Disabled Hikers Group Hike: Mount Tamalpais State Park

In celebration of the publication of The Disabled Hiker's Guide to Northern California, we are holding an accessible group hike and gathering at Verna Dunshee Trail, at the East Peak of Mount Tamalpais. Join us for incredible scenery and time in nature with other Disabled people! We will also have an opportunity for you to participate in our Storytelling Project.

Trail Description

Verna Dunshee Trail: 0.75 mile loop, paved surface, maximum 8% grade and 5% cross slope, typically 5 feet wide, one section pinched to 32-36 inches. Wheelchair accessible with some caution due to cracked pavement, drop-offs and prolonged grades.

This paved trail circles the East Peak of Mount Tamalpais, with views across the bay. It is generally 5 feet wide, with a few pullouts and benches along the way. There are a couple sections of 5-8% inclines for a hundred feet or so. There is a metal barrier on the outside edge of the trail whereever there is a sharp drop off; it may be disconcerting if you struggle with heights or dizziness, but we are here to help if you need it! There are a few cracks in the pavement and places where the edge has eroded; it is generally passable for people using wheelchairs, and we will point out the trouble spots to you.

This description is excerpted from The Disabled Hiker's Guide to Northern California (FalconGuides, 2024). This event is possible due to support from a California State Parks Foundation Partnership Equity grant!

Storytelling Project

Would you like to share what access to nature means to you? Thanks to the California State Parks Foundation, we will be doing a limited number of in-person interviews for our storytelling project. Your story will be shared via print, audio, and/or video on our website. Check out our current Storytelling Project pieces here. If you would like to be interviewed, please share more with us when you register. A stipend will be provided to all interviewees!

Amenities

Accessible restrooms, drinking fountain, and picnic table at the parking area.

Pets

Service dogs are always welcome. Pets are strongly discouraged to prevent potential accessibility conflicts.

Cost

There is no fee to attend. California State Parks charges a parking fee; state park passes are accepted. We will pay your parking fee if it is a barrier for you!

Masks and Scent-free

We practice Covid and illness transmission safety at all of our events. We ask everyone to wear a mask unless your disability prevents it, or when you need a break. Please distance from those who do wear a mask when you are not. We also ask that you not wear perfume and other artificial or natural scents to protect community members who are scent-reactive.

Parking

Large paved parking lot at the East Peak Visitor Center with 4 designated accessible spots, one is van accessible.

Transportation

We are working on securing transportation to the trailhead for anyone who needs it. Marin Transit Route 61 stops at the Pantoll Ranger Station, but the trailhead is only accessible via vehicle from there. 

Interpreters

ASL, Spanish, and other language interpreters are available on request. If you have a preferred interpreter, please include their contact information when you register.

About Disabled Hikers

Disabled Hikers is an inclusive disability-led and disability-centered organization grounded in principles of disability justice. We welcome anyone who is disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, or otherwise has lived experience of disability – we define these terms in the broadest way possible. We also welcome supportive friends and family. The group hikes together; we adapt the hike to match the needs of everyone present, rest when needed, and make decisions about when to turn back as a group. All of our events include a moment to honor the land and Indigenous peoples and group introductions. There is never any pressure to share anything.

Other things to keep in mind:

Please read the hike description. Trails are chosen to be as enjoyable as possible for the most folks, but only you can decide if a hike is appropriate for you.

Please do not offer anyone advice or assistance without asking first.

If you have questions at any time, please ask. We’re here for you!