When we first came to Inspiration Point, we found a spot with an amazing view and a perfect place for a picnic.
The cache is a ammo container, placed a short distance from the top of the rock. It originally contained items that either myself or my daughter would like to find in a cache. The terrain is based on walking from Eldridge Grade at Ridgecrest Boulevard near the top of the mountain. However, I generally come from below, which can be reached from several trailheads around the mountain.
A rattler was spotted somewhat nearby in May, 2009. As with any cache around rocky terrain, please be careful when searching during the times of the year when snakes are about.
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This location is also the seventh stage of Opening the Mountain. This series follows the circumambulation of Tamalpais, following the route established by Gary Snyder, Phillip Whalen, and Allen Ginsberg in 1965.
Gary Snyder:
Inspiration Point
Dhâranî for Removing Disasters
Mantra for Târâ
Looking down on Lagunitas. The gleam of water storage in the brushy hills. All that smog — and Mt. St. Helena faintly in the north. The houses of San Anselmo and San Rafael, once large estates…"Peacock Gap Country Club" — Rocky brush climb up the North Ridge Trail.
Phillip Whalen:
Inspiration Point
Gatha of Vajra Intellectual
Heat Lightning
From here the walk continues to the top of Mt. Tamalpais. For an easier walk to the top, if you are not doing the complete circuit, the State Park offers parking for a fee.
After reaching the top, you are ready to go back down, stopping near Mountain Home before completing the final cache of the series near Redwood Creek.