Learn About Geology Of Mt Tam From a Professor of Geology & Geophysics

FRIENDS OF MT TAM

Sponsored by Friends of Mt. Tam in Partnership with California State Parks

Rock Spring Trailhead

Mt. Tamalpais State Park Science Quest Day 2025

Over 15 Free and Unique Events All Day Long! 

Experts in Fire Science, Lichenology, Botany, Ornithology, Geology, Meteorology, and Astronomy will provide in person experiences to highlight how science can deepen our understanding of our environment.

A highly interactive hike to explore the geologic creation of Mt Tam and the current environment.

CAPACITY: Only RSVP if you are able to attend PARKING: We strongly recommend carpooling and arriving 30 minutes early to find parking. Pantoll and Bootjack require a $8 fee - bring exact change! you can also pay through the Yodel app. The Quarry Parking lot (just past Mountain Theater) is an option if Rock Spring Parking lot is full. Pantoll parking is very limited – BootJack sometimes will have open spots or there are limited parking spots along Pantoll Road heading up to Rock Spring. Bus service schedule is available at https://marintransit.org/routes/61 FAMILIES: Suitable for families with children who are interested in nature and are comfortable hiking 2-4 miles. DURATION: Each event is scheduled to last no more than 2 hours CANCELLATIONS: Rain, red flag days, winds above 30 mph, and unforeseen circumstances will cancel. Check the Friends of Mt Tam Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfMtTam WATER: Bring your own water. Most hikes do not pass by public drinking water sources. STURDY BOOTS: Trails are uneven, rocky and can be very steep in places. Sandals, sneakers and running shoes are not recommended.

Don Reed is a professor of Marine Geology and Geophysics at San Jose State University. He teaches courses in oceanography, tectonics, geophysics, and marine geology. His research interests focused on the geophysical imaging of convergent plate boundaries in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, and Central America. In his free time, Don enjoys riding road bikes and mountain bikes on Mount Tamalpais and along the Marin coast