Post on 04-Apr-2018
MountTamalpais
State Park
®
SaveTheRedwoods.org/csp
Our MissionThe mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.
Mount Tamalpais State Park801 Panoramic Highway
Mill Valley, CA 94941(415) 388-2070 · www.parks.ca.gov/mttamalpais
© 2007 California State Parks (Rev. 2016)
California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (415) 388-2070. If you need this publication in an alternate format, contact interp@parks.ca.gov.
CALIFORNIA STATE PARKSP.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001For information call: (800) 777-0369
(916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service
www.parks.ca.gov
The panorama from
the 2,571-foot peak
is breathtaking.
On a clear day, view the
Farallon Islands out to
sea, the Marin County
hills, Mount Diablo, San
Francisco, and the hills
and cities of the bay.
N orth of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tamalpais State Park rises majestically from the heart of Marin County. Mount Tamalpais captures our attention with its sweeping hillsides cloaked with chaparral-covered ridges, grasslands, and oak woodlands. Deep canyons filled with solemn redwood groves intersect these ridges and slopes to create a diverse environment for a wide array of plant and animal species.
The breathtaking panorama from Mount Tamalpais’s 2,571-foot peak includes the Farallon Islands 25 miles out to sea, the Marin County hills, San Francisco Bay, the East Bay, and Mount Diablo.
Spring and summer temperatures are warm, with average highs in the 70s and 80s. Fall and winter can be cool, with temperatures in the 50s; fog is common.
CULTURAL HISTORY
Native PeopleThe Coast Miwok lived on or near Mount Tamalpais, staying near water sources throughout present-day Marin County. These Native Californians hunted small animals and deer, collected acorns, and gathered flora, marsh plants, and shellfish. They made baskets and clamshell disk beads, trading them for locally unobtainable resources, such as high-grade obsidian from Lake County tribes. The Coast Miwok had a rich culture and a complex and intricate language. However, their way of life changed soon after the arrival of Europeans.
In 1770 two explorers, Captain Pedro Fages and Father Juan Crespí, named the mountain La Sierra de Nuestro Padre de San Francisco.
This was later changed to the Miwok word tamalpais (tam-al-pie-us), which, roughly translated, means “bay mountain” or “coast mountain.”
Mount Tamalpais Scenic RailwayResidents of San Francisco, whose population exploded after the 1848 gold discovery, used Mount Tamalpais for recreational purposes. Trails were developed, and a wagon road was built to the top of the mountain in 1884.
The Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway, completed in 1896, carried visitors to the mountaintop and the Summit Tavern, a hotel and restaurant. The slope from Mill Valley to the summit was so steep that the railroad had to negotiate 281 curves, equivalent to 42 complete circles, billing itself as the “Crookedest Railroad in the World.” In the section known as the “Double Bow Knot,” the track paralleled itself five times within 200 yards. In 1907 the “gravity car” was designed to transport visitors from the top of the mountain to the redwood-filled canyon of Muir Woods. Requiring only gravity and a brake, open-air rail cars carried passengers down the mountain to Muir Woods at an exhilarating 12 mph. The railroad and gravity cars allowed sightseers to travel from Mill Valley to the summit, down to the Woods, and back to Mill Valley.
The Scenic Railway’s famous gravity cars were popular until the advent of the automobile and the construction of Ridgecrest Boulevard in 1925. A gravity car replica is displayed at the Gravity Car Barn on East Peak.
Conservation EffortsOver the years, millions have flocked to the mountain, affectionately called “Mount Tam,” to relish the spectacular views and hike its trails. Generations of Mount Tam enthusiasts have worked hard to protect the mountain and keep it open to the public. The oldest of these citizen groups is the Tamalpais Conservation Club, organized in 1912. In 1928 William Kent, an ardent Marin County conservationist, and his wife donated 200 acres of land in Steep Ravine to help create Mount Tamalpais State Park. The park was later enlarged through the efforts of several hiking clubs, led by the Tamalpais Conservation Club. These organizations orchestrated a grassroots campaign to purchase additional land for the state park.
