MT. TAMALPAIS STATE PARK: COASTAL WILDFLOWER HIKE

MT. TAMALPAIS STATE PARK: COASTAL WILDFLOWER HIKE

Leader: Gary Weiss

Leader Email: gary@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone: 415-279-5570

Meeting Date and Day: Saturday, April 12, 2025

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.

Meeting Time: 9:00 AM, departing shortly afterwards.

Rating:  Level 4

Mileage: 9.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1450'

Description:  This hike should take place right in the middle of prime wildflower season.  The Coastal Trail is the perfect backdrop for viewing poppies, lupine and dozens of other Spring wildflowers amid astonishing views of the Pacific.  Starting at the Quarry parking area we'll pass Mountain Theater on the way to Pantoll Station where we'll catch the Coastal Trail. We'll continue on Coastal for at least 3 miles, passing a 1941 Pontiac  just off the trail.  Eventually we'll hike up and over West Ridgecrest to get to the Cataract Trail.  After a short time on Cataract we'll take a few well-maintained, unofficial trails to some interesting places that are not on any map, following an indirect route back to the cars. The majority of the hike will be on system trails.  The full length of the Coastal Trail is either in Mt. Tamalpais State Park or the GGNRA; unfortunately neither jurisdiction allows dogs.
The Calypso orchid (below), one of Mt. Tam's prettiest wildflowers, arrived early this year.  Hopefully we'll see a bunch of late bloomers.

The Calypso Twins

Bring/Wear:  Bring plenty of water, lunch, layers for a spring hike, hat and sunscreen for the sunny portions and hiking poles if you use them.

Rain Policy: Contact the hikeleader if the weather is questionable.

Trailhead Meeting Place: We'll meet at the Quarry Parking Lot behind Mountain Theater. 
Exit Hwy 101 at the Stinson Beach/Hwy 1 exit.  At the first big intersection - Tam Junction - keep left at the Arco Station to stay on Hwy 1.  After several miles you'll reach an intersection where Hwy 1 continues straight ahead.  Keep right instead to get onto Panoramic Hwy.  At the first big intersection - 4 Corners - go straight up - not down to the left or right.  Stay on Panoramic for another 4+ miles. The road forks at Pantoll Ranger Station - stay right onto Pantoll Rd.  After less than a mile you'll get to Rock Spring Parking lot. Turn right and continue for .4 miles.  Large dirt parking lot on the right. 
Google Maps Link

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:00 AM

Trailhead Departure Time:  10:15 AM

Driving Distance: 44 miles there and back from SF. 73 miles from Rockridge.

Passenger Carpool Fees from SF:  $8;  From Rockridge BART: $11

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