Vista Pt - Hawk Hill - Sausalito Hike: Option for 7.7 or 6.7 miles

We will be doing a point to point hike in the Marin Headlands from Vista Point to Sausalito via Hawk Hill. You have the option to do either a challenging or easier hike. The route will offer wonderful vistas of the Pacific Coastline and Golden Gate as we traverse through the rolling hills of the Marin Headlands. This event will consist of two groups from which to choose:

Group A (led by DR & ET) will be doing a moderately strenuous hike and is for Intermediate Hikers Only. The trek will involve ascending 1,550 feet via staircases and steep paths over 7.7 miles.

Group B (led by Ted) is for those who wish to hike at a slightly slower pace on an easier route. This group will depart from the same location and ascend 750 feet over 6.7 miles. This group will return to Vista Point before continuing on into Sausalito (for those who need to return to a car).

THIS EVENT HAS A WAITLIST. DO NOT SHOW UP FOR IT UNLESS YOU HAVE RECEIVED AN EMAIL SAYING YOU CAN ATTEND. NO CRASHERS AND NO PLUS ONES.

Both groups will meet at 10:00 am in the Vista Point Parking Lot on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge, near the restrooms. We depart at 10:15 am sharp. Both groups will hike together for the first 2.1 miles to Hawk Hill. At Hawk hill we will take a break for food, restrooms and pictures before splitting into two groups, both heading for Sausalito via different routes.

Group A: After the Hawk Hill break the group will continue west along the Coastal Trail, turning north at mile 3.8 onto the Rodeo Valley Trail. At mile 5.8 we get onto the Alta Trail until it meets the Morning Sun trail at mile 6.0. We will hike down the many steps of the Morning Sun Trail, then follow various roads the rest of the way into Sausalito.
Group B: After the Hawk Hill break the group will return along the same route to Vista Point (mile 4.3). Then we will walk along Alexander Avenue for the remaining 2.3 miles into Sausalito.

Bring plenty of water, snacks and/or lunch, sturdy shoes (as the trails can be rocky at points), and hiking poles if you use them.

Information
AllTrails Route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/vp-hh-sa-75b9b6d?u=i&sh=iwrzkh
Level: Group A: Intermediate. You will be expected to hike an average of 2.5 to 3.0 miles per hour and have experience hiking up steep inclines. Group B: Beginner. You should have some hiking experience.
Total Distance: Group A: 7.7 miles. Group B: 4.5 miles round trip to Vista Point, and 6.7 miles if continuing to Sausalito.
Elevation Gain: Group A: 1,550 feet (via steps and steep inclines). Group B: 750 feet.
Hiking Time: 3.5 hours plus stops.
Pets: Dogs/cats are welcome to come along.
Cell Phone Service: Unreliable in this area, so you should assume we won't receive any messages.
Restrooms: At Vista Point (mile 0.0), Hawk Hill (mile 2.1) and Sausalito (mile 7.7).

Directions
Public Transportation:

• To Vista Point: Take the Golden Gate Transit #130 Bus to the Vista Point stop on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge. This bus runs every hour, so to arrive on time you would have to take the bus departing from the Salesforce Transit Center at 9:15 am (or earlier). Don't forget to tap off with your clipper card when you get off the bus!!!! For those wanting a bit more exercise, you could take the #28 Bus to the Golden Gate Welcome Center and walk 35 minutes north across the bridge to Vista Point.
• From Sausalito: Take the 3:10 pm ferry to the Ferry Building (a 30 minute trip) or take the Golden Gate Transit #130 Bus from Sausalito into San Francisco. Use a clipper card to save money on the ferry.

Parking: Free parking at the Vista Point parking lot.

Liability Disclaimer
The organizers of this event are unpaid volunteers and not expert hiking guides. By signing up for this event you agree to assume all responsibility for your own safety, health consequences, conduct and well-being, and you hereby release its organizers, hosts and participants from any and all liability, claims, demands or causes of action that you now have, or may have in the future, for illness, injuries, damages, and/or economic loss of any kind or nature, arising in whole or in part out of the activities, advice, or information contained herein. You are also acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with this type of outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards.