by halhiker » Tue Oct 31, 2006 1:38 am
Have done Martinez several times and once climbed to the top with my dog, a female Rott mix. Hike is not as tough as many other hikes in the area and can be done easily in a day. I'm not a morning person so I've never started before 8 and have made it down in plenty of time for a late lunch at the Sugarloaf Cafe.
As far as the Sierra Club directions, use the alternate route up the ridge. It's much better than the route one, the gully route.
I've hiked all over that area and have yet to see a mountain lion although I saw TWO on a Rabbit Peak climb years ago. I have come across rattlers, though.
I wish I could join in on Dec.2 but have plans to be out of town that weekend. If I can get up there before the 2nd I'll post some pictures.
Hal