May 11th, 2024 – my fourth hike of the challenge!
My Garmin tracked 16.9 miles and 3782 feet of elevation gain:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/15348414570
AllTrails Route & My Activity Recording:
Stinson Beach to Mount Tamalpais via Matt Davis and Steep Ravine Trail
Recommendations:
Make sure to bring enough water and sunscreen. The loop alternates between shaded forest and grassy hillsides, rocky dirt terrain, and even some asphalt roads exposed to direct sunlight.
Wildlife:
I saw a dozen banana slugs on the trail throughout the day, as well as many lizards, a snake, and a deer with her fawn.
ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS:
Matt Davis to Pantoll Campground:
This section of the hike was my favorite overall – when the sun first peeked through the clouds and cast golden rays between the trees, I was totally mesmerized! I’d seen photos of this phenomenon before, but this was my first time witnessing it in-person, and to say I was in awe would be an understatement. Definitely start your hike early – nothing compares to a morning in the redwood forest.
Fern Creek Trail:
This was the most challenging section overall in my opinion. The trail climbed elevation fast and landed at the hottest part of the day. Lots of staircase climbs and sunny ascents on exposed, rocky terrain.
East Peak Summit:
Remarkable panoramic views of the Bay Area – clouds rolled over the coastline like a blanket and totally engulfed the ocean, but I could see for miles inland. There were so many butterflies too.
East Peak to West Point Inn:
Hot temperatures and very little shade on this wind down the mountain. I definitely recommend stopping at West Point Inn to see the hummingbirds.
Steep Ravine Trail:
The ladder here had been on my bucket list for a while, and it didn’t disappoint! Even with tired legs and sore feet, the surrounding redwoods, ferns, mossy rock faces, and burbling creek were spectacular.
Out of the six peaks that I hiked during the challenge (Mission Peak, Mount Saint Helena, Mount Diablo, Mount Tamalpais, Black Mountain, and Mount Umunhum), this hike was my favorite in terms of overall experience. Over the course of one day, I witnessed a wide array of scenery, trail terrains, weather conditions, and wildlife, climbing from beneath the cloud cover near the coast, to the bright and sunny rock ledges near the summit, and back! What an adventure!
I learned so many valuable lessons from my experience hiking the Bay Area Six-Pack of Peaks challenge, and what I learned most from Mount Tamalpais is how much I love spending an entire day on-trail. Time passes differently when I’m out in nature, and my mind settles into a unique sense of peace and enchantment. It was an amazing day on the mountain!
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