Have a mid-day break on Tam including a lunch with hummingbirds
2024-09-04 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mountain Home Inn, 810 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA
Distance: 4 miles with 800 ft of elevation gain
Pace: Easy
Bring snack
Trails: Mt Home parking to Hogback to Matt Davis to Nora to Old Railroad grade to Hogback to Mt Home parking

Sound Summit 2024
2024-09-07 | Cushing Memorial Amphitheater, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA, 2 Cushing Dr, United States
Not a Friends of Mt Tam event, but we know many members like to attend

Visit Green Gulch: its Zen center and its organic farm.
2024-09-07 09:00 - 12:00 | Dias Ridge, Mt Tamalpais
Distance: 7.6 miles with about 1000 ft of elevation change
Pace: easy
Bring lunch
Trails: Dias trailhead (off Panoramic) to Miwok to Coyote Ridge to Green Gulch to Golden Gate Stables to Dias Ridge to Dias trailhead (Panoramic)

"Walking Mt. Tam: Trails of Creativity" - Interpretive hike with docent Caryn Lowe
2024-09-14 09:00 - 13:30, 2024-10-26 09:00 - 13:30 | Pantoll Parking Lot, Mt Tamalpais
“Methinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow!” -Thoreau.
Science has proven what people have known for ages –walking in nature is one of the best ways to reset and connect with your creative mind. This walk will begin in silence as we trade asphalt for dirt and fall into the rhythm of the day. What happens next is up to you and the mountain.
HIKE ROUTE
Start at Pantoll Parking Lot; Old Mine Trail to Mountain Theater; Rock Spring Trail to West Point Inn; Old Stage Road to Pantoll Parking Lot
Distance (mi): 4.5. Elevation Gain (ft): 500. Moderate.
*This hike is limited to 12 people.*
MEET: Pantoll Parking Area
DEPARTURE: 9am Departure. Group should return no later than 1:30pm
NO REGISTRATION OR SIGN UP NECCESSARY. Show up early though – This hike is limited to 12 people.
CANCELLATIONS: Rain, red flag days, winds above 30 mph, and unforeseen circumstances will cancel. Check the Friends of Mt Tam Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfMtTam
PARKING: We strongly recommend carpooling and arriving 15 minutes early to find parking. Certain parking areas require a $8 fee (Pantoll, Bootjack, and East Peak). Bring exact change!
WATER: Bring at least two bottles of water on hot days. Most hikes do not pass by public drinking water sources.
FOOD: Unless stated otherwise in the hike description, there will not be a formal lunch stop. Bring your own snacks.
PROTECTION: Ticks, mosquitoes, horse flies and yellow jackets are present, but not abundant.
STURDY BOOTS: Trails are uneven, rocky and can be very steep in places. Sandals, sneakers and running shoes are not recommended.
HIKE DOCENTS have been trained under the California State Parks Volunteers In the Park Program (VIPP).

Annual FMT Member and Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
2024-09-28 13:00 - 15:00
Friends of Mt. Tam Annual Picnic
Location of event: Madrone Grove, across from the Mountain Theatre
(Quarry Lot near the Mt. Theater may offer more parking spots)

Mt Tamalpais State Park Science Quest Day
2024-10-05
A free all-day event showcasing the unique sciences of Mt Tam State Park. Expert guides in Flora, Fauna, Geology, and Astronomy will provide in person experiences to highlight how science can deepen our understanding of our environment.
There will be a very limited number of slots available for each event. Friends of Mt Tam members will get priority access!
Stay tuned for more details!

East Peak Gravity Car Barn Open
2024-12-07 12:00 - 16:00 | Mt Tamalpais East Peak, Mt. Tam Gravity Car Barn, Mill Valley, 94941, United States
State Park Volunteer docents at the Gravity Car Barn Museum share their love of the mountain’s rich history. Relive the past by learning how train passengers used to coast down the mountain.
You’ll also find:

Interpretive displays to help connect visitors with the cultural resources found at the park.
Video documentary for your enjoyment
Historic photos and memorabilia – train tickets, old tavern menus, and more!

FMT Member Holiday Party
2024-12-08 18:00 - 21:00
Annual Holiday Party for FMT Members.
More Details Soon!

