at]pacbell.net
Cosponsored by Marin Group
May 16 Fri 1A hike
Night picnic on Ring Mountain. An easy 1A hike and potluck dinner on top of Ring Mountain in Tiburon. Hike to the top - with 360 degree views - and share the food and drink for SIX HIKERS that you have carried up the hill. Sunset 7:45 pm; bring warm clothes. FLASHLIGHT IS A MUST. Meet: 5:45 pm at the Ring Mountain trailhead on Paradise Drive, one mile east of the Corte Madera exit from Highway 101. Roadside parking.
Richard Watson (415)461-9255 or rgwatson[at]pacbell.net
Cosponsored by Marin Group
May 17 Sat 2A hike
Alviso. Join us for a leisurely tour of a tidelands bird sanctuary and an interesting walk through historic Alviso. Bring: Bring food to share at potluck lunch. Meet: 10 am at the Interpretive Center of the Don Edwards Preserve. Directions: from highway 237, exit and go north on First Street toward the bay. Turn right on Grand, and when the road curves to the right, you will continue straight ahead following the signs to Don Edwards Preserve. Park at the Interpretive Center.
Ron Ucovich (510)782-0620 or ronucovich[at]sbcglobal.net
May 17 Sat 2B hike
Ohlone (Siplichiquin) Village Sites. A visit to Indian shellmounds: life-in-place along the Bayside ridges with San Bruno Mountain Watch. A hike through 5000 years of human presence and the intricate balance of the original San Francisco Bay people; native plants to crystals to grizzly bears. Bring: wind/ sun protection. Wear sturdy shoes and long pants. Meet: 10 am at the San Bruno Mountain Watch office, 44 Visitacion Avenue, Brisbane. Directions: drivers take Bayshore Boulevard to Old County Road, main entrance to Brisbane. Pass city park, and go straight up Visitacion. Or take #292 SamTrans bus, departing 9:12 from Transbay Terminal; five minute walk to meeting place. Call SamTrans at (800)660-4287 for northbound bus information. Cost: $2 voluntary donation; no one turned away.
David Schooley and Ken McIntire (415)467-6631 or sanbruno[at]mountainwatch.org
May 17 Sat 2B hike
Southside Mt. Tam trails. A slow-paced hike on southside trails co-sponsored with the California Alpine Club. Meet: 9:45 am at Mountain Home on Panoramic Highway.
Marion Hazzard (415)661-6876
May 17 Sat 3C hike
Mount Tamalpais. A moderately paced hike on northside trails. Meet: 9 am at Fairfax Parkade (opposite Fairfax Theater).
Pao Chen (510)237-7570 or paoc945[at]yahoo.com
May 18 Sun 3B hike
San Francisco historical walk. New coastal trails, Presidio cemetery, sand dunes, Mount Davidson, Sunnyside Conservatory, Glen Canyon. Bring: lunch, hat, water, windbreaker, hiking boots. Meet: 9:30 am at the Glen Park BART station, Diamond and Bosworth. Carpooling: 10 am to Presidio Golf course parking lot on Arguello and Lake. Optional dinner at La Petite Laurent at Glen Park at 5 pm.
Ken Hoegger (415)586-9352 or khoegger[at]pacbell.net
May 18 Sun 3C hike
Coast to sky. Hike from the Point Reyes Hostel down the Coast trail to have lunch at Kelham Beach. Travel back to the trailhead via the Sky and Fire Lane trail. Enjoy serene forests and spectacular ocean views all around us on this strenuous hike.Total miles are around 15 and the pace is moderate to brisk. Rain cancels. Meet: 9 am Fairfax Parkade (across from Fairfax Theater).
Thomas Post (415)391-2409 or tpost123[at]hotmail.com
Cosponsored by Marin Group
May 21 Wed 3B hike
Olema Valley. An almost annual ridge-to-ridge circuit. Meet: 9:30 am at Fairfax Parkade (opposite Fairfax Theater).
Jack Leibman (415)674-4370 or jcklbn[at]comcast.net
May 21 Wed 3C hike
Mount Tamalpais jaunt. We'll wander around the mountain and environs, the route determined by weather and mood. Bring: two quarts of water. Meet: 9 am at Mountain Home on Panoramic Highway.
Edward Naritomi (415)221-5427 or ekn_43[at]yahoo.com
May 22 Thu 1A hike
Devil's Gulch. Two easy hikes to Devil's Gulch in Samuel Taylor State Park. Back by 1:30 pm or sunset. Meet: 9:30 am or 6 pm at Fairfax Parkade (across from Fairfax Theater) for carpools.
