Our Marin hike was very interesting. We varied from the suggested route by beginning at the SF side of the Golden Gate Bridge. Our first day was a fairly tough 13 mile trek finishing on the Fox trail (1 mile plus of 20% grade) before descending into Muir Beach. This was probably the most difficult of the 4 days - but very rewarding in the views on each of the 3 ridges that we climbed.
We also varied our approach to Stinson Beach by stopping at the Pan Toll State Park headquarters where water and restrooms are available. We then proceeded down the shady Matt Davis trail in lieu of the Dipsea. These two changes added about 2 miles to this leg - but could provide the option of carrying less water from Muir and simply restocking at the ranger station.
We followed the suggested route from Stinson to Bolinas. A simple way of finding the Bourne trailhead is to walk down Bolinas Fairfax road to the 10.62 mile road marker. The trailhead is a gate immediately across from this marker. Bourne provides a comfortable descent to route 1 in Bolinas. Contrary to Tom’s assessment – an “ample apron” does not exist on route 1 – so be prepared to dodge traffic.
While the final leg is long, it is not difficult. We utilized the Bolinas Ridge Trail, to the Bolena cutover, to the Olema Valley Trail, to the Riff Zone Trail. The Ridge trail is an excellent and picturesque trail. If we were to take this trip again we would stay on the Ridge trail to Glenn Camp Loop Trail to the Bear Valley Trail. The Riff Zone Trail was hot and dusty and in our opinion should be avoided.
The Bear Valley lodge provided the best possible accommodations on this trip.
Tom, thank you for your advise and direction. The hike was great fun.
Comments
We also varied our approach to Stinson Beach by stopping at the Pan Toll State Park headquarters where water and restrooms are available. We then proceeded down the shady Matt Davis trail in lieu of the Dipsea. These two changes added about 2 miles to this leg - but could provide the option of carrying less water from Muir and simply restocking at the ranger station.
We followed the suggested route from Stinson to Bolinas. A simple way of finding the Bourne trailhead is to walk down Bolinas Fairfax road to the 10.62 mile road marker. The trailhead is a gate immediately across from this marker. Bourne provides a comfortable descent to route 1 in Bolinas. Contrary to Tom’s assessment – an “ample apron” does not exist on route 1 – so be prepared to dodge traffic.
While the final leg is long, it is not difficult. We utilized the Bolinas Ridge Trail, to the Bolena cutover, to the Olema Valley Trail, to the Riff Zone Trail. The Ridge trail is an excellent and picturesque trail. If we were to take this trip again we would stay on the Ridge trail to Glenn Camp Loop Trail to the Bear Valley Trail. The Riff Zone Trail was hot and dusty and in our opinion should be avoided.
The Bear Valley lodge provided the best possible accommodations on this trip.
Tom, thank you for your advise and direction. The hike was great fun.