Alpine - Bootjack - TCC - Stapelveldt Trail Loop, Mt Tamalpais State Park - Pantoll Ranger Station, San Francisco: Marin Headlands - Mt Tamalpais - Point Reyes, California
Alpine - Bootjack - TCC - Stapelveldt Trail Loop - 2.45 miles
Mt Tamalpais State Park - Pantoll Ranger Station
| Round-Trip Length: | 2.45 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 1,480' - 1,480' (1,547' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | +67' net elevation gain (+606' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Easy-Moderate |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Alpine - Bootjack - TCC - Stapelveldt Trail Loop - 2.45 Miles Round-Trip
A well-maintained trail system from the Pantoll Ranger Station offers hikers and runners numerous routes through Mt Tamalpais State Park. The Alpine, Bootjack, TCC and Stapelveldt trails form a short loop through a comprehensive ecological cross section of the park in a relatively short space.
The following description begins on the Alpine Trail and travels clockwise from the Pantoll Ranger Station:
The Alpine Trail crests a small ridge then tilts down a steep gulch away from Panoramic Highway to the Bootjack Trail junction (.35 miles : 1,270).
Note young and old redwoods competing for space in these drier, upper-ravine soil beds with Douglas fir, oak, bay and buckeye.
The Bootjack Trail shifts quickly through mixed forest past the Troop 80 Trail spur (.55 miles : 1,120') to the TCC Trail split on the edge of Van Wyck Meadow (.67 miles : 1,032').
Enjoy this sunny clearing before crossing over Redwood Creek on the TCC Trail. The TCC rises steadily beneath a tall Douglas fir and a varied understory.
Big-leaf maple have adapted to low light by producing the largest leaves of any maple, while the bay laurel has developed a root system that enables it to lean toward better lit openings in the forest. Tan oak leaves are especially efficient in synthesizing dappled light.
This complex community is critical to the northern spotted owl, found only in old-growth forests where the understory is sufficient to protect it from predation and competition.
A winding climb continues to the TCC Trail - Stapelveldt Trail junction (2.1 miles : 1,248'), beyond which the grade steepens considerably on the final push back to the Pantoll Ranger Station. The Stapelveldt levels beside the Pantoll Campground (2.35 miles) and veers right, following signs for the Alpine Trail to complete the loop (2.45 miles : 1,480').
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N37 54.259 W122 36.245 — 0.0 miles : Pantoll Ranger Station - Alpine Trailhead
- N37 54.476 W122 36.051 — .35 miles : Alpine Trail - Bootjack Trail junction
- N37 54.521 W122 35.909 — .55 miles : Bootjack Trail - Troop 80 Trail junction
- N37 54.479 W122 35.853 — .65 miles : Bootjack Trail - TCC Trail junction
- N37 54.251 W122 35.790 — 1.25 miles : Gentle climb on TCC Trail
- N37 54.054 W122 35.914 — 1.75 miles : Continue travel on TCC Trail
- N37 54.090 W122 36.139 — 2.1 miles : TCC Trail - Stapelveldt Trail junction
- N37 54.259 W122 36.245 — 2.45 miles : Pantoll Ranger Station
Worth Noting
- TCC stands for the Tamalpais Conservation Club. Alpine is a nod to the California Alpine Club - or Alpine Club Trail - who formed in 1914 and made this trail one of their first projects.
- Coast Redwoods are the tallest living organisms on earth and can live to be 2,000 years old. Redwoods grow best in moderate temperatures and need significant moisture to thrive. The Redwoods' success in the San Francisco Bay Area is due in part to year-round fog, which condenses on the trees' needles, drips to the ground and provides moisture, even during the dry season.
Camping and Backpacking Information
Backcountry camping is not permitted within Mt Tamalpais State Park.
Pantoll Campground
- The Pantoll Campground is located on Panoramic Highway adjacent to the Pantoll Ranger Station. It has 16 campsites, each with a table, rock barbecue, food locker and space for a tent. Phones, faucets, firewood and flush toilets are nearby. There are no showers. Sites are first-come, first-served.
Steep Ravine Environmental Campground
- The Steep Ravine Environmental Campground is located on a coastal terrace off Highway 1, one mile south of Stinson Beach. It has nine rustic cabins and seven primitive campsites. Each cabin has a wood stove, picnic table, benches, sleeping platforms and outdoor bbq.
- The cabins do not have running water or electricity. Primitive toilets, faucets, and firewood are nearby. Primitive campsites are located a few hundred yards from the parking area. Each site has a table, fire pit, food locker and space for a tent. Primitive toilets and water faucets are nearby. There are no showers at Steep Ravine Campground.
Alice Eastwood Group Camp
- Alice Eastwood Group Camp is located off Panoramic Highway on Alice Eastwood Road. It has two campsites. Site A holds up to 50 people; Site B holds up to 25 people. Both sites have tables, flush toilets, water faucets with sinks, bbq grills and a large area for tents.
Frank Valley Group Horse Camp
- Frank Valley Group Horse Camp is located 1.5 miles West of Muir Woods National Monument on Muir Woods Road. It has 12 pipe corrals, water faucets, watering troughs, picnic tables, fire rings and a pit toilet. The minimum group size is 2 horses; the maximum size is 12 horses.
- To reserve a campground visit www.reserveamerica.com or call 800.444.7275. For specific camping and campground questions, call Pantoll Ranger Station at 415.388.2070.
Rules and Regulations
- Dogs and Bikes are not permitted on the Alpine - Bootjack - TCC - Stapelveldt Loop.
Directions to Trailhead
Mt Tamalpais State Park is located north of San Francisco in Marin County. The Pantoll Ranger Station is 8.5 miles from Highway 101 on Panoramic Highway. The Bootjack Trail is accessed from the Alpine Trailhead, located steps away from the Pantoll Ranger Station (to the left).
From Highway 101, exit Stinson Beach - Highway 1 and follow the exit ramp west .6 miles to the Highway 1 - Almonte Blvd intersection.
Turn left on Highway 1 toward Stinson Beach. The road winds up the mountain to the Panoramic Highway split (3.2 miles) - veer right on Panoramic Highway (anticipate this quick turnoff). Remain on Panoramic Highway and follow signs for Mt Tamalpais State Park to the Pantoll Ranger Station (keep straight at the Muir Woods - Mill Valley fork at 4.0 miles).
The Pantoll Ranger Station is located on the left side of the road. Main lot parking carries an $8 fee. Free but limited parking is available across the street at the Matt Davis Trailhead.
Contact Information
Mt Tamalpais State Park
801 Panoramic Highway
Mill Valley, CA 94941
415.388.2070
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