Hiking Mt. Tam

So after living in San Francisco for three years, we FINALLY decided to Hike Mt. Tamalpais. Which is right across the Golden Bridge in the Marin Headlands. We have always heard that the view is extraordinary, 360 degrees. So with Danny home for 5 days, which he really needed, we figured it would be a great practice hike for our big trip to Yosemite.

We drove to Pantol Ranger Station and got super lucky with the ONLY free parking spot left. It would be a 4 mile hike to the top, then 4 miles back, with a total elevation change of about 1500 feet.

on the hike up, Dan checks out the view.

Dan spotted a really big snake making its way across the trail. It was pretty big, at least 4.5 feet. It was moving really slow and sticking its tongue out. It was pretty cool.  We are not too sure what kind it was, but since there was no rattle attached we didn't feel it would attack us. But we kept a safe distance anyway.

The flowers were blooming everywhere and you could see new growth on the pine trees. Lots of birds and the weather was ideal. Sunny, but breezy, and not a cloud in the sky to obstruct our view!

When we reached to top of East Peak, we had some snacks and rested. There is a Fire Lookout at the very top. We could not go in, but you could walk around it and gets views from Napa to San Jose. (Danny swears he saw the hangers at Moffett Field) The elevation doesn't sound too high, but considering we basically started at 0, then it felt pretty impressive.

We tried to get some good pics but since we had to scrabble over large rocks, there wasnt really a path or anything at the top, we couldn't quite get a pic with us in it. Our backs were to the Fire Tower and we just perched on any somewhat flat surface. There were around 6 other people sitting by us, so I tried to find a shot with no-one else.

The view to the north, looking into Napa Valley. This was about 500 feet below the actual peak on the trail.

The view to the south. You can see San Francisco on the left side. The pic really doesn't do it justice. It was beautiful! I could have sat there for hours, but we stayed around 20 mins. We knew it was getting late and had 4 miles to go to get back. In fact, the first 2 miles we pretty much jogged.  By the 6th mile, I was tired and my legs were feeling stiff. Danny did not bring a sweater and he was cold! He forgets that its not Maui, this is San Francisco!  Always bring a sweater, even if its sunny.

We got back to the trail head around 6pm. It took us about 4 hours, but we went to two visitor's centers and watched a freakin snake take its sweet time to get across the trail. Plus, we had snacks at the top. So really, we only hiked for 3 hours, and rested for 1 hour. (Danny kept track on his Cadio Trainer app on his DROID)

Total elevation change was just shy of 1500. It was a pretty easy hike. But at least I know my distance.  We are going to try to hike Upper Yosemite Falls in May. Its gonna be tough, but Im excited!

 At the end of hike, which breaks into a pretty meadow. Both tired and cold. Ready to go out for dinner!