Gravity car on Mount Tam’s Scenic Railway, ca. 1900
THE STATE PARK TODAYNow one of the oldest and most popular units of the California State Park System, the park has grown to 6,300 acres. Completely surrounding Muir Woods National Monument, the park is bordered by Marin Municipal Water District land on the north and by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area on the northwest and south.
NATURAL HISTORY
GeologyMany people think the 2,571-foot peak is the remnant of an extinct volcano. However, geologists believe that Mount Tamalpais was created due to its location near the San Andreas Fault, one of the world’s most active faults. Over time, the mountain has risen from the earth’s crust, while erosion has left only solid rock exposed in the highest peaks and ridges.
Common rock types here are graywacke (sandstone), shale, greenstone, chert, quartz tourmaline, and the easily identified green serpentine, California’s official state rock.
Plant LifeThe varied topography and soils of the park support a tremendous diversity of plant life. More than 750 plant species can be found in the park. Hikers pass through open grassland, chaparral, and oak-covered knolls, or they descend through dense stands of Douglas-fir and California laurel into deep, fern- and redwood-filled canyons.
In spring the slopes of Mount Tam come alive with the vibrant colors of wildflowers. Hillsides are sprinkled with California poppies, lupines, Douglas irises, goldfields, and shooting stars. Spotted
coralroot, fetid adder’s tongue, and Pacific trillium are among the plants that hide in the deep shade of the forest.
The Redwood ForestMount Tam’s legendary Steep Ravine Trail leads hikers along Webb Creek through a stand of tall redwood trees. The sound of rushing water prepares visitors for the fragrance of damp earth and the sight of ferns along the creek’s banks. The redwoods form a canopy above the water cascading over the rocks. Alongside the cascade, hikers must climb a steep ladder to return to the beginning of this beautiful trail.
Although the park can be foggy year round, some scientists are concerned that increased temperatures and decreased fog due to climate change may threaten the survival of the coast redwoods environment.
Animal LifeRaccoons, gray foxes, squirrels, bobcats, coyotes, black-tailed deer, and mountain lions sometimes roam the slopes. Bears and elk once wandered the land, but they vanished as a result of hunting and ranching before the park was established.
Birdwatchers can view more than 150 species of birds within or very near the park. Red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, and turkey vultures soar over the open grasslands by day, while the sounds of great horned, spotted, barn and screech owls fill the night. The hollow drilling of pileated, acorn, and hairy woodpeckers adds to the forest sounds. Along the coastline, there are numerous oceanic and intertidal birds to identify.
RECREATIONHiking — Hikers enjoy more than 60 miles of park trails, connecting to a 200-mile trail system over land managed by the Marin Municipal Water District and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.Cycling — Road bikers are challenged by the infamous Seven Sisters climb and the twisting road to the top. Mountain bikers can enjoy the Coast View and Dias Ridge multi-use trails as well as park fire roads.Day Use — Bootjack, on Panoramic Highway east of Pantoll, has picnic tables for up to 50 people, stoves, water, and flush toilets.
East Peak summit has picnic tables, an accessible restroom, and a visitor center staffed on weekends.
Red-tailed hawk
Mountain Theater — The 3,750-seat Mountain Theater, officially named the Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre, was built of natural stone in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps at Steep Ravine. Each spring since 1913, the Mountain Play Association theatrical company has presented outdoor productions of Broadway musicals. For dates and reservations of Mountain Theater performances, contact the Mountain Play Association at (415) 383-1100.
To hold special events in the park, see the park event application at www.parks.ca.gov.Camping — Bootjack and Pantoll campgrounds, on Panoramic Highway, each have 15 first-come, first-served sites about 100 yards from the parking area. Both campsites offer drinking water, firewood, and restrooms with flush toilets. There are no showers.
Rocky Point /Steep Ravine Environmental Campground, on a marine terrace one mile south of Stinson Beach, has seven primitive sites and nine rustic cabins. Each cabin has
a small wood stove, picnic table, sleeping platforms, and an outdoor barbecue, but no running water. Restrooms and water faucets are nearby. Reservations are required.
