Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Aggressive coyotes at Arastradero

Coyotes, most likely protecting pups, have reportedly acted aggressively towards dogs at Pearson-Arastradero Preserve in Palo Alto. Palo Alto Open Space has temporarily closed Woodland Star, Bay Laurel, Ohlone and part of the de Anza trails to dogs. The district reports no horses or hikers have been threatened.

Here are some tips from Palo Alto about coyotes and safety:

"• Be aware that coyotes are more active in the spring, when feeding and protecting their young

Do Not attempt to approach the animal

Do Not try to feed or attempt to tame the animal

Do Keep children close to you

If followed, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks.

Fight back if attacked"


View map of closures here.
Read about Arastradero hiking trails here.

Project Restore on Mount Tamalpais

The causal hiker might not realize it, but the trails on Mount Tamalpais are managed by four separate agencies: California State Parks, Marin Municipal Water District, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Marin County Open Space. Of the three, MMWD has the most acreage -- nearly the entire north slope of the mountain.

MMWD maintains nearly 90 miles of trails, with most recreation use concentrated around Bon Tempe, Lake Lagunitas, and Phoenix Lake. The watershed trails stretching from the those lakes uphill to East Ridgecrest and Tam's three peaks are some of the mountain's loneliest, traversing rugged terrain, steep, heavily-forested hillsides, and crossing some vague junctions with "casual" trails. Since last year MMWD has been working to close old unsafe "unofficial" trails and improve signage.

This year Project Restore is "undertaking restoration work in two locations: (1) along the Temelpa Trail below the Verna Dunshee Trail (East Peak Mt. Tamalpais), and (2) in the vicinity of the Cross-Country Boys Trail, Lower Northside Trail and Lagunitas-Rock Spring Rd below Rifle Camp. Work at the latter location will also include improved trail connections and signage to help people identify official trails and minimize the likelihood of people getting lost. Unofficial trails in this area are notorious for misleading hikers resulting in many of the district's search and rescue efforts."

While I've never hiked Temelpa, I've tramped around the trails described above (#2) and vigorously agree that those trails need improved signage. A good map is essential, but it is still very easily to get disoriented, since the tree cover is dense and some junctions are not signed. I look forward to hiking one of my favorite Tam routes next year -- I'll be on the lookout for the improved signs!

Read about volunteering for Project Restore here.
(Photo is junction of Willow and High Marsh trails)

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Art in the Presidio

I'm loving San Francisco's Presidio these days: new trails and overlooks, an improved campground, and even art!

The Presidio Habitats Exhibition, which runs through May 15, 2011, is described as "A Site-Based Art Exhibition Celebrating Presidio Nature and Wildlife."

If you go to the Presidio to check out the art, consider making a day of it: go for a hike (or two), have a picnic at the beach, or take part in a guided adventure where you can learn about local butterflies (see the Habitats Exhibition page for butterfly info). And look for Andy Goldsworthy's "Spire," near Inspiration Point.

The Presidio is a great, easy-to-reach destination; enjoy nature in the city.

A new multi-use trail grows in Napa?

It likely won't be of much interest to hikers, but the Napa County Transportation and Planning Agency has started planning a multi-use path from American Canyon to Calistoga. The "Vine Trail" will follow along Highway 29 and the Wine Train tracks, so it will be noisy and in the summer HOT! But a great option for casual cyclists, especially during Napa Valley's busy season, when traffic on 29 crawls.

Dias Ridge Trail revamped

Once early in my bay area hiking career, I tried to find the western end of Dias Ridge Trail, a fire road which drops from Shoreline Highway to Muir Beach. I was unsuccessful so I went on to explore some of the many other options nearby, including Muir Woods, Mount Tamalpais, and other GGNRA trails through the Marin Headlands.

But now I have a reason to go back and try again: Dias Ridge Trail has been rebuilt. Just over 3 miles, the fire road is an important connector for several area medium to long hikes. String it together with Redwood Creek Trail and Miwok Trail for a 6 mile loop, or jump across Shoreline Highway on Miwok into the headlands and tramp around all day.

Check the trail map here.
Muir Beach is a good trailhead; it's about 1/4 mile to Dias Ridge Trail and provides plenty of parking, plus beach access and food at the Pelican Inn.