Mt. Tamalpais State Park (CA)

The day began with a hike in Muir Woods as the goal however as we approached the area it was clear that we were not the only ones with that idea. The Mysterious One and I began to smile to each other, now being the "tourist", or at least for me being such. We drove by 3 full parking lots and began to notice cars parked along the side of the road for the next 1/4 ml+. As we did so I made a comment about Laurel Falls in the GSMNP, and the visitors there that use similar parking techniques. So as we continued along the parked cars we decided we'd see what else we could find to get into. A few minutes later we found a pull off for a horse camp and trail head in Tamalpais State Park, which would take us to a trail with a view of the Pacific Ocean in 1.3 mls. We followed this Connector Trail up a sometimes steep elevation from the start and after many switchbacks arrived at a turning point at the Coast View Trail.

We followed this trail another 1/2 ml+ gaining more elevation and some large comforting views of the ocean in one direction and mountains in the other.

This was a beautiful hike and one I hope to continue. Peace