: Sherrie Perkovich
The highest point in the SF Bay is Mt. Tamalpais. Elevation 2,571 feet or 784 meters for you Euros. On a clear day you can see forever up there. If you’re up for a difficult, sweaty and grueling hike… I highly recommend hiking all the way from the bottom to the top. For you lightweights, yes you can drive almost all the way to the top. But you still have to get off your butts and make it the last few hundred feet to get the best views.
If you attempt this in the summer and fall months, be sure to bring plenty of water and sunblock! There is a small food and beverage stand at the top of the mountain. They also have yummy rocket popcicles!
Back in the day (aka the 1960s) there was a Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain Music Festival that was held ath the 4,000 seat Sidney B. Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre high on the south face of Mt. Tam.
Coastal Miwok Indians lived in the area for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. In 1770, two explorers named the mountain La Sierra de Nuestro Padre de San Francisco, which was later changed to the Miwok word Tamalpais.
With the Gold Rush of 1849, San Francisco grew and more people began to use Mount Tamalpais for recreation. Trails were developed and a wagon road was built. Later, a railway was completed and became known as “The Crookedest Railroad in the World.” It was abandoned in 1930 after a wildfire damaged the line. For more history, directions and maps, visit the official parks website.
You can hike for a few hours or a few days out there. Come prepared and enjoy the scenery!
Elevation 2571 feet
