According to a fairly impressive Web site, (www.marintrails.com) Marin County has the finest urban park systems in the world with over 600 miles of wonderful trails. While this statement might seem a bit overblown by about one hundred miles since a mere 500 miles of trails are claimed elsewhere in the site, it really doesnt matter. Clearly, Marin County is a paradise for hikers.
Hiking experts, Don and Kay Martin collected information about the specifics and routes of 141 separate hikes within Marin County for a book entitled, Hiking Marin, 141 Great Hikes in Marin County. The book provides detailed 3D maps for each hike and directions to each trailhead.
One cannot argue that Marin County is a hikers paradise since it features amazing outdoor parks and open spaces, including 3 national parks, 6 state parks, 24 county open space lands and 7 other parks and open space areas. An amazing 42% of these lands are open to the public, leaving more hiking than most of us could possibly hike in a lifetime.
What is the most important consideration before choosing a specific hiking trail? Experts say that is weather is paramount. Bad weather with fog, drizzle and only 100 feet of visibility can all conspire together to change a great hike into a dismal one. Other important considerations include the distance to be hiked, the change in elevation during the hike, the level of difficulty of the trail and whether shade is provided along the way.
The winter months of December and January arent the best hiking weather, but between the raindrops one can hike along the ocean and see whales and elephant seals. While it is extremely wet, the late winter months of February and March are the best time to hike. For those not bothered by allergies, this is when various spring flowers begin to bloom.
As the weather improves and everything is verdant and fragrant, one may experience more great hiking in the spring months of April and May. As dryness and heat become the norm during the summer months of June and July, there are still cool and foggy areas that beg to be hiked: Muir Woods, Steep Ravine and the Marin Headlands are a few of them.
During the hotter and drier months of August and September, the best places to hike are on the coast and the beach areas, as well as north-facing trails. The best time to hike is the early morning when the sun hasnt started to burn through the fog. It is best to avoid Mt. Tamalpais and the hills and ridges of central and north Marin because of fire hazard.
The coast, south-facing trails and woodlands in central Marin and around the lakes are ideal for hiking in October and November when it can be gusty with occasional rain, yet many sunny days.
It is essential to wear good hiking boots, and take along water, or other fluids, a first aid kit, a light jacket, extra food and a poncho in winter and sunscreen in the summer. These are just some of the important items to take. Others include a knife, a hat, book or map, flashlight, binoculars, a compass, a whistle, and a cell phone, which may or may not work in western Marin County, which is cut off by hills and mountains. While it seems like a lot to take along, they would certainly come in handy in case of an accident or if you get lost.
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