The Alice Eastwood Group Camp, located on the Panoramic Highway near the Mountain Home Inn, has two sites for organized groups of 25 to 50 people. Both sites have tables, grills, and a large tent spot.
Frank Valley Group Horse Camp, on Muir Woods Road about one mile north of Hwy. 1 at Muir Beach, has tables, fire rings, drinking water, pit toilets, horse troughs, and corrals for up to 12 horses.
Visit www.parks.ca.gov/mttamalpais or call (800) 444-7275 for campground and cabin reservation information. Reservations may be made seven months in advance.
INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMSAt East Peak, a visitor center and recreated Gravity Car Barn are open as volunteer staffing allows. At the Mountain Theater, free astronomy programs with telescope viewings take place on select Saturday nights April through October. Elsewhere on the mountain, guided hikes are offered year round. Visit www.parks.ca.gov/mttamalpais or www.friendsofmttam.org for details and links to interpretive programs and events, such as free guided weekend and moonlight hikes. Inquire at the Pantoll Ranger Kiosk about self-guided hikes and ranger-led programs for schools and other groups.
ACCESSIBLE FEATURES • The accessible half-mile Verna Dunshee
Trail at East Peak has fantastic bay views. Accessible tables, restrooms, and drinking fountains are nearby.
• Spectacular vistas may also be seen from an accessible .4-mile portion of the Old Mine Trail from Pantoll Station and .25 miles of the McKennan Trail.
• Pantoll and Bootjack each have accessible camping, restrooms, and parking.
• Cabin #1 and environmental campsite #7 at Steep Ravine are accessible.
• The Mountain Theater has a wheelchair platform on the right side of the theater.
• The Mountain Play Association offers signed performances and descriptive services during the first three play performances each season. For more information, call the Mountain Play Association at (415) 383-1100.
Spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay area can be seen from the Verna Dunshee Trail near East Peak.
Cardiac Hill
Joh nson
White Gate
McKennan Gulch Trail
Main
Trail
400
800
400
800
400
800
400
400
800
800
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
800
800
800
800
800
800
800
800
800
800
800
800
800
800
800
800
1200
1200
1200
1200
1200
1200
1200
1200
1200
1200
1200
1200
1200
1600
1600
1600
1600
1600
1600
16001600
1600
1600
1600
1600
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000 2000
2000
2000
2400
2400
2400
2400
400
800
Dips
ea Tr
ail
Azalea Meadow
Trail
Cascade Drive
Hill
640 F
ire R
d
Trail
Ridge
Lower
Tourist ClubBohemian
Grove Trail
FourCorners
Old Air Force Station
Ridg e Avenue
1
1
1
1
1
1
to Hwy. 101
to Bolinas andPoint Reyes
Red Rock Trail
GullRock
Rocky Point
East Peak2571ft784m
Middle Peak
West Peak(Off-Limits)
2560ft780m
Bare Knoll1800ft548m
Twin Knolls1925ft587m
Knoll2560ft511m
Trojan Point
Table Rock
Tamalpais
MountAzalea
Meadow
MudFlats
Red Rock Beach
St i n
s on
Be
ac
h
Ridge
Bolinas
USGS BM2040ft622m
MudFlats
Ballou Point
ForbesBench
VisitorCenter
InspirationPoint
West PointInn
MountainTheater
O’Rourke’sBench
Bench
Muir WoodsVisitor Center
Kent Memorial
BohemianGrove
CathedralGrove
SlideRanch
Van WyckMeadow
PotreroMeadow
Hang GliderSite #3
Hang GliderSite #2
Hang Glider Site #1
Ray Murphy’s
Bridge
Throckmorton Fire Station
DoubleBow Knot
Stinson Beach Fire Station
North Entrance
East Entrance
South Entrance
WestEntrance
Ladder
Gravity Car Barn
Fire Lookout
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
AliceEastwood
Group Campground
Frank ValleyGroup HorseCampground
Rocky Point-Steep RavineEnvironmental Campground
Steep Ravine Cabins
BootjackCampground
andDay Use
Potrero
Rifle
Barth’sRetreat
LaurelDell
Monument HQ
Muir BeachOverlook
Rock Spring
AlpineLake
Morses
Gulch
Gulch
Stinson
Swede
Gorge
EastFork
Fork
West
Fork
Kent
Creek
Lone
Tree
BolinasLagoon
Pa c i f i c
Oc
ea
n
WebbCree
k
Silva
Gulch
HiddenLake
Table
Creek
Creek
ColierSpring
CataractFalls
Lone TreeSpring
Creek
Cataract
For
kW
est
Lag
unita
s
Cre
ek
LagunitasC
reekFork
Middle Lagunitas
Creek
Fork
East
McK
en
nan
Gulch Barth’s
Redwood
Spike Buck Creek
Creek
Redw
oodCreek
Cold
Stre
am
Canyon
Creek
Lagunitas
Rattlesnake C
reek
Rock
Middle
Creek
Fern C
reek
STINSONBEACH
Lower Northside Tr
ail
International
Temelpa
E-ko
o
Hoo-
Koo-
Trail
Davis
Trail
Alpi
ne TCC
Spur
Easy
Trail
TCC
Trail
Stapelveldt Trail
Coast
Trail
Trail
Owl
Cataract
Trail
Trail
Trail
Northside
Trail
Trail
Trail
Grade 80
Troop
Trail
Plevin Cut
Trail
View
TrailSun
Redwood
Trail
Trail
Trail
RockyPoint Trail
Kent
Hel
en
Markt Trai
l
High Marsh
Trail
Trail
OldStove
Trail
Kent
Trail
Davis
Trail
Trail
Matt
Trail
Dipsea
Dipsea
Trail
Old
Mine
Trail
Stee
pRav
ine
Trail
Simm
ons
TrailTrail
Benstein
Trail
Mickey O’Brien
Stoc
kin
g Trail
Trail
Trail
Bolinas
Trail
Davis
Trail
ViewTrail
Coast
Miw
ok Trail
Trail Ver
na
Dunshee
Miller Trail
TCCTrail
Trai
l
R&H
Trail
Bootjack
Matt
Trail
Trai
lC
olie
rSp
ring
Trail
Matt
Davis
Bourne T
rail
Fern Creek
Nora Trail
PanoramicTrail
Dipsea
N
orthside
Trail
Nor
thsid
e
Trail
Vic
Haun Trail
Cross
BoysCountry Tr
ail
Trail
Kent
Kent
Wheeler Tr
Lakeview
Trail
Tr
Tave
rnPum
p
Dias
Spu
r Tra
il
Ben Johnson Trail
MountainTheater Fire Tr
Mou
ntai
n To
p Tr
ail
Arturo Trail
Uppe
r Fern
Cree
k Tra
il
TrailDipsea
Spur
Trail
Camp Eastwood Trail
Dias R
idge
Trai
l
Redw
ood Creek Tra
ilView
Rock
Spr
ing
Cataract
PlankwalkTrail
Bolinas
Bolinas Ridge Trail
Trail
Ridge
Cano
py
Upper
Lost
Lower Old M
ine
Spur
M
att
Ben
Mui
r
Woods
Roa
d
(Fr
ank
Valley)
Ridgecrest
Blvd
Indi
an
Fire
Road
Hoo-
Fire
Grade
Old
Panoramic
Rd
Willow
Camp
Fire
Roa
d
Panoramic
West
Road
Rocky
Grade
RailroadRailroad
E–Koo
Eldridge Grade
Fire
Fire Road
Eldr
idge
Fire
West
Boulevard
West
Ridgecrest
Panoramic
HogbackFire Rd
Panoramic
Hwy
Shoreline
Rai
lroad
Grade
Fire
Old Grade
Fire
Grade
Ra
ilroad
Old
Sprin
gLa
guni
tas-
Fire Road
Rock
Spring
Fire
West
RidgecrestBlvd
Pantoll
Road
Ridgecrest Blvd
East
Old
Fire
Road
Koo-
Fire Roa
d
OldRailroad
Grade
Deer
Road
Fire
Park
Shoreline
Shoreline
Old Stage
Alice
Eastwood
East
Rid
gecr
est
Bl
vd
Blithedale
Road
Road
Blithedale
RidgeSummit Rd
