Sky Trial to Mt. Wittenberg Hike (2/2) Preview

This loop has spectacular views of the estero and the ocean! (Yes, we do have to hike uphill to earn this reward.) Lunch at a scenic spot on Mt. Wittenberg. Last year we saw Amanita muscaria, Zeller’s boletes, Pleated Marasmius, and lots of other mushrooms, as well as the start of some spring wildflowers! Level and downhill after lunch.  (Click here for a recap of the hike we took on January 27, 2009).

Directions to Trailhead:  Take Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. west to Olema. Turn right on Route 1, then make an immediate left onto Bear Valley Road. Continue past the turn-off to Park Headquarters (stop here if you need a restroom) and go left on Limantour Road. Trailhead is 3.3 miles from this turn at the crest of the road. The parking lot is on your left.

50 minutes from College of Marin. No restrooms at trailhead. We’ll pass some at Sky Camp about 10:30 a.m.  Carpoolers should meet at St. Rita's around 8:35-8:40 a.m., and depart around 8:45 a.m. (to allow time for a restroom break at Bear Valley) and 9:00 a.m. at the latest (if driving directly to the trailhead).

Weather forecast:  As of Friday morning, January 29, the National Weather Service forecast for the hike was mostly cloudy with chance of rain and a high near 53.  (Click here for an updated forecast).  Trees and the ridgeline give some protection from the rain, but be sure to pack your raingear.  Last year we had beautiful sunny weather; two years ago rain forced us to forego lunch atop Mt. Wittenburg and eat elsewhere after the end of the hike.

More on this hike:  We'll do a variation on the 4.6 mile hike "G1 Sky-Horse-Z Ranch Trails" in the Martin's book, Hiking Marin. Presumably we'll do this hike in reverse, going from Junction 1 to 4, then to 3, to 2, and back to 1 before returning to the trailhead.  (Click here for the park's South District Hiking Map which shows these trails).