We planned this group hike for a day that would be easier on us as the heat wave had already descended over the Bay Area inlands. The anticipation, was that being a coastal hike just above the beautiful Stinson Beach, it would mean cooler temperature. More so as the plan was to stretch a little more on the trails to test our endurance. And we did exactly that except that the weather once again played its own bit. 

As always to avoid the parking merry go round, we reached at around 5.30 am. Thanks for Jeff’s mention about the parking lot off the Panoramic Highway that intersects the Dip Sea trail. There was just one car and so another 10 spots or so was available. We took off from the Dip Sea trail. It was indeed little cooler than I thought when we started. The fog still pretty dense and visibility was starting to get slightly better. While the intent was to take the beautiful Steep Ravine Trail as part of the hike but we decided to instead do the little detour to add a mile or so. Realized later that to be not a smart decision. 

Up we continued via the Pantoll campground and eventually the Matt Davis trail towards the Hogback Road but we did a little stretch once again continuing to Hoo-Koo-e-koo trail doing a loop via the Rail Road grade fire road adding another couple miles back into the Hogback Road (could have taken that from the Matt Davis trail earlier). At this time the weather suddenly changed gears to get more warm and by the time we hiked up the Fern Creek trail it was starting to drain our energy out because the sun was almost on us. 

Finally we reached the East peak parking lot at around noon. With a little break to energize ourselves we went up to the East Peak. But there was no respite from the heat. The air was warm and few hikers I chit chatted around that place were complaining or ensuring if this is how the weather is always in this area. I guess some were tourists who visited Mt Tamalpais to get a glimpse of SFO and the surrounding area. We spent about 30 mins having our lunch snack and taking enough pictures to consume our phone storages (as always). 

We started the descent around 1.00 pm via the Railroad Grade fire road so as to get a glimpse of the iconic West Point Inn. As there was hardly any shade until after the West Point Inn, the afternoon sun hit hard on us. Once on the Matt Davis trail the hike to the parking lot was never ending. By the time we reached Pantoll campground the heat exhaustion has already taken its toll as one from the team had to stay back at the camp (and we picked him up later). The rest 4.5 miles until we reached the Stinson beach was not as bad as we would have thought because the trail was all shades for almost 3 miles or so. 

Another great hike but if anyone planning to do this strenuous hike, training and preparation and carrying enough water is a must. Again the hike to Mt. Tamalapais can be done from several points/ campgrounds on the way when driving up to the East Peak parking lot.