Mid
dle
Peak Fire
Road
Miwok Fire Road
Point
Avenida Farralone
Ave
Belve dere
Fire Road
Dipsea Road
Sea Drift RoadCalle de Arroyo
Highw
ay
Woo
ds
M u ir
Ro
a d
Road
Road
Ro ad
Road
Laurel Dell
Fire Ro ad
Hig
hway
Highw
ay
Highway
Road
High
way
Road
Hwy
Highway
Bo linas-Fairfax Road
De e r P
ark
PA R K
M O U N T
TA M A L PA I S
S TAT E
G G N R A
G G N R A
M U I R W O O D SN AT I O N A L
M O N U M E N T
M A R I N
M U N I C I P A L
WAT E R
D I S T R I C T
G O L D E N
G O L D E N
G AT E
N AT I O N A L
R E C R E AT I O N
A R E A
R E C R E AT I O N
A U D U B O NC A N Y O NR A N C H
A R E A
N AT I O N A L
G AT E
Hillside TrailMajor Road
Fire Road: Hike, Bike & Horse
Campground
Campground: Environmental
Campground: Group
Exhibit
Campground: Horse
Parking
Picnic Area
Ranger Station
Restrooms
Spring
Accessible Feature
Trail: Hike
Locked Gate
Paved Road
Drinking Water
Trail: Hike & Horse
Accessible Trail (Hiking Only)
Trail: Hike, Bike & Horse
Legend
© 2010 California State Parks (Rev. 2016)
Viewpoint
Bridge
SanPabloBay
Pacific
Ocean
24
101
580
80
680
4
29116
37
1
121
12 29
101
1
0 15 Kilometers
10 Miles0
5
5
10
Petaluma
Novato Vallejo
Berkeley
RichmondSan
Rafael
Sonoma
OAKLAND
Tiburon
Benicia
SAN FRANCISCO
Napa
Mt Tamalpais SP
Golden GateNRA
Angel Island SP
ChinaCamp SP
Samuel P.Taylor SP
SFBay
Bench
Pantoll RangerStation Park HQ
PantollCampground
TenderfootTrail
Trestle Trail 800Edgewood Avenue Pipe line Trail
Edgewood Avenue
MUIR BEACH
P
Ridg
e
Trai
l
Dias
Sequ
oia
Valle
y Ro
ad
Edgewood Avenue
Homestead HillFire Road
Homestead Hill Trail
Middle GreenGulch Trail
(bikes uphill only)
Trail
Boo
tjack
Gra
vity
Car Fire R oad
Green
Coy
ote
Ridg
e
Trail
Kaasi Fire Road
PacificWay
Green Gulch Farm and Zen Center
Heather
Cutoff
SierraTrail
Gulch
Trail
to Coastal Trail
to DowntownMill Valley
Mountain Home
Rock
Lagu
nita
s-
BrokoSpring
1.5 Kilometers
1 Mile
Mount TamalpaisState Park
NEARBY STATE PARKS
Angel Island State ParkIn San Francisco Bay Ferries from Tiburon / Vallejo/San Francisco(415) 435-5390
China Camp State ParkFour miles east of San Rafael on San Pedro Road(415) 456-0766
Samuel P. Taylor State Park15 miles west of San Rafael on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard(415) 488-9897
PLEASE REMEMBER• The park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset. • All natural and cultural park resources are protected by law
and must not be disturbed or removed.• Camping and fires are permitted only in designated areas. • Except for service animals, leashed dogs are allowed only on
paved roads in developed areas, family campgrounds, and picnic areas. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night.
• Horses and bicycles are allowed only on fire roads and posted hiking trails.
• Be alert for poison oak, rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and ticks.• Bus transit serves the park. Visit www.marintransit.org or call
511 or (415) 526-3239 for schedules and stops.
This park is supported in part through the Friends of Mt. Tam
P.O. Box 7064, Corte Madera, CA 94976(415) 258-2410 • www.friendsofmttam.org