This loop features panoramic views of the Bay. You’ll appreciate the fact that it’s open space as you learn about Marincello, a city of 18,000 ( the exact number may vary depending on the source you consult about the history of the development) that was planned for this area! 

We may see hawks like the Northern harrier, brush rabbits, and even a coyote. (Click here for a recap of a hike on 10/27/09). 
Directions to trailhead:  Take the Stinson Beach exit from Highway101. Follow signs to Stinson Beach and Muir Woods, then turn left on Tennessee Valley Road and take it to the parking lot at the end.
Time: 40 minutes from College of Marin. Carpoolers can meet at the Greenbrae Park & Ride lot between 9:00-9:15 am. Portables at trailhead. 
One section can be very muddy, so waterproof your hiking boots if we’ve had any rain!  Hiking poles can be helpful, particularly on one steep downhill stretch of the trail.
Weather forecast:  As of Friday, October 29, the National Weather Service forecast for the area of our hike is sunny with a high near 66.  (Click here for an updated forecast).
More on this hike:  You won't find this hike described in either the Martins' book, Hiking Marin, or Tracy Salcedo-Chourre's Exploring Point Reyes Seashore and Golden Gate National Recreation Area.  Look instead at the GGNRA Marin Headlands trail map.  We'll head up the Marincello and Bobcat Trails, do a sharp turn and head down the Alta and Oakwood Valley Trails, then cross Tennessee Valley Road and walk west on the Rhubarb Trail until we get back to the parking lot.


(Theresa Fisher created the following NPS map of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area overlaid with the route of our hike).