Where to find "interactive" hikes in the bay area?
July 7, 2008 3:21 PM Subscribe
Where can I find "scramble" or not-just-walking type hikes in SF/ the bay area?
My significant other isn't against hiking, he's just not fond of walking placidly along a smooth trail. So I'm looking for routes that involve more scrambling or clambering up rocks, maybe dealing with (small) obstacles, and generally interacting more with the environment. A great example would be Eagle Falls/Lake in Tahoe, where you can see lovely views by climbing up some of the rocks off-trail and wade into the lake by scrambling down its bank. But I need something closer to home...
I've found potentially good parks in the area, but I'd love recommendations for specific trails if possible please!
My significant other isn't against hiking, he's just not fond of walking placidly along a smooth trail. So I'm looking for routes that involve more scrambling or clambering up rocks, maybe dealing with (small) obstacles, and generally interacting more with the environment. A great example would be Eagle Falls/Lake in Tahoe, where you can see lovely views by climbing up some of the rocks off-trail and wade into the lake by scrambling down its bank. But I need something closer to home...
I've found potentially good parks in the area, but I'd love recommendations for specific trails if possible please!
While it's a bit south, a couple days ago I did lots of scrambling on the rocks at Point Lobos State Reserve.
posted by zsazsa at 3:59 PM on July 7, 2008
posted by zsazsa at 3:59 PM on July 7, 2008
I've enjoyed scrambling up Mt Tam from Mill Valley. Sorry, I don't remember specific trails, it's some years since we used to go, but we used to park in the upper streets of Mill Valley. There are a number of routes.
Note that coming down it's all too easy to end up somewhere different than your start point - from experience, there's only one top, but a lot of bottom.
posted by anadem at 4:15 PM on July 7, 2008
Note that coming down it's all too easy to end up somewhere different than your start point - from experience, there's only one top, but a lot of bottom.
posted by anadem at 4:15 PM on July 7, 2008
Best answer: I'm a big fan of Henry W. Coe State Park, in the south Bay Area, east of Morgan Hill and Gilroy. The park is huge, and the terrain is steep, with lots of chaparral, grasses, and oaks. There's an extensive network of old farm roads and single track hiking trails that spreads out for many miles. In general, the eastern side of the park is better suited to the type of hiking you describe (which is generally referred to as "cross-country" hiking). There is less vegetation in this part of the park, and a number of peaks can be scrambled and bagged. Tie Down Peak, which is accessible from the Kaiser-Aetna Road that runs deep into the park's interior, is a good example. Note that most of this park is only accessible via foot, mountain bike, or horseback, and very little of it is "easily" accessible. ALWAYS bring an adequate supply of water, etc. when visiting this park. Also remember that ten months out of the year, the park is actively trying to kill you with a one-two punch of steep hills and hot temps; there is nothing passive about hiking around Henry Coe. It WILL kick your ass, especially on hot days. So why bother? Well, the park has some great rewards for those that make it into the interior, including solitude, satisfyingly hard hiking/biking, great pond-style bass fishing, and lots of wildlife.
posted by mosk at 4:25 PM on July 7, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by mosk at 4:25 PM on July 7, 2008 [1 favorite]
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posted by yort at 3:45 PM on July 7, 2008