Distance: ~10 miles round-trip, easy
Elevation Gain: ~180'
Estimated Time: ~4.5 hours
Please join your fellow MIT, Harvard, CMU alumni, guests and friends for an easy and beautiful hike.
** RSVP REQUESTED **
Description:
This hike is pretty civilized, what with one part having park benches and the paved trail with a dashed yellow line down the middle (there's even a speed limit!).
There are restrooms both at the trailhead and along the trail. Also this hike is wheelchair accessible.
Dogs, unfortunately are not allowed on the trails.
For more info, see:
https://parks.smcgov.org/crystal-springs-regional-trail
https://bahiker.com/southbayhikes/sawyercamp.html
This will be an out-and-back hike from the trailhead to the Jepson Laurel and possibly further depending on interest; so, anyone can easily turn back early if they would prefer to do a shorter hike.
Despite the civilized location, the Sawyer Camp trail is quite lovely. It brings you right up to the gorgeous Crystal Springs and San Andreas lakes -- you know, the ones you see along I-280. Even for the Bay Area, this area is exceptionally beautiful.
What to Bring:
The usual: water, lunch, and a snack. Rain gear and warm clothes, and/or a sunhat may be advisable depending on the weather.
Directions:
See http://tinyurl.com/bhc2t3y for a Google map.
Take 280 north or south to exit 36, Black Mt. Rd/Haynes Rd, and turn west. At T junction, follow sign pointing left to Sawyer Camp Trail. Proceed 1.3 mi to trailhead on the right. Park along the street and meet inside the gate.
Carpooling:
Carpooling is always a good idea.
One of the organizers has personally set up a site to coordinate carpooling, but this is not officially endorsed by any of the sponsoring organizations. However, all attendees are welcome to join a carpool or add a car at their own risk:
https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/wc0q2f
Rain policy:
This being a paved path, light rain does not cancel. If it's forecast to rain significantly, the hike is off and we will send out an email no later than 8 AM the morning of the hike to all persons who have RSVP'ed.
Disclaimers:
Joining any hike is entirely voluntary and participants assume any and all risks associated with the activities. By registering or attending this event, participants agree to the conditions posted at: http://northerncalifornia.alumclub.mit.edu/s/1314/images/gid25/editor_documents/event_documents/liability_waiver.pdf
Contacts:
MIT - Lyman Hurd
Cell: 13 * 19 * 59 * 179 * 2953