(DATE CHANGED TO SUNDAY) EASY MT. TAM HIKE: 2 LAKES & A KNOB

(DATE CHANGED TO SUNDAY) EASY MT. TAM HIKE: 2 LAKES & A KNOB

Hike Date:  Sunday, March 3, 2024
(If the forecast for rain persists this hike may be moved to Sunday, March 3)

Leader:  Gary Weiss

Leader Email:  gary@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone:  415-279-5570

SF Meeting Time:  9:00 AM, departing shortly afterwards;
Rockridge Meeting Time: 9:10 AM, departing shortly afterwards.

FOR THOSE NEEDING OR OFFERING TO CARPOOL, I'LL CONTACT YOU BY EMAIL LATE THURSDAY OR EARLY FRIDAY AT THE LATEST.

Rating: Level 2.5

Mileage:  7.25 miles

Elevation Gain: 650'

Description:  Our good Hamburgian friend, Alfons will be gracing us with his presence at this time, and requested "easier" hikes.  This one is easier than most, but also spectacularly beautiful, especially if the weather cooperates.
We'll start from the Bon Tempe Dam parking lot.  After crossing the dam we'll take Shadyside Trail over to Lake Lagunitas, walk halfway around that lake before climbing to the top of Pilot Knob for lunch - one of the best view spots in the Bay Area.  From there we'll walk along Pumpkin Ridge, eventually getting to the Sunnyside (clever, those trail namers!) Trail which we'll take back to our starting point.  The climb to the peak of Pilot Knob is 1/10 mile of a pretty steep uphill.  The rest is extremely gradual.  Dogs are allowed on leash throughout the Marin Watershed.

Bring / Wear:  Please bring plenty of water, lunch and hiking shoes. Also, hiking poles if you use them.  AND CHOCOLATE!

Weather Policy:  Contact hikeleader if weather is questionable.

Trailhead Meeting Place:  (If you'd prefer to merge into another car and not pay the $8 entrance fee, let me know and I'll send you info about meeting at the Fairfax Parkade on the way.)
If you'll be meeting us at the trailhead, take US 101 to the San Anselmo/Sir Francis Drake Blvd. exit. Stay on SF Drake for a bit over 5 miles. After passing a tiny gas station on the left there will be a quick left onto Pacheco and an immediate right onto Broadway. At the first Stop sign go left onto Bolinas-Fairfax Rd., and stay left after the intersection following the 7-11. Continue for about a mile until you see a large sign on the left that says: Lake Lagunitas, Alpine Lake, Bon Tempe Lake... Turn left here.  At the pay station pay $8 then continue on the road until you see a dirt/gravel road on the right.  Take it until you see a parking lot on the left.  If the lot is full (doubtful), continue on the road to the end where you'll find another lot. Google Maps Link

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:00 AM

Trailhead Departure Time: 10:15 AM

Total driving mileage from San Francisco: 50 miles; 58.5 from Rockridge.