Getting Out: The next challenge: Mt. Tallac

Exactly one year ago, I challenged you. I hoped to either inspire you or provoke you to join me on a rugged hike to the top of Clouds Rest, one of Yosemite’s iconic peaks. The first of our preparatory hikes was on New Year’s morning. I have led a New Year’s hike for several years, and it is usually an intimate affair. Last January, when more than one hundred of you came, I knew I had touched a nerve.
Last summer, on the date of the challenge, seventy of you came and walked 13.2 miles, climbed 2,450 feet, and stood at the top of 9,926-foot Clouds Rest – a spectacular, vertigo-inducing place. We remarked how “adorable” little ol’ Half Dome looked 1,100 feet below us. For some of you, that hike was just a long walk. But for others, it was a very special moment. You accomplished a feat that six months earlier you thought might be beyond reach.
Let’s do it again.
Our next challenge: a 9.6-mile loop to the top of Mt. Tallac, the highest peak on the Lake Tahoe rim. Like Clouds Rest, Mt. Tallac is a worthy target. Where the pain is greatest, so is the reward, and there will be plenty of both on this lung-busting 3,300-foot ascent to Tallac’s 9,735-foot summit near Tahoe’s south shore. From the top, the entire world will appear to be below the soles of your boots. To the north, the vast Tahoe Basin will stretch out 3,500 feet below you. Turn around and look across the beautiful high country and glacier-polished granite of Desolation Wilderness. When you get there, take it all in. You will have earned it.
Like last year, we will gather for six local hikes that will strengthen our legs and lungs and build a group energy that will support us in this challenge. Once again, the first prep hike will be the annual New Year’s morning hike. We will meet at 9 a.m. at the Mendoza Ranch entrance to Harvey Bear County Park east of Gilroy (up Roop Road a short distance before the entrance to Coyote Reservoir). The Mummy Mountain Trail is a moderate four-mile loop that delivers beautiful views of the Santa Clara Valley and Coyote Reservoir. Even if the Mt. Tallac Challenge is not for you, come along on this beautiful trail. It is a great way to start the New Year.
If you are reluctant, a bit unsure, or if this challenge seems a bit out of reach, come on the New Year’s morning hike and talk to the people who felt that way about Clouds Rest a year ago. Ask them what it feels like to tackle something that secretly scares you, work for months to prepare, then bask in the pride you will feel at 10,000 feet. Make no mistake, hiking to Mt. Tallac will be tough, but we have time to prepare. You will be surprised at what you can do.
It’s a date. I will see you at the Mt. Tallac trailhead at 8 a.m. Saturday morning, July 19, 2014. Take note of the schedule of preparatory hikes. Come to any of these hikes and bring anyone who is interested whether you plan to go to Mt. Tallac or not. It’s always a great day out. I will email more detailed directions and information before each hike. If you wish to be on my list, email me at

ro********@ms*.com











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This year make a New Year’s resolution and keep it. See you on the trail.
All hikes take place rain or shine. Bring the supplies you will need: daypack, hiking shoes, snacks, water, sunscreen, hat, clothing layers, etc. Not all trailheads have water, so it is best to bring it from home. More complete driving directions and trail information will be emailed prior to each hike.
Mt Tallac Challenge
Saturday, July 19, 2014. Meet at the trailhead at 8:00 am
Distance: 9.6 miles (round trip)
Elevation gain/loss: 3,300 feet. Trailhead: 6,440 ft. Summit: 9,735 ft.
Prep Hike Schedule
Hike No. 1: January 1, 2014, 9 a.m.
Mummy Mountain Trail, Harvey Bear Ranch
3.7 miles, moderate
Trailhead: The Mendoza Ranch entrance to Harvey Bear is on Roop Road above Gilroy just before the entrance to Coyote Reservoir. This hike has great views of the Santa Clara Valley and Coyote Reservoir. No day-use fee. Dogs allowed on a leash.
Hike No. 2: Saturday, February 8, 2014, 9 a.m.
Figueroa/Javelina/Pena Trail Loop, Calero County Park
3.5/5/6 miles (options), moderate
Trailhead: On the west side of McKean Road, south of Calero Reservoir opposite Cinnabar Golf Course. A great ramble through the hills above Calero Reservoir. Day-use fee. Dogs allowed on a leash.
Hike No. 3: Saturday, March 15, 2014, 9 a.m.
Stile Ranch/Mine/Bernal Hill/Joice/Fortini Trail Loop, Santa Teresa County Park
5+ miles, moderate
Trailhead: Start from the quiet Stile entrance in the Almaden Valley, not the Bernal Rd. entrance off of Santa Teresa Blvd. No day-use fee. Dogs allowed on a leash.
Hike No. 4: Saturday, April 19, 2014, 9 a.m.
Mayfair/Bald Peaks Loop. Rancho Cañada del Oro OSP
4.3/8.5 (options), moderate to strenuous
Trailhead: Parking area is several miles out Casa Loma Road, which turns off Uvas Road, where it becomes McKean Road. We’ve done it before, but it never gets old. No day-use fee. No dogs allowed.
Hike No. 5: Saturday, May 24, 2014, 9 a.m.
China Hole Loop, Henry Coe State Park
9.6 miles, strenuous
Trailhead: Park headquarters 14 miles up East Dunne Ave. in Morgan Hill. This is a classic Coe loop with a steep descent and climb back up at the end of Pine Ridge. Day-use fee ($8 per vehicle). No dogs allowed.
Hike No. 6: Saturday, June 21, 2014, 9 a.m.
Mission Peak Summit, Mission Peak Regional Preserve
6+ miles, strenuous
Trailhead: From the Ohlone College parking lot in Fremont, this trail gains 2,200 feet to the summit of Mission Peak. We can do some “up” work. We’ll need it next month. Parking fee required. Dogs allowed on a leash.