Hike Log

Mt Tam gives me all the feels

Trailhead:

Pantoll Campground

Type of Hike:

Day hike

Trail Conditions:

Trail in good condition

ROAD:

Road suitable for all vehicles

Bugs:

No bugs

Snow:

Snow free

Mount Tamalpais is definitely one of the most beautiful hikes of all the six pack and maybe in the Bay Area.  It just has so much to offer. Such diverse landscape and views for days.  It's even magical when its foggy af and you can't see anything.  I've always day hiked Tam but always find an opportunity to stay overnight.  I've hiked it in a little rain, fog, sunshine and a mix of all.  I loved it each time.

Any who, we arrived at Pantoll Campground just after 6 am and sun was about to rise.  We inventoried our day pack gear and headed up towards the peak.  I decided to take the road above Bootjack and had an open view to the sunrise.  We hopped back on the main trail at Bootjack and continued our way up the Matt Davis Trail.

We made it to the peak just after 9am.  Well, we made it to those two rocks and hung out for a good while while we watched the clouds, took photos, meditated and enjoyed our time.  It was my best friend Jakes first time on Tam so I hurried us along to make our way to the peak and do so more chillin.  This time I put on meditation music and we sat there and watched the sky do its thing.

We made our way down, eventually, and headed toward West Peak.  I always forget how quickly we get there.  We sat on the porch and watched all the hummingbirds fly around.  We were surprised on how warm it was for early November but we were not complaining since we were camping.

We made our way down the Nora Trail and headed back to Pantoll Campground, just in time for lunch and to set up camp.  We could have stayed there and chilled the rest of the day but we all have a challenge to finish!  I seriously could have chilled in my hammock all afternoon.

Heading down Steep Ravine Trail towards Stinson Beach took some strategic planning.  I plan all my hikes around sunrise or sunset and knew this route would give us the best viewing for just that.  Steep Ravine was under the canopy and I knew we would love it early afternoon anticipating position of sunset.

It was sunny at Stinson Beach and lots of people were out enjoying the day.  It was kind of cold with the wind and we decided to make our way up the Matt Davis to camp.   I always want brick oven pizza when I'm there and just drool over it because I'm gluten free.  Plus I always forget my wallet.

As we made out way up the switchbacks on the North West side of Mount Tam, the sun was setting and turned the under canopy a glowy orange.  It was awesome.  As we popped out of the canopy, the full moon was up an leading our way while a faint red orange glow lingered over the horizon.  If you can't tell, I LIVE for these moments.  Pure magic… the reason why I and so many others hike.  Just two good friends and I on a moonlit trail, enjoying the flippin moment.  We only used our headlamps while under the trees.

A feast was definitely had that evening, we enjoyed a campfire, led lit campsite and a  each others company.   It's always a good night when you get to sleep under the stars.

 

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