CANCELLED - BAD WEATHER "Walking Mt. Tam: Trails of Creativity" - Interpretive hike with docent Caryn Lowe
2024-12-14 09:00 - 13:30 | Pantoll Parking Lot, Mt Tamalpais

First Day Hike
2025-01-01 09:15 - 13:00 | Rock Spring Trailhead, W Ridgecrest Blvd, Stinson Beach, CA 94970, USA, 2 Ridgecrest Rd, United States
Sponsored by Friends of Mt Tam and California Alpine Club

Where: Rock Spring Parking Lot

When: January 1, 2025

Time: 9:15am to 2pm

Parking: Parking in this lot is free. Overflow parking is available in the Quarry parking lot by the Mountain Theater.

What to expect: This annual event hike is actually multiple hikes! All hike routes are round trip from Rock Spring to the East Peak Gravity Car Barn. From there, participants can hang out, hike the short distance to the summit, or take a stroll on the Verna Dunshee loop trail around the summit. All routes traverse through beautiful, mossy woodlands and iconic chaparral up to sweeping panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area. Participants can choose from moderate to strenuous routes. Those wanting an easier hike or walk can drive to East Peak (parking is $8 per vehicle), independently enjoy the short trail to the summit or the accessible Verna Dunshee loop trail, and chat with volunteer docents at the Gravity Car Barn.

Length of hike: Depending on route, the hike is 6-8 miles round trip with 500-1000 feet of elevation gain. The Plankwalk Trail from the East Peak Visitor Center to the summit is 0.6 miles round trip with about 225 feet of elevation gain. The Verna Dunshee loop trail at East Peak is 0.7 miles long with minimal elevation changes.

Preparation: Participants should wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and dress in layers. Snacks and beverages will be available at East Peak, but participants should still carry drinking water and snacks.

Walking Mt. Tam: The Winter Edition
2025-01-11 09:30 - 13:00, 2025-02-08 09:00 - 13:00 | Pantoll Campground Parking, 6456 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA, 2 Panoramic Hwy, United States
Interpretive hike with docent Caryn Lowe.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than they seek.” — John Muir
Winter is a special time to walk on Mt. Tam – the water is flowing, the hills turn green and the air is fresh and crisp. This hike will provide a little bit of everything. Sweeping vistas. Tree covered pathways. And stops at the Mountain Theater and West Point Inn. During this hike you will also learn a little bit about their rich history, connection and what happens here today.
HIKE
Start at Pantoll Parking Lot; Old Mine Trail to Mountain Theater; Rock Spring Trail to West Point Inn; Old Stage Road to Pantoll Parking Lot
Distance (mi): 4.5. Elevation Gain (ft): 500. Moderate. *This hike is limited to 12 people.*

Annual FMT Member Meeting
2025-03-08 09:00 - 12:00 | California Alpine Club, 730 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA, 2 Panoramic Hwy, United States
Friends of Mt Tam Annual Member Meeting will be held on March 8 at the California Alpine Club ( 730 Panoramic Highway- one block from Mountain Home)

Please join us for coffee and continental breakfast at 9 a.m. Light snacks and tea will also be served. Opening remarks will begin at 10 a.m. Meeting will end no later than noon – plenty of time to get out on the trails!

Darren Peck (a FMT member) Meteorologist for CBS News Bay Area will be our special guest. He will discuss Mt Tam weather and will be able to answer questions.

If you have not yet renewed your membership, you can take care of that at the meeting!

Please RSVP by sending us an email at Friendsofmttam@gmail.com.

See you there!

Walking Mt. Tam: The Winter Edition (Moved from March 8)
2025-03-09 09:00 - 13:00 | Pantoll Campground Parking, 6456 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA, 2 Panoramic Hwy, United States

Walking Mt. Tam: The Spring Edition
2025-04-12 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-05-10 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-06-14 09:00 - 13:00 | Pantoll Campground Parking, 6456 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA, 2 Panoramic Hwy, United States
Saturday at 9:00 AM from Pantoll Parking Lot trailhead.
“Walking Mt. Tam: The Spring Edition”
Interpretive hike with docent Caryn Lowe.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than they seek.” — John Muir
Spring is a special time to walk on Mt. Tam – the hills are green from winter water, birds are active and flowers take their turns showing off. This hike will provide a little bit of everything. Sweeping vistas. Tree covered pathways. And stops at the Mountain Theater and West Point Inn. During this hike you will also learn a little bit about their rich history and what happens here today.
HIKE
Start at Pantoll Parking Lot; Old Mine Trail to Mountain Theater; Rock Spring Trail to West Point Inn; Old Stage Road to Pantoll Parking Lot
Distance (mi): 4.5. Elevation Gain (ft): 500. Moderate.

