On the Edge: Geology of Point Reyes from Mount Vision

Point Reyes National Seashore Association

Explore the wonders of the Pacific Plate from the top of Mount Vision on this easy 1-mile tour with geologist John Karachewski.

Mount Vision Overlook (Parking Lot Tower)

Difficulty level: EasyDistance: 1 mileGeologically, Point Reyes National Seashore is a park on the move. Enjoy a scenic and educational overview of the Pacific and North American Plates, the San Andreas Fault, and views of Drakes Estero, the Great Beach, and Tomales Bay from atop Mount Vision and Point Reyes Hill. In addition, learn about glacial cycles, worldwide sea-level changes, and climate change as well as the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and San Andreas Fault. This easy trip will include a short walk to the overlooks from the end of Mount Vision Road. No prior experience needed.This Picnic on the Pacific Plate hike will be led by John Karachewski. John is a geologist for the California-EPA (DTSC) in Berkeley. He has conducted geology and environmental projects throughout the western US from Colorado to Alaska to Midway Island and throughout California. He leads numerous geology field trips for the Point Reyes Field Institute and taught at Diablo Valley College. John collaborated on a popular book with Doris Sloan about the Geology of the San Francisco Bay Region. He enjoys photographing landscapes during the magic light of sunrise and sunset.Event Location: Mount Vision, Point Reyes National SeashoreMeeting Location (Rain or Shine): End or Top of Mount Vision Road, Point Reyes National SeashoreWhat to bring: Please wear layers, good walking shoes, and bring rain gear and water. Optional items include: Backpack, scope, binoculars, camera, sunscreen and sunhat.

IMPORTANT NOTES:<ul><li>Location - We will be meeting at the top of Mount Vision (parking lot located at 38.0842, -122.8709 - at the end of Mt Vision Road)</li><li>Road Conditions - The road up to Mount Vision is narrow, mostly single-lane, two-way traffic, with hairpin turns; potentially dangerous. As you drive the road, please observe the posted speed limits, stay as far right as possible, and definitely slow down and to be extra cautious for oncoming traffic as you go through the curves and turns. Fortunately, Mount Vision Road doesn&#x27;t get much traffic and the view at the end is awe-inspiring.</li><li>Bathrooms - There are no restrooms or toilets along Mount Vision Road. There are port-a-toilets at Chicken Ranch Beach and just south of the Inverness Market. Or there is a vault toilet at the Estero Trailhead. The nearest public flush toilets are at Heart&#x27;s Desire Beach.</li></ul>

Details:<ul><li>The hike will begin at 2:00pm, but please arrive 15 minutes early (1:45pm) to check in and to allow time for COVID safety protocols (see below)</li><li>Please give at least 48 hours of notice if you decide to no longer attend the hike</li><li>Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class </li><li>Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes</li><li>Sales end 48 hours before the start date</li><li>Waitlists are available when the class sells out</li></ul>

What to Bring:<ul><li>Hiking Shoes </li><li>Water Bottle + Water </li><li>Binoculars (Optional) </li><li>Camera (Optional)</li><li>Vaccination Proof (If not provided before the event - see below)</li></ul>

Picnic on the Pacific Plate COVID-19 GuidelinesIn accordance with Marin County and CDC guidelines for public health, we will require all participants to respect the following COVID-19 procedures:<ul><li>Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus </a>as a guide</li><li>Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, suspect you have been exposed to the virus, or are suffering from any other flu-like or respiratory illness</li><li>Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class</li></ul>During class all participants will be required to do the following<ul><li>Fully vaccinated individuals may remove masks for outdoor classes </li><li>All participants may be required to wear masks for indoor classes per current CDC and county recommendations at the time of class</li></ul>Please refer to the <a href="https://ptreyes.org/popp-covid-safety/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Covid Safety Policy</a> page on our website to learn more. Thank you for your continuing cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.

On the Edge: Geology of Point Reyes from Mount Vision

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On the Edge: Geology of Point Reyes from Mount Vision

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