Richard Watson (415)461-9255 or rgwatson[at]pacbell.net
Cosponsored by Marin Group
May 22 Thu 2A hike
Crockett. A hike full of history and panoramic vistas of the Carquinez Straits. Bring: food to share at our potluck lunch. Meet: 10 am in front of the old train station in front of the C&H Sugar Refinery on Loring Avenue.
Ron Ucovich (510)782-0620 or ronucovich[at]sbcglobal.net
May 23 Fri 2B hike
Muir Woods. We'll hike on the leader's favorite trails with a steady (slower uphill) moderate pace. Rain may shorten, but not cancel. Return 2-3 pm. Meet: 9 am at Miller and Locust in Mill Valley (at the bus stop).
Sandra Zwemmer (925)370-1830
May 24 Sat Mini hike
Roy's Redwoods. Largest stand outside Muir Woods. Second growth redwoods, large meadow and hillside trail with bridges. 3 miles. Hike ends 4:30 pm. Meet: 1 pm at Fairfax (opposite Fairfax Theatre).
Ron Moore (510)465-5194
May 24 Sat 1A canine hike
Shell Ridge canine hike. Barry and Fanny lead this canine hike on knife-edged ridges and open grassland. Meet: 10 am at the end of Marshall Drive in Walnut Creek. Directions: take Ygnacio Valley Road to Homestead Avenue to Marshall Drive.
Barry Lipsky (510)527-7031 or barrylipsky[at]yahoo.com
May 25 Sun 2A hike
Colma cemetery walk. An historical walk through many cemeteries of Colma, the "City of Souls." This walk is Part 1. Part 2 is in Oct-Nov. Nowhere to buy lunch, so bring lunch. Moderate-to-leisurely pace, but walk takes all day and returns to Colma BART about 5:30 pm. Optional post-walk dinner at local restaurant. Rain cancels. Bring: $ for optional post-hike dinner. Meet: 10 am at Colma BART Station near station agent's office. Directions: take Eastmoor exit off Highway 280 and follow signs to BART.
Guy Mayes and Gloria Navarra (510)522-1590
May 25 Sun 2B hike
Angel Island hike and picnic. A moderate hike over and around Angel Island with a potluck beach picnic. Spectacular views of all the Bay. We go to the top of Mount Livermore, and then have lunch on the beach. Bring a great potluck dish for six hikers to share. Back by 4 pm. Meet: 9:45 am at the Angel Island ferry dock in Tiburon. Cost: Angel Island Ferry $13.50.
Richard Watson (415)461-9255 or rgwatson[at]pacbell.net
Cosponsored by Marin Group
May 28 Wed 2B hike
Mount Tamalpais. A moderately paced hike on Tam's trails. Back by 3 pm. Meet: 9:30 am at Miller and Locust in Mill Valley (at the bus stop).
Don and Donna Rice (415)552-6087 or dndrices[at]yahoo.com
May 28 Wed 3B hike
An adventurous romp. A moderately paced hike (possibly on the short side) to beautiful, less-traveled places, and sure to include some rugged terrain. Meet: 9:30 am at Fairfax Parkade (opposite Fairfax Theater).
Judy Hall (415)457-8730
May 29 Thu 1A hike
Ocean View Trail. Two moderate hikes from Rock Spring to the top of Cataract Falls with a continuous view of the ocean and Stinson Beach. Return by 1:30 pm or sunset. Meet: 9:30 am or 5:45 pm at Miller and Locust in Mill Valley (at the bus stop).
Richard Watson (415)461-9255 or rgwatson[at]pacbell.net
Cosponsored by Marin Group
May 31 Sat 1A canine hike
Wildcat Canyon canine hike. Barry and Tamela lead this canine hike along Wildcat Creek. Meet: 11 am at Thors Bay Road and Arlington Boulevard in El Cerrito.
Barry Lipsky (510)527-7031 or barrylipsky[at]yahoo.com
May 31 Sat 3C hike
A Day on Mount Tamalpais. Hike up, down and around our favorite mountain. Moderate pace. Meet: 9:15 am at Old Mill Park, Throckmorton and Cascade in Mill Valley. Carpooling: transit accessible via 7:46 GGT #80 bus from San Francisco 1st and Mission, transferring to 8:39 #17/Strawberry bus at Marin City.
Bob Solotar (510)525-2110 or bob_solotar[at]hotmail.com