Full Moonshiner!

Guided moonlight hike on Mount Tam in the North Bay

It started out as a way to romance his dates. But today John Benus invites everyone to his fantastic full-moon hikes to Moonlight Hill on Mount Tam. He usually hosts the hikes on weekends, and the next one is this Friday, September 16. Ready to become a Marin Moonshiner? Okay! First, RSVP (details in italics below). Then plan to meet at the Safeway parking lot in Mill Valley for introductions and carpool arrangements to the trailhead. Blankets and flashlights are handed out.

Soon you’ll be off for a leisurely 3-mile (round-trip) hike along trails with moon-filled views of the bay and the headlands. At the halfway point, John might disappear. Uh, what? Not to worry! He’s gone to set up blankets and lanterns for a picnic on Moonlight Hill, one of the best places for watching the moon rise. (Bring your own food and wine.) You are now an official Moonshiner. Cheers!

img_8648-image-jpeg

BONUS: Afterwards, everyone’s invited to the No Name Bar in Sausalito, where you'll hear some great jazz with no cover charge!

Marin Moonshiners Full Moon Hike and Picnic usually happens on weekends of the full moon. Reservations required due to limited space. Sign up online or call 415-331-0100; $20 fee (pay at the meet-up) includes blankets, lanterns, flashlights, cups, plates, and utensils for your picnic. Bring layers and a small backpack with your picnic dinner, favorite wine, etc. If conditions are really foggy, the hiking location and route may change. This hike is not appropriate for kids. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

    View
  2. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

    View
  3. Hikers stand atop Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  4. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View
  2. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

    View
  3. A woman walks the path next to the beach at sunset at Palisades Park in Los Angeles County

    Santa Monica’s Most Beautiful Walk

    With its sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Pier, the 26-acre Palisades Park, perched along the beach bluffs, may be a tourist’s delight for its quintessential California vibes–but it’s just as beloved by locals. Follow this 2.5-mile loop to experience it like one.

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View