Marin Headlands: Richardson East, 1041, Wolf Ridge, Hawk Hill, Slacker Hill

The Marin Headlands are one of the nicest places for a hike or run in the Bay Area. I decided to head back to get some more Nifty Ninety peaks. Today it was Wolf Ridge, Hawk Hill, and Slacker Hill from the list, plus Peak 1041 a P300 peak and Richardson East Benchmark, a SOTA peak.

Heading up the trail.

 It was cool and overcast at the trailhead, and I assumed that the fog would lift in an hour or so so there'd be views by the time I got around to Hawk Hill and Slacker Hill. It was great running weather as I headed up to Richardson East, the first peak of the day. It was extremely foggy, I couldn't see the towers on top until I was quite close.

I could barely see the towers in the fog.

 On the summit I set up my radio to try and make a few contacts. Despite spotting myself and trying multiple bands I only got two contacts. I'll have to go back to get the points for this year. It was pretty chilly, and I was getting damp in the cloud, so I didn't linger.

The FAA installation on top of 1041.

 It was an easy run around to Peak 1041, one of the P300's in the headlands. I'm pretty sure I went over the high point, but I couldn't really see anything. At least it wasn't so wet my glasses got drops on them, that would have made the run much more challenging.

The abandoned military stuff on top of Wolf Ridge.

 To get over to Wolf Ridge required some time on single track, which was a nice break from all the fire roads. The final climb up to the summit is paved, and there are lots of ruins on top from when it was a military installation. I assume there are good views too, but I didn't see them.

Some bunkers below West Wolf Ridge.

 I decided to go over Wolf Ridge, West Peak since I was there. Nothing on that summit, but there were some old bunkers in the hill on the west side. I had a bit of trouble picking the right trail to take down towards Rodeo Lagoon, but I figured it out eventually. After I mix of road and trails, I was soon on the other side of the valley and starting my climb up to Hawk Hill.

Looking across at Lands End and the Presidio in SF.

 Most of that climb is on a small trail right next to the road. Not the nicest place for a hike, but the views over the ocean were excellent. There are lots of small trails on the summit of Hawk, around an old installation, but I found my way to the high point pretty easily.

Golden Gate Bridge.

 The descent to the col between it and Slacker had some excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge and SF. I can only imagine what it would be like on a sunny, fog-free day. Up on Slacker Hill I stopped briefly to take some pics of the excellent view before getting out of the wind.

The Golden Gate Bridge is behind me.

 From here it was a pleasant run along the ridge at the east end of the Headlands. There were quite a few people and groups out, but nothing too bad. Back at the fire road I took the short spur trail back down to the parking lot and my car.

Looking down the valley towards Rodeo Lagoon.

Despite not having any views, it was a fun loop. I'll probably go back in a few months when it is less foggy to get those views.