Rock Spring "Final Exam" Hike (5/17) Preview

As we do each year, we'll wrap up the Spring College of Marin hiking series with this Mount Tamalpais State Park hike. (Click here for a recap of last year's hike.  View photos from past hikes in the online album).

Here's Wendy's outline for the hike:  “Although last year was rainy, some years we've seen eight species of butterflies including a brown elfin, Western tiger swallowtail, and lots of Propertius duskywings! Rain or shine we should see coral roots, Oakland star lily, Mount Tamalpais jewel flower, and golden banners on this mostly shady loop hike.

Bring a plate and utensils, and food to share for the Gourmet Final!"

Directions to trailhead: Go south on Highway 101 to the Stinson Beach/Highway 1 exit. Go west on Highway 1 and wind around a lot. At the top of the ridge, turn right onto Panoramic Highway and continue to the 4-way "crossroads." Take the middle road to Mt. Tamalpais. Continue along this road for 5-6 miles.

At the Pantoll Ranger Station the road divides. Take the upper road for about 1 mile. The road divides again. This is Rock Spring. Park here.

Driving time from College of Marin 55 minutes. Outhouse at trailhead and mid-way. (Carpoolers can meet at the Greenbrae Park & Ride lot around 9:10 am).

Weather forecast: As of Wednesday, May 11th, the National Weather Service forecast for the area around Rock Spring on Mt. Tam was mostly cloudy, with a high near 58 and a slight chance of showers. (Click here for an updated forecast).

More on this hike: The "B17 Simmons - Potrero - Arturo Trails" hike in the Martins' book, Hiking Marin, shows the trails that we'll be hiking in, although we'll probably follow a different route (Simmons to Benstein to Potrero Meadows to Laurel Dell and back up the Cataract Trail to Rock Spring). Page 6 of the state park brochure has a trail map that shows the area. The Google Earth image below shows were we'll be on the mountain. (Click on the photo to open a larger image in your Web browser).