Yoga and Hiking Among the Waterfalls and Along the Coastline of the San Francisco Bay Area, California

The Trip

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." - John Muir

Join others seeking a union of body, mind, and spirit through yoga practice and hiking in various natural settings throughout scenic Marin County. Each day, strengthen your body while taking picturesque day hikes that put your senses in touch with nature.

Based at a cozy private lodge nestled halfway up Mount Tamalpais, we’ll sleep, relax, and practice yoga at our private lodge. Mornings begin with practicing yoga, watching the sun rise over conifer tree tops, eating breakfast, and traveling to trailheads. Our hikes will take us to destinations with spectacular waterfalls, along the Pacific coastline, or through groves of majestic redwood or eucalyptus trees. We'll eat lunch in a park setting or along a trail. Our hikes typically last through mid-afternoon. After dinner participants may choose to relax in front of a roaring fire or curl up with a good book on the outside deck.

The trip starts at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday and ends at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday.

A typical day:

7:00-8:00 a.m.: Morning yoga

8:15-9:00 a.m.: Make lunches, eat breakfast

9:00 a.m.: Travel to trailheads

Morning-Midafternoon: Hike

5:30 p.m.: Social hour, dinner, relaxation time

All hikes and programs are subject to change depending on a variety of factors, including trail conditions, participant’s abilities, weather, and availability of instructors and speakers. Transportation to trailheads is included in the price of the trip.

Getting There

For those who are flying, the nearest airport is San Francisco International (SFO). Travel to and from the lodge is the responsibility of each participant. Ridesharing or taking public transportation from SFO to Mill Valley is encouraged. 

Sierra Club leaders are not allowed to arrange carpools, however, we can share participant information so that everyone can coordinate sharing a ride. Trip vehicles will be used for transportation to and from the trailheads.

Driving directions and additional information regarding travel options will be provided.

Please do not make travel arrangements until the leader has confirmed you as a trip member and the trip has been confirmed to run.

Accommodations and Food

This trip is based at a rustic but charming lodge near Mill Valley located on the Panoramic Highway, just above Muir Woods. It is furnished with a very large hardwood floor area, where we will practice yoga. The lodge also has a large stone fireplace in a comfortable living room, a porch area, and a large outside deck. Sleeping arrangements are in dorms of four to six beds, with a few private curtained bedrooms for couples. Bathrooms are shared. Please bring towels, sheets and a pillowcase (or sleeping bag if you prefer). Blankets and pillows are provided. Participants are not allowed to remain at the lodge during the day unless a leader is on the premises.

Our experienced cook plans healthy, hearty, vegetarian-friendly meals, and following Sierra Club Outings custom we will all assist by taking turns with the preparation and clean-up. We will prepare individual lunches each morning to carry with us on the trail. The cook will work with you to accommodate specific dietary requirements as much as possible. However, any dietary restrictions must be discussed in detail with the cook well in advance of the trip, and it may not be possible to make all the requested accommodations.

We may have one night out for dinner. The dinner on that evening will be at your expense. All other meals will be included, starting with dinner on the first day and ending with breakfast on the final day. 

No smoking is allowed on the premises.

Trip Difficulty

The yoga instruction is designed to accommodate beginning and intermediate levels. Your body will dictate your comfort level.

We will hike between four to eight miles a day, with elevation changes of up to 1,500 feet. The hikes are designed for agile and active hikers who can comfortably keep a pace of two miles per hour. We will not be in a rush, however, and there will be plenty of time to stop, smell the flowers, and absorb the beauty surrounding us. We will visit historic and informational sites as we hike. Good physical conditioning is a must to ensure your enjoyment of the trip. 

Please note that leader approval is required to sign up for the trip. After you receive the trip registration materials (questionnaire, medical form, liability release), you will need to fill them out and send them to the leader within 30 calendar days of receiving your forms.

Equipment and Clothing

For yoga practice, bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, and a yoga mat.

For hiking, you will need a day pack that is large enough to hold lunch, water, and additional layers to keep you warm and dry in case of rain or fog. Hiking shoes or boots should be well-tested and comfortable, with adequate tread to grip the terrain. A more detailed list will be sent once you have been accepted for the trip. 

References

Books:

• Martin, Don and Kay, Hiking Marin.
• Olmsted, Gerald, Trails of Mt. Tamalpais and The Marin Headlands.
• Sivananda Yoga Center, The Sivananda Companion to Yoga.

Conservation

San Francisco Bay and its outlying areas contain many wetlands, old-growth forests, and geologic features. Much has been lost to development since the Gold Rush days, but much has been saved, mostly due to the heroic efforts of individuals and local environmental organizations. Marin County is a shining example of this. More than 60 percent of its land is protected in public ownership and easements through national parks, state parks, watershed, county open space, and land trusts. We will experience firsthand this assemblage of public lands, and learn how much of it came about.

Your leaders are volunteers. They have a long-term dedication to the Sierra Club, conservation, and enjoyment of the outdoors. While on the trip, please don't hesitate to ask your leaders about any conservation concerns that you may have. They look forward to having you share conservation challenges and successes from your home. We will practice Leave No Trace principles on our outings and hikes.

Since any traveling leaves a carbon footprint, check out the information that the Sierra Club offers about carbon offsets at: http://content.sierraclub.org/outings/national/carbon-offsets/.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.