What do I need to bring?
Each guest must bring his/her own sheets or sleeping bag, pillowcases, towel, soap, shampoo and a flashlight. Bed linens are available to rent for a flat fee of $10.00/person, payable to the Innkeeper in advance. Guests provide and prepare their own food and share the kitchen and dining facilities with the other guests. In addition to food items, we suggest you bring your own coffee, tea and/or cocoa.
The Inn has no radio, TV, computers, or wi-fi access, and no payphone. Cell phones often do not work, and their use is not permitted in any common areas. There are board games, books, an upright piano for adult use, a windup Victrola phonograph with a large selection of 78's, a guitar, a banjo, binoculars, a telescope, and a horseshoe pit. Guests are welcome to bring their own musical instruments — guitars are always welcome!
What time is Check-in and Check-out?
Check-in: 3 p.m. Check-out: 10 a.m. Upon arrival, each guest signs in and selects one chore to complete before checking out. All guests are expected to leave their rooms and food/cooking area as clean as when they arrived. If you cannot make it up to the Inn by 5 p.m. on the day you are expected, kindly phone the Inn at (415) 388-9955 so that the Innkeeper is apprised. We do not offer a refund, but we say thank you and truly appreciate your donation.
Guests are not permitted to hike in after dark or out before 8 a.m. due to State Park and MMWD regulations. If you want to arrive early, please call the innkeeper to see if you may leave your gear in the lounge and food in the pantry and come back later; however, the Inn is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. If your reservation is canceled due to a red flag day warning (fire danger), your money will be refunded in full.
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Where is the Inn?
Near the top of Mt. Tamalpais, just below the East Peak. One can only access the Inn via hiking or biking. Special arrangements can be made for persons with disabilities. Call the Inn for details (415) 388-9955.
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Is the Inn open to the public?
Yes, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to dusk (Be sure to arrive before dusk). Sunday is open for members only.
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Top 10 Questions
Are pets allowed?
No animals or other pets other than legally authorized service animals are permitted inside the Inn, rooms, cabins, or on the outside decks or porch at any time. Day hikers with dogs must keep their dogs leashed. The Inn does provide a doggie water bowl below the front deck.
Who runs the Inn and how does it being off the grid affect me?
Full-time innkeepers are on-site around the clock. The Inn uses propane to operate its lights and other equipment. Only the Innkeeper is allowed to turn the propane lights on and off. there are two propane heaters, one in the parlor and one in the member’s lounge. There are two fireplaces and plenty of firewood for use during certain times of the year, when permitted by the Fire department. The bedrooms in the main building and cabins are not heated. Overnight guests and volunteers clean and maintain the Inn and its surroundings.
Is there indoor plumbing, hot water and heat?
Yes, there is indoor plumbing and hot water, but no electricity. Cabins do not have heating or hot water.
The Inn has fireplaces (winter use only) and propane heaters in the main floor Member’s Lounge and Hiker’s Parlor, however the Rooms upstairs are unheated. Likewise, the Cabins are unheated and may be drafty on windy nights. It can get very cold at the Inn, especially at night. It is recommended that all guests bring warm clothing.
How do I become a member?
By completing two work parties, obtaining two recommendations by members, and paying $20.00 with your application. You will be placed on the wait list. Members supporting the Inn through annual dues or lifetime memberships, enjoy reduced overnight reservation rates and have the ability to reserve rooms an extra month in advance of non-members. Members also receive a bi-monthly newsletter and are invited to many special members-only activities and events organized throughout the year. Membership is currently full.
What are the overnight no-nos?
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No smoking or open flames are permitted anywhere in the Inn or the surrounding grounds. Barbequing is permitted in the barbeque, only if approved by the Innkeeper. Fires are permitted in the fireplaces with the Innkeeper’s approval.
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No pets allowed overnight or anytime in the Inn, cabins or on the deck (except officially sanctioned service animals)
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Families are welcome. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by one adult for every 3 children spending the night. Children may not sleep in a cabin unless accompanied by an adult. There are 2 cribs available upon request.
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No private events (weddings, showers etc.)
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What is a Red Flag day?
Red Flag Days are days that the Fire Department declares Mt. Tamalpais closed due to high potential fire danger, which can be caused by dry conditions, wind, drought etc. We have no control over when or how often Red Flag days are declared, but once they are declared, we close the Inn to everyone. Red Flag Days can be declared as late as 1:00 p.m. on any day, so you need to be mindful of that when making reservations at the Inn. A cancellation due to events beyond our control could occur.
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