Sky Trail To Mt. Wittenberg Hike (2/1) 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. We often see several species of Amanitas on this hike including the red one with white dots (Amanita muscaria), as well as fairy bathtubs, and sunny-side-ups. Level and downhill after lunch.  (Click here for a recap of the hike we took on February 2, 2010).

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 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.

 

There are no restrooms at trailhead, so stop at the Bear Valley Visitor Center if you need a restroom prior to the hike; there will be pit toilets at Sky Camp which we'll reach about 10:30 a.m.

50 minutes from College of Marin. 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 Tuesday evening, January 25, the National Weather Service forecast for the hike was sunny with a high near 56.  (Click here for an updated forecast). 

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).