Environmental Hikes
Field & Family Adventure Hikes
YMCA Point Bonita is offering a series of Field & Family Adventures in the spectacular Marin Headlands! Join our experienced naturalists for a morning hike with varying themes designed to introduce you to the many faces of our amazing, local national park!
Themes alternate monthly between adult and family-oriented focuses. Adult hikes offer moderate trail distances, hill grades, and age-appropriate discussion topics. During the alternating month, a family-friendly version of that same theme is offered, with shorter trail hikes and activities geared toward children’s sensibilities.
You are invited to join us for the nature excursion of your choice! Please call or write with any questions, or to register for a hike. Registration closes the Wednesday before each Sunday hike. Contact Katy Nickle 415 331 9622
Cost:
$10/ per adult
$5/children 12 and under
Things to Bring for your adventure:
• Layers (The temperature in the Marin Headlands can vary widely from the rest of the Bay
Area.) Waterproof rain coat or poncho, warm hat, sweatshirt or sweater.
• Hiking shoes
• Day-pack
• Water bottle
• Sun protection (sunscreen, lip balm, hat with a brim)
• Camera and/or journal for recording your adventure
• Binoculars
Things to Know:
All of our adventures can be reached by car or by SF Muni 76 bus on Sundays.
YMCA Point Bonita Field & Family Adventures
In Partnership with the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Next Hike: Wildflower Walk!
Spring is in bloom! Come join an experienced YMCA naturalist to explore all the beauty that spring has to offer here in the Marin Headlands. We will be looking for new wildflowers, but we will also discuss other plants, birds, insects and whatever else may catch our eyes. First stop is the historical Marin Headlands Visitor Center where we will review their colorful wildflower display to get acquainted with local plants. Then we will begin an exhilarating trek up Miwok trail to Wolf Ridge trail, one of the most beautiful trails in the Marin Headlands! Wolf Ridge is filled with stunning views of Mt. Tamalpais and Tennessee Valley, with an incredible diversity of wildflowers not seen in other parts of the park. Participants must be in good physical condition and capable of hiking, without undue fatigue or assistance, at a 30-minute mile pace on uneven terrain with about 1000 feet of elevation gain.
Register by March 17th.
Meet at YMCA Point Bonita.
Bring a bagged lunch, binoculars, and wildflower guide if you have them.
Moderate-Strenuous grade; 5 miles.
A quick taste of our Outdoor Education program through a day hike in the Marin Headlands!
Come explore the spectacular California coast and its unique ecosystems through a field trip your students and children are certain to remember.
Come on out to the spectacular coastline of the Marin Headlands for a day of adventure with our naturalists! Smell the ocean air, witness hawks in flight, search for insects at the pond, and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the California coast through hands-on fun!
Take a tour of the Point Bonita lighthouse, visit our local tidepools, and learn about native plants...options to discover and learn abound. Or, hone in your groups' ability to work together effectively through our series of facilited group Challenges. Challenges are initiatives that teach listening and leadership, conflict resolution, and communication skills that will benefit children and adults throughout their lives.
Each day of CoastTrek is a unique experience, tailored to the teachers, students, and conference guests we serve. Check out the Outdoor Education Program Topics to find a complete list of the exploration options available.
For teachers and students, CoastTrek is an affordable quick taste of our residential Outdoor Education Program. For our conference guests, what a great way to enjoy nature or build trust and team-building among your group! CoastTreks can range from two hours to an entire day.
For more information, contact Program Director & Head Naturalist Jesse Wernick or Lead Naturalist Kyyio Cecil-Raditz.
Cost: $35/hour per naturalist. For school groups, naturalist group size is limited to 15 students.
For reservations, contact Rochelle Tolbert at (415) 331-9622, x686.
Resources:
CoastTrek Teacher's Orientation Packet
CoastTrek Conference Orientation Packet