Accidental discoveries are probably the best kind, don't you think?
In my recent wanderings, I made my way out toward the Northern California Coast and over to Mount Tamalpais State Park, along with Muir Woods. For hikers, the two places intersect, forming a very large, very challenging hiking haven.
One of the trails available is called the Dipsea Trail. I hiked the trail begining at the top of what is called "Cardiac Hill" and followed the trail down to Muir woods, where I discovered that Dipsea Trail has been around for quite a long time. It originally dates back to use by Native Americans who populated the area long before California became a State. In more recent times, the grueling path has been used yearly as the track for a race.
The annual race is 7.5 miles long. It began in 1905 and has been run nearly every year since.
Trusty Wiki has something to say on the matter:
The Dipsea is well known for its scenic course and challenging trails. The race starts on Throckmorton Avenue in Mill Valley, near Miller Avenue, in front of the old train depot (now a bookstore). After traversing a few blocks in Mill Valley's downtown, runners climb 688 stairs[4] leading up the side of Mount Tamalpais, and then pass through Muir Woods National Monument, Mount Tamalpais State Park, and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The Dipsea Trail is the most direct route connecting the town of Mill Valley, located near the northwestern shores of Richardson Bay, with the village of Stinson Beach, situated along the Pacific coast. Stinson Beach is a popular tourist destination, located about a 30-minute drive north of San Francisco on Highway 1, via the Golden Gate Bridge. The ascent over the southern shoulder of Mount Tam reaches its apex around the top of Cardiac Hill, about 4.5 miles into the race.
Among the challenges facing participants are the Dipsea Trail's uneven footing, single-track footpaths, and almost invariably steep terrain, featuring about 2,200-foot (671 m) elevation gain and loss over the course. The uniqueness of the Dipsea Race course owes largely to the opportunity for competitors to choose from any of several alternate routes on diverging and converging trails, adding a competitive premium for strategy, experience, and familiarity with the course.
Here are my photos from my day hike along Dipsea Trail:
In my recent wanderings, I made my way out toward the Northern California Coast and over to Mount Tamalpais State Park, along with Muir Woods. For hikers, the two places intersect, forming a very large, very challenging hiking haven.
One of the trails available is called the Dipsea Trail. I hiked the trail begining at the top of what is called "Cardiac Hill" and followed the trail down to Muir woods, where I discovered that Dipsea Trail has been around for quite a long time. It originally dates back to use by Native Americans who populated the area long before California became a State. In more recent times, the grueling path has been used yearly as the track for a race.
The annual race is 7.5 miles long. It began in 1905 and has been run nearly every year since.
Trusty Wiki has something to say on the matter:
The Dipsea is well known for its scenic course and challenging trails. The race starts on Throckmorton Avenue in Mill Valley, near Miller Avenue, in front of the old train depot (now a bookstore). After traversing a few blocks in Mill Valley's downtown, runners climb 688 stairs[4] leading up the side of Mount Tamalpais, and then pass through Muir Woods National Monument, Mount Tamalpais State Park, and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The Dipsea Trail is the most direct route connecting the town of Mill Valley, located near the northwestern shores of Richardson Bay, with the village of Stinson Beach, situated along the Pacific coast. Stinson Beach is a popular tourist destination, located about a 30-minute drive north of San Francisco on Highway 1, via the Golden Gate Bridge. The ascent over the southern shoulder of Mount Tam reaches its apex around the top of Cardiac Hill, about 4.5 miles into the race.
Among the challenges facing participants are the Dipsea Trail's uneven footing, single-track footpaths, and almost invariably steep terrain, featuring about 2,200-foot (671 m) elevation gain and loss over the course. The uniqueness of the Dipsea Race course owes largely to the opportunity for competitors to choose from any of several alternate routes on diverging and converging trails, adding a competitive premium for strategy, experience, and familiarity with the course.
Here are my photos from my day hike along Dipsea Trail:
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