LAST HIKE OF THE YEAR: MARIN STABLES TO PUMPKIN RIDGE

LAST HIKE OF THE YEAR: MARIN STABLES TO PUMPKIN RIDGE

Hike Date:  Saturday, December 28, 2024

Leader:  Gary Weiss

Leader Email:  gary@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone:  415 279-5570

SF Meeting Location: Whole Foods;  2001 Market St. @ Dolores (on the Dolores St. side); parking on the street or below. Please only show up at Whole Foods if you've arranged to meet your ride or driver there.

East Bay Meeting Location: Rockridge BART, bottom of escalator.

Meeting Times: 9:15 AM from either SF OR Rockridge BART.

Rating: Level 3

Mileage:  6.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1150'

Description:  This is a fairly short, really pretty hike.  We'll begin in Fairfax at the Marin Stables - there since 1937.  We'll go up the gentle Canyon Trail, surrounded by redwoods, maples, bays and madrones.  After a bit more elevation we'll be hiking along Pumpkin Ridge overlooking Bon Tempe Lake (photo above).  Other trails we'll be on are Madrone, Hidden Meadow and both sections of Bald Hill Trail.  This area is the northern foothills of Mt. Tamalpais.  You can't get prettier!  I just scouted this route today (December 5), and loved it.  We'll have views of Mt. Tam, Bald Hill and all the other nearby hills.  Dogs are always allowed in the Marin Water District.

Bring / Wear:  Please bring water, lunch, snacks, good hiking shoes, layers(!) and hiking poles if you use them.  And chocolate!

Weather Policy:  Check with hikeleader in the event of questionable weather.

Trailhead Meeting Place:  We'll meet at the entrance gate for Marin Stables.  From US 101 take the San Anselmo/Sir Francis Drake exit.  Stay on Sir Francis Drake which bears left at Red Hill.  You'll eventually pass the Good Earth health food store on the left, then a tiny gas station.  After the gas station turn left onto Pacheco and an immediate right onto Broadway. Take the next left onto Bolinas Rd.  You'll pass a 7-11 on the right.  The next block stay left to stay on Bolinas Rd.  A block or so later you'll see a sign to turn left to Deer Park.  Turn left there and an immediate right onto Porteous.  After a block or so turn right onto Wood and take it to the end.  Plentiful parking along the right side of the street.  We'll meet at the end.  Marin Stables Google Maps Link

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:00 AM

Trailhead Departure Time: 10:15 AM

Total driving distance, there and back: 45 miles from SF; 55 from Rockridge.

Passenger Carpool Fees from SF:  $8  From Rockridge BART: $9

(I will inform you of carpooling arrangements by late Thursday or early Friday.)