SATURDAY, May 14, 2016

Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve (RMOSP), Marin Co., CA

AIPG U.C. Davis Student Chapter Field Trip

How to Get There:

Directions: see map

Where to Meet:

At north end ofRing Mountain Open Space Preserve at Phyllis Ellman Trail head

When to Start:

Suggested starting time no later than: 9:30 AM.

What to Wear:

  • Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes with tread
  • Comfortable layered outdoor clothing: area gets fog
  • Recommend long pants because of poison oak on narrow trails

What to Bring:

  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, bottled water and wide brimmed or billed hat
  • Backpack (for your lunch and water)
  • Camera and notebook (if desired)
  • Hiking stick(s) useful (if desired)
  • Do bring a Brunton or other geologist’s surveying compass (I-Phone 6 has a compass and level app). However, donot bring a rock hammer because this is a protected open space preserve and rock and mineral collecting is prohibited.

Trail Etiquette:

  • We’ll hike at the pace of the slowest person(s) – sometime me.
  • Stay with hike leader, if possiblebecause there are numerous unmarked side trails and we don’t wish to lose anyone. If you do get ahead, please wait at trail intersections or forks in the trail/road; unlike Yogi Berra’s recommendation: “If there’s a fork in the road – take it.” There should also be a responsible rear leaderor sweep to make certain that no one is left behind.
  • If someone has to turn back before the half way point, they should notify the hike leader and be accompanied by another hiker.
  • Portions of the trail are shared with fast hikers/joggers. Please let them pass. Rear hikers should inform others ahead. I recommend not spreading out and staying on the right side of the trail at all times, if possible.

What to Expect:

  • The field trip traverses unimproved trail loopsand old ranch roads for approximately 4-5 miles, with a~800 ft. elevation gain covering interesting outcrops of country rock, structure, and rock alteration from mineralizing fluids (?),weathering, and archeological features.Unique endemic plants (flowers and grasses). Spectacular views (if no fog) of Tiburon peninsula, San Francisco, and Golden Gate.
  • If one is in relatively good shape and used to hiking most of the day, the hike is somewhat easy to moderate. Trails and old dirt roads are somewhat unimproved and rocky in places.
  • Hike generally takes ~4 hours depending on water/rest stops, lunch, and “arm waving.”
  • Temperatures in RMOSP in early- to mid-May are highly variable from mid 60s to 70s but warm weather can occur but if the fog is in can be quite chilly (~50 – 60 oF. I would recommend not doing the hike if the forecasted temperature high – in the mid or upper 90s. Light rain day before ok; heavy rain day before or early morning of hike,recommend canceling hike (trails can become quite slippery).
  • Restrooms (at San Clemente Park) only at start and end of hike. No water on trail.
  • Caution: poison oak common

Other Notes/Comments:

(1)I would not recommend this hike for anyone who is or has been sedentary or is not used to long hikes. However, most of the elevation gain (~800 feet) is at the hike's beginning. Everyone should carry water; I normally carry two bottles, but if it is hot (~ 80s), I'll probably carry a third bottle. Extra water left behind in the bus/van might also be a good idea. I would schedule a minimum of about 4 hourstotal with a 20 to 30 minute lunch break.

(2)If you're going to have a relatively large group (>20), I strongly recommend contacting and/or coordinating this trip with RMOSP personnel. For groups greater than 20 a permit is required by the RMOSP.