Wildflower Heaven in the Headlands

Our wildflower hike takes us through several different plant habitats, including rocky outcrops, coastal scrub, and grassland at the height of wildflower season. We may see up to 50 species of colorful native wildflowers and other plants in bloom.

We'll begin at the Rodeo Beach parking lot in the Marin Headlands and head up the Coastal Trail to the top of Hill 88 for a lunch stop. On Hill 88, we’ll have amazing views of Tennessee Valley, Mt. Tamalpais, San Francisco, and even San Bruno and Montara Mountains south of San Francisco. Afterward, we'll continue downhill on the Wolf Ridge and Miwok Trails, completing the loop by continuing alongside Rodeo Lagoon to return to our starting point.

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Photo: Alberto Cruz via Flickr

TOTAL DISTANCE

This is a moderate 5-6 mile roundtrip hike with a 800 foot elevation change. Some of the trails are rocky and steep.

LEADERS

David Schmidt and Serena Enger

WEATHER POLICY

Outing goes rain or shine

COST

The outing is free but reservations are required.

WHERE TO MEET

We'll assemble near the restrooms in the Rodeo Beach Parking lot.

NOTES

Bring water and lunch. Dress in layers and wear good hiking shoes. Bring hiking poles if you normally use them. If you have questions about this outing, email Ken Lavin at [email protected] or phone 415-543-6771 x 321.

David Schmidt is an environmental historian and recently retired writer and editor for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regional office in San Francisco. He is also an avid hiker, bicyclist, and volunteer on ecological restoration projects in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties. He is currently working on a book on the Bay Area’s environmental history.

Serena Enger has enjoyed a lifetime of camping and hiking across North America’s local, state, and national parks. She has worked in the field of public librarianship with an emphasis on community outreach and partnerships, particularly in the area of public health. She and a colleague developed a sensory garden at the Fairfield Civic Center Library of Solano County, in which STEAM-based programming and storytimes take place.

Host or Publisher Greenbelt Alliance