Mount Tamalpais

 

Mount Tamalpais (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=471) is the largest & closet recreation center to my home. I’ve spent hundreds of hours exploring this beast of a mountain and know it fairly well now. Exploration early in the morning, mid-day, and later than I’ve ever wished has yielded me some amazing almost-spiritual outdoor opportunities. I’ve been on it in rain and hail, when it is overcast, and in the sun. Every time, the experience is different. I’ve seen many deer, a bobcat, a fox, a few coyotes, a couple of hawks, an eagle, a few snakes, and hundreds of lizards, grasshoppers, dragonflies, slugs, caterpillars, and vermin. You never know what you’re going to see on Mt. Tam, which is the abbreviated name locals have given it. Be mindful when visiting for Mountain Lions and Rattlesnakes (I have yet to see either, but know they exist). Commonsense is advised when dealing with the unknown and unpredictable (or hungry).

Much can be said about the benefits of being alone to think and ponder, but also to get cardiovascular activity. Of course, this can be done with a camera in tow, and memories of days past can be kept for review. All of the pictures here are from my hikes on Mt. Tam. I especially like it when it is very, very foggy. Being in the forest under these circumstances is mystical; almost magical, while listening to the various sounds from within, not knowing just exactly where they are coming from. It can be like another world, if you open your mind to it. I often think of great authors and poets of the past, wondering about the complexities of life on the mountain.

 

There are many, many things to do on Mount Tamalpais, most of which include physical activity, but not all. Tucked into Mill Valley, Muir Beach, Stinson Beach and… the beast of a mountain is large, diverse, and screams for all sorts of attention. Camping can be had at Steep Ravine, Pan Toll, Alice Eastwood and maybe more settings. Day hikes and biking adventures can begin virtually anywhere and can be as easy (or challenging) as you wish for them to be. I prefer to start at the top of Alice Eastwood campground in the parking lot (it’s free) directly across from the Mountain Home Inn (810 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley) when hiking. It’s less than 15 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge and easy to find. A lot of people drive to and park within Muir Woods, which presents an excellent array of gigantic old-growth Redwood trees to view. Their stunningly beautiful and also magnificent – some are HUGE. Another option is venturing up to Bootjack parking lot or to beyond that to Pan Toll. Others prefer parking at the base of Highway One at the bottom of the hill (after Pan Toll) before turning right into downtown Stinson Beach, or even parking at the beach within the parking lot there. There really is no right or wrong way, it’s all a matter of preference on where to begin and end your activities.

For many, the Green Gulch Farm Zen Center is a draw. Check them out: http://www.sfzc.org/ggf/display.asp?catid=3&pageid=485. Their location is 1601 Shoreline Highway, in Muir Beach. The center is fantastic. They also have lodging options. The Pelican Inn: http://pelicaninn.com is located in the heart of Muir Beach, and is an excellent value. They have very special lodging options, a great dinner menu and a pub. We find ourselves there now and again for a spontaneous dinner, or just to get an order of proper fish and chips and a Guinness or glass of wine in the pub. A few blocks away is the actual beach (Muir Beach), which offers an option for beach goers (especially for those staying at the Pelican Inn or at Green Gulch Farm). It’s smaller than Stinson and less sandy, but equally as beautiful and oftentimes less crowded. Even farther up Shoreline Highway is Stinson Beach with a couple of motels, a small downtown with various shops and restaurants, and of course, the beach! I’ve stayed at the Redwoods Haus: http://www.stinson-beach.com/rooms.htm, and thought it was great. It’s a funky little place with very good vibes and especially good pricing – it’s usually $55 or $65 a night and in the middle of “it all.”It was the perfect place to stay on my weekend away, many years ago when I lived on the Peninsula! The Sand Dollar is my favorite café in town for food: www.stinsonbeachrestaurant.com, and be sure not to miss the wonderful little bookstore, Stinson Beach Books, which has a lot more than just books to offer.