1st Annual Steep Ravine Campground Special Event
2025-05-17 14:00 - 2025-05-18 12:00 | Steep Ravine Campground
Friends of Mt Tam will be taking over the entire campground (cabins and tents) and will have special speakers and food.
Details will be shared with FMT members
Should be a great time!

Mt Tam Hummingbirds / 4 Mile Hike
2025-06-18 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-07-16 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-08-20 17:00 - 19:30 | Mountain Home Inn, 810 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA
Hummingbirds are tiny birds native to the Americas. They are symbols of joy, good luck and new beginnings. We are blessed to have them on Mt Tam and specifically at the West Point Inn where we’ll watch them perform their ballet and let them mesmerize us. A perfect way to end a busy day!
Route: Mt Home to Matt Davis to Nora to West Point Inn to Old Railroad grade to Hogback to Mt Home. Hogback has some steep but short sections. With a 20 minutes break at West Point Inn.
Pace: Moderate but steady

Friends of Mt Tam 40th Anniversary Pantoll Quad Challenge / West Point Inn
2025-07-26 09:00 - 13:00 | Pantoll Campground Parking, 6456 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA, 2 Panoramic Hwy, United States
Friends of Mt Tam 40th Anniversary Pantoll Quad Challenge /West Point Inn
Signup at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fmts-40th-anniversary-pantoll-quad-hike-1-west-point-inn-tickets-1448253568409?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_cid=f594c9f583&mc_eid=feda38414d
Join Docent Caryn Lowe, for this guided hike.
This hike is considered Challenging (more than 4 miles and varying terrain)
MEET: Pantoll Parking Area
DEPARTURE: 9am Departure. Group should return no later than 1:00pm
Sign up is required and is limited to 12 people
CANCELLATIONS: Rain, red flag days, winds above 30 mph, and unforeseen circumstances will cancel. Check the Friends of Mt Tam Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfMtTam
PARKING: We strongly recommend carpooling and arriving 15 minutes early to find parking. Certain parking areas require a $8 fee (Pantoll, Bootjack, and East Peak). Bring exact change!
WATER: Bring at least two bottles of water on hot days. Most hikes do not pass by public drinking water sources.
FOOD: Unless stated otherwise in the hike description, there will not be a formal lunch stop. Bring your own snacks.
PROTECTION: Ticks, mosquitoes, horse flies and yellow jackets are present, but not abundant.
STURDY BOOTS: Trails are uneven, rocky and can be very steep in places. Sandals, sneakers and running shoes are not recommended.
HIKE DOCENTS have been trained under the California State Parks Volunteers In the Park Program (VIPP).
This hike is part of the “The Pantoll Quad”, which is four epic hikes that start/end at the Pantoll Campground. Together they are 21 miles with 4,300 feet of elevation. Individually they are 4.5 – 6.5 miles long with 500 – 1,500 of elevation. Complete all four hikes (as part of this challenge or on your own) and get a super cool commemorative badge!

Friends of Mt Tam 40th Anniversary Pantoll Quad Challenge / Bolinas Ridge
2025-08-03 09:00 - 13:00 | Pantoll Campground Parking, 6456 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA, 2 Panoramic Hwy, United States
Friends of Mt Tam 40th Anniversary Pantoll Quad Challenge / Bolinas Ridge
Signup at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fmts-40th-anniversary-pantoll-quad-hike-2-bolinas-ridge-tickets-1448251151179?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_cid=f594c9f583&mc_eid=feda38414d
Join Docent Brian Muir, for this guided hike.
This hike is considered Challenging (more than 4 miles and varying terrain)
MEET: Pantoll Parking Area
DEPARTURE: 9am Departure. Group should return no later than 1:00pm
Sign up is required and is limited to 12 people
CANCELLATIONS: Rain, red flag days, winds above 30 mph, and unforeseen circumstances will cancel. Check the Friends of Mt Tam Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfMtTam
PARKING: We strongly recommend carpooling and arriving 15 minutes early to find parking. Certain parking areas require a $8 fee (Pantoll, Bootjack, and East Peak). Bring exact change!
WATER: Bring at least two bottles of water on hot days. Most hikes do not pass by public drinking water sources.
FOOD: Unless stated otherwise in the hike description, there will not be a formal lunch stop. Bring your own snacks.
PROTECTION: Ticks, mosquitoes, horse flies and yellow jackets are present, but not abundant.
STURDY BOOTS: Trails are uneven, rocky and can be very steep in places. Sandals, sneakers and running shoes are not recommended.
HIKE DOCENTS have been trained under the California State Parks Volunteers In the Park Program (VIPP).
This hike is part of the “The Pantoll Quad”, which is four epic hikes that start/end at the Pantoll Campground. Together they are 21 miles with 4,300 feet of elevation. Individually they are 4.5 – 6.5 miles long with 500 – 1,500 of elevation. Complete all four hikes (as part of this challenge or on your own) and get a super cool commemorative badge!

Friends of Mt Tam 40th Anniversary Pantoll Quad Challenge / Muir Woods
2025-08-16 09:00 - 13:00 | Pantoll Campground Parking, 6456 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA, 2 Panoramic Hwy, United States
Friends of Mt Tam 40th Anniversary Pantoll Quad Challenge / Muir Woods
Signup at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fmts-40th-anniversary-pantoll-quad-hike-3-muir-woods-tickets-1448248794129?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_cid=f594c9f583&mc_eid=feda38414d
Join MT Tam State Park Interpreter Hillary Colyer for this guided hike.
This hike is considered Challenging (more than 4 miles and varying terrain)
MEET: Pantoll Parking Area
DEPARTURE: 9am Departure. Group should return no later than 1:00pm
Sign up is required and is limited to 12 people
CANCELLATIONS: Rain, red flag days, winds above 30 mph, and unforeseen circumstances will cancel. Check the Friends of Mt Tam Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfMtTam
PARKING: We strongly recommend carpooling and arriving 15 minutes early to find parking. Certain parking areas require a $8 fee (Pantoll, Bootjack, and East Peak). Bring exact change!
WATER: Bring at least two bottles of water on hot days. Most hikes do not pass by public drinking water sources.
FOOD: Unless stated otherwise in the hike description, there will not be a formal lunch stop. Bring your own snacks.
PROTECTION: Ticks, mosquitoes, horse flies and yellow jackets are present, but not abundant.
STURDY BOOTS: Trails are uneven, rocky and can be very steep in places. Sandals, sneakers and running shoes are not recommended.
HIKE DOCENTS have been trained under the California State Parks Volunteers In the Park Program (VIPP).
This hike is part of the “The Pantoll Quad”, which is four epic hikes that start/end at the Pantoll Campground. Together they are 21 miles with 4,300 feet of elevation. Individually they are 4.5 – 6.5 miles long with 500 – 1,500 of elevation. Complete all four hikes (as part of this challenge or on your own) and get a super cool commemorative badge!

Friends of Mt Tam 40th Anniversary Pantoll Quad Challenge / Steep Ravine-Dipsea
2025-08-24 09:00 - 13:00 | Pantoll Campground Parking, 6456 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA, 2 Panoramic Hwy, United States
July 20, 2025 Update: Due to a landslide on the Steep Ravine trail, the docent may need to re-route part of this hike. Whatever route is used, it will still qualify you for the Pantoll Quad Pin!
Friends of Mt Tam 40th Anniversary Pantoll Quad Challenge / Steep Ravine – Dipsea
Signup at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fmts-40th-anniversary-pantoll-quad-hike-3-muir-woods-tickets-1448248794129?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_cid=f594c9f583&mc_eid=feda38414d
Join docent Franklin Young for this guided hike.
This hike is considered Challenging (more than 4 miles and varying terrain)
MEET: Pantoll Parking Area
DEPARTURE: 9am Departure. Group should return no later than 1:00pm
Sign up is required and is limited to 12 people
CANCELLATIONS: Rain, red flag days, winds above 30 mph, and unforeseen circumstances will cancel. Check the Friends of Mt Tam Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfMtTam
PARKING: We strongly recommend carpooling and arriving 15 minutes early to find parking. Certain parking areas require a $8 fee (Pantoll, Bootjack, and East Peak). Bring exact change!
WATER: Bring at least two bottles of water on hot days. Most hikes do not pass by public drinking water sources.
FOOD: Unless stated otherwise in the hike description, there will not be a formal lunch stop. Bring your own snacks.
PROTECTION: Ticks, mosquitoes, horse flies and yellow jackets are present, but not abundant.
STURDY BOOTS: Trails are uneven, rocky and can be very steep in places. Sandals, sneakers and running shoes are not recommended.
HIKE DOCENTS have been trained under the California State Parks Volunteers In the Park Program (VIPP).
This hike is part of the “The Pantoll Quad”, which is four epic hikes that start/end at the Pantoll Campground. Together they are 21 miles with 4,300 feet of elevation. Individually they are 4.5 – 6.5 miles long with 500 – 1,500 of elevation. Complete all four hikes (as part of this challenge or on your own) and get a super cool commemorative badge!

