May Flowers Hike: Wildflowers Plus Birds!
Mt. Tamalpais State Park
Starts at 9am at Santos Meadow/Frank Valley Horse Camp on Frank Valley/Muir Woods Road
Join State Park Interpreter Hillary on the sixth in a series of hikes that explores the abounding spring wildflowers in Mount Tamalpais State Park. This hike will take in not only later season blooms of the coastal scrub, but the variety of birds found in the Santos Meadow area. Flowers should include Franciscan paintbrush, yarrow, pink honeysuckle, monkeyflower, and more! Birds will be perching on fences, hiding in the bushes, flitting between flowers, and soaring overhead.
Meeting location: Frank Valley Horse Camp (Santos Meadow) on Frank Valley Road (the continuation of Muir Woods Road heading to Shoreline Hwy at Muir Beach). Parking is along the road. Staff will be waiting at the gate. (Set navigation or map app to either Santos Meadow or Heather Cutoff Trail.)
Hike description: Moderate out and back hike of about 2.8 miles with steady elevation gain totaling about 500 feet, using the Heather Cutoff Trail up to the Coast View Trail. Estimated duration is about 2.5 hours, including break time and photo time.
Additional information: Weather conditions may be changeable, with chilly fog giving way to warm sunshine. Dress in layers and bring sun protection. Bring water and snacks. Ticks are present, so long, light-colored pants and higher socks and/or insect repellent are recommended. Poison oak is present along the trail, as well. Sturdy footwear is strongly recommended. Pets other than service animals are not allowed on this trail.
