Full Moonshiner!

Guided moonlight hike on Mount Tam in the North Bay

09.15.2016

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

Sweet as the Sea
Rough-and-tumble coastline, twisting Highway 1, open grasslands, hidden beaches, bluff trails, and a rustic lodge for storm watching from indoors—we’re not talking about Big Sur. We’re talking Sea Ranch and its namesake lodge on the Sonoma Coast. Walk its famous bluff-top trail, a cliff-hugging sensation with soaring Pacific scenery.
View
Sponsored
The 2025 Hiking Calendar Is Here!
Ready to make hiking part of your New Year’s wellness plan? Get the all-new 2025 Hiking Calendar courtesy of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
View
Most Peaceful Hike of All
Is this the most peaceful one-hour hike in the Bay Area? It's got our vote! Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in a series of five found on the north side of Mount Tam, so it’s got that tiny but mighty charm. Do a 1.5-mile loop around the lake's shore-hugging trail.
View
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

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

Animal Encounters
Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!
View
Sponsored
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
Enchanted in Chantry
Chantry Flat is one of the most popular hiking areas in LA, but the 5.3-mile (round-trip) Hoegees Campground via Upper and Lower Winter Creek Loop Trail proves you can find peace and quiet anywhere, even in busy Los Angeles.
View
Locals' Feature: Max Smith of Moment Skis
Meet Max Smith, VP of Moment Skis in Reno, Nevada. Moment is the largest ski manufacturer in the US and you can see how their innovative and artistic skis are made by visiting Moment Skis headquarters in Reno. The Factory is where the magic happens, so drop in for a visit and say hi to the team, including employee dogs who are on quality control.
View