Marin Treks: Adventures

Guided Nature Hikes

Parents, need some time to yourself? Take advantage of our two hour treks for elementary school children that do not require parental participation.

Marin Treks offers unique outdoor educational adventures for you, your family, and your friends. Nature lovers will enjoy this 2 hour naturalist guided hike. We’ll study local ecology, identify plants and animals, search for insects, and learn about adaptations, the food web, the nutrient cycle, and other natural processes. Children will be excited to use our nets and containers to catch specimens for identification and study. Of course, we’ll look and learn but never take any animal away from it’s natural habitat as we teach children to “leave no trace” when enjoying the outdoors.

Guided Hike Schedule: Saturday 8:30-10:30 am; Sunday 9:00-11:00 am
Please check with us for availability

FUN FALL COLORS AND CRITTERS This season's featured weekend hike!

Who says we don’t have changing leaves here in California? Our fall colors are spectacular against the evergreen backdrop of Bay, Oak, and Redwood trees. Join us as we explore the many great trails Novato has to offer. An added bonus is the crisp autumn air after the hot days of summer, which brings out many animals to see and learn about.

Cost: 2 hour child only treks (6-12 years). $25 per child.
Minimum 4 and maximum 6 participants
2 hour child (6-12 years) with parent. $30 per pair.
Minimum 3 pair and maximum 6 pair.
2 hour grown-up treks. $20 per person.
Minimum 6 and maximum 10 participants.

Dates: Saturday 8:30 to 10:30 and Sunday by appointment
Registration Forms: ./PDFS/Registration Packet - Childrens Hiking Programs.pdf

MOMMY (OR DADDY) AND PRESCHOOLER HIKE Outdoor magic for your 4-5 year old!

Parents, if you’re looking for a fun new activity for you and your preschooler look no further. Marin Treks has created a nature hike with you in mind! Join us for a 1 1/2 hour trek of exploration and discovery. We’ll use our five senses, our nets and containers to view and learn about the many animals that inhabit Marin County. Every season brings out different creatures, each with their own unique charms. Something magical happens when a four year old nets a butterfly, lizard, or frog! Join us soon and see the magic happen! For children ages 4-5 years old with a parent.

Cost: $30 (parent and child)
Minimum 3 pair (parent and child). Maximum 6 pair

Dates:Saturdays 8:30 to 10 am and by appointment
Registration Forms: ./PDFS/Registration Packet - Mommy and Me Hiking Programs.pdf

MOMMY (OR DADDY) AND ME HIKE Hikes for parents and baby

New moms needn’t be stuck at home! Are you ready to lose those last few pounds while having fun and meeting new friends? Marin Treks has created a program just for you and your infant (age 2-12 months) – 1 ½ hour naturalist guided hikes on the scenic trails of Novato. During these energizing hikes we’ll discuss the local ecology, flora & fauna. Despite family and neighbors insisting that “you can’t take a baby hiking”, both of our girls started hiking with us just a few short weeks after they were born. Of course, they were in their front carriers and slept for most of the hike while Mommy and Daddy enjoyed the relaxing and healthful time together! Over the years we’ve learned just what items are essential when taking baby outdoors so join us soon and we’ll share our tips to help you create a priceless outing for Mommy (or Daddy) and baby.

Cost: $25 (parent and baby)
Minimum 3 pair (parent and baby) and maximum 6 pair

Dates:Saturday 8:30 - 10:30 and by appointment
Registration Forms: ./PDFS/Registration Packet - Mommy and Me Hiking Programs.pdf

WINTER ADVENTURE HIKE

Weather permitting, we’ll explore some of Marin’s hidden waterfall treasures. Always a child favorite, we’ll find and study salamanders, frogs, newts, slugs, and many insects as we hike. We'll also learn about the lush plants along the trail that provide food and shelter for the critters we see.

To sign-up please complete the registration packet (click on link below) and mail back to us along with the program fee (checks payable to Marin Treks).

Cost: 2 hour child only treks (6-12 years). $25 per child.

Minimum 4 and maximum 8.

2 hour child (6-12 years) and parent treks. $30 per pair.

Minimum 3 and maximum 6 pair.

2 hour grown-up treks. $20 per person.

Minimum 6 and maximum 10 participants.

Dates: Saturday 8:30 - 10:30 am and Sunday by appointment
Registration Forms: ./PDFS/Registration Packet - Childrens Hiking Programs.pdf

SPRING WILDFLOWER AND BUTTERFLY MAGIC

April showers bring May flowers and what a spectacular site they are! We'll meander along the trail, enjoy the vibrant colors, and identify as many flowers as we can. We'll also study the plethora of butterflies and dragonflies fluttering about. If we find a creek, we may even encounter some tadpoles, frogs, or newts!

Cost: 2 hour child only treks (6-12 years). $25 per child.
Minimum 4 and maximum 6 participants.
2 hour child (6-12 years) and parent treks. $30 per pair.
Minimum 3 and maximum 6 pair.
2 hour grown-up treks. $20 per person.
Minimum 6 and maximum 10 participants

Dates:Saturday 8:30 - 10:30 am and Sunday by appointment
Registration Forms: ./PDFS/Registration Packet - Childrens Hiking Programs.pdf

SUMMER REPTILE QUEST

Summer Reptile Quest: The sun is hot, and who does that attract?… Western Fence Lizards! These speedy little creatures are in their glory during the summer months. Hard to catch, but fun to watch and learn about. We may even find a Garter snake along the way. If these friendly wild critters are hiding we’ll spend some time discovering the hidden wonders that live in rotting trees while we learn about decomposition and the nutrient cycle.

Cost: 2 hour child only treks (6-12 years). $25 per child.
Minimum 4 and maximum 6 participants.
2 hour child (6-12 years) and parent treks. $30 per pair.
Minimum 3 and maximum 6 pair.
2 hour grown-up treks. $20 per person.
Minimum 6 and maximum 10 participants

Dates: Saturday 8:30 - 10:30 am and Sunday by appointment
Registration Forms: ./PDFS/Registration Packet - Childrens Hiking Programs.pdf

Cost: 2 hour child only treks (6-12 years). $25 per child. Minimum 5 and maximum 6 participants.
2 hour child (6-12 years) and parent treks. $30 per pair. Minimum 3 and maximum 6 pair.
2 hour grown-up treks. $20 per person. Minimum 6 and maximum 10 participants.

To Book: Call Brian @ 415-892-3001 or 415-250-0988 or email: brian@marintreks.com or lina@marintreks.com
Payment in full for each participant is required at time of booking and is non-refundable unless hike is cancelled due to rain. We will reschedule all cancelled hikes to the next available day.

Trailhead: To be determined for each hike. Most hikes take place on the Marin County Open Space trail system including, but not limited to: waterfall trail at the end of Fairway Drive, open space trail system near Indian Valley College, and Mt Burdell.

We welcome any and all questions about our many exciting treks.

Call or email us today!