Hike Don’t Spike – Muir Woods Ladybug Loop, Mill Valley

About

Our Breakthrough T1D Hike Don’t Spike event for adults on Sunday, January 11th brings us back to the fantastic area in Muir Woods known for wintertime clustering of ladybugs. Starting from Mt. Tam’s Panoramic Highway, we’ll descend into a moderately challenging 6.8-mile hike with a 1,300-foot elevation gain (AllTrails map, Park map).  The route first winds through cool shaded ravines with redwoods and firs overhead, and fungi and ferns trailside.

Once we enter Muir Woods with its massive old growth Coastal Redwoods, we’ll slow down along Bootjack Creek to discover multiple dense hordes of dormant yet crawling ladybugs (called a loveliness of ladybugs – see video). After getting our fill of ladybugs, we’ll ascend to Van Wyke Meadow for a break, and then circle back to the starting point. Of course, along the way we’ll have plenty of time to exchange experiences, insights, and questions about T1D!

We’ll meet at 9:00 AM in the trailhead parking lot on Panoramic Highway across from the Mountain Home Inn (Google Map link). There are two lots for parking with bathrooms available at the start and after 2 miles. Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed on this hike.