Pantoll Quad Hike / Bolinas Ridge
2025-09-20 09:00 - 12:30 | Pantoll Campground Parking, 6456 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA, 2 Panoramic Hwy, United States
Join Docent Debra Hoitomt, for this guided hike.
This hike is considered Challenging (more than 4 miles and varying terrain)
Sign up is required and is limited to 12 people
MEET: Pantoll Parking Area
DEPARTURE: 9am Departure. Group should return no later than 1:00pm
CANCELLATIONS: Rain, red flag days, winds above 30 mph, and unforeseen circumstances will cancel. Check the Friends of Mt Tam Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfMtTam
PARKING: We strongly recommend carpooling and arriving 15 minutes early to find parking. Certain parking areas require a $8 fee (Pantoll, Bootjack, and East Peak). Bring exact change!
WATER: Bring at least two bottles of water on hot days. Most hikes do not pass by public drinking water sources.
FOOD: Unless stated otherwise in the hike description, there will not be a formal lunch stop. Bring your own snacks.
PROTECTION: Ticks, mosquitoes, horse flies and yellow jackets are present, but not abundant.
STURDY BOOTS: Trails are uneven, rocky and can be very steep in places. Sandals, sneakers and running shoes are not recommended.
HIKE DOCENTS have been trained under the California State Parks Volunteers In the Park Program (VIPP).
This hike is part of the “The Pantoll Quad”, which is four epic hikes that start/end at the Pantoll Campground. Together they are 21 miles with 4,300 feet of elevation. Individually they are 4.5 – 6.5 miles long with 500 – 1,500 of elevation.
Pantoll Quad Info

Mt Tamalpais State Park 4th Annual Science Quest Day
2025-09-27
The 4th Annual Friends of Mt Tam Science Quest Day will be on September 27, 2025. Experts in Fire Science, Lichenology, Botany, Ornithology, Geology, Meteorology, and Astronomy will provide in person experiences to highlight how science can deepen our understanding of our environment.
The day will begin at 7:30am with a Master Birder led hike and wrap up with an amazing Star Party from 6:30 – 9:00pm. In between are more than 15 exciting and truly unique experiences.
There will be a very limited number of slots available for each event.
NEW THIS YEAR
FREE Shuttle
Since Pantoll and Bootjack Parking lots can fill up early in the day, there will be a free shuttle between the Quarry Parking Lot (Mountain Theater), Rock Spring Parking Lot, and Pantoll Parking Lot every 20 minutes. The shuttle will run from 8am – 4pm. Come a little early and don’t worry about parking!
More Kid Events
Bring your kids (and their friends and their scout group). Junior Ranger, Geology, Bingo, Science Quest Trivia Night, and “Into The Woods At The One Tam Van” are all kid (7-12 years old) friendly.
20% off all Merchandise and Flash Sales
Friends of Mt Tam members receive 20% off all merchandise at Pantoll and East Peak. Additionally, we will have flash sales throughout the day!
More free tasty treats and drinks at Pantoll
To celebrate Science Quest Day, FMT will be serving free coffee, hot chocolate, drinks, and trail worthy snacks at the FMT trailer at Pantoll.
It will be a great day on the Mountain! We hope you can join the fun.
For a list of events and to sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/mt-tamalpais-state-park-science-quest-day-2025-4459993?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=creatorshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp&aff=escb

Pantoll Quad Hike / Enjoy Muir Woods without the crowds
2025-09-28 09:00 - 12:30 | Pantoll Campground, 3801 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA
5.5 miles/1500 ft elevation gain
This hike will be led by Docent Franklin Young.
It is one of the 4 hikes of the Pantoll Quad program. Upon completing all 4 hikes, you will receive a badge of Honor
Meeting place: Pantoll parking lot by bathrooms
Start time: 9AM – Return: 12:30 PM
Moderate but steady pace
Trails: Stapelveldt, Ben Johnson, at Muir Woods, Bootjack, Alpine
Recommended: water, sturdy shoes, hiking poles, snack
