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Submission
Cords Madeira Mountain Trail was nearly 7 of the best miles I’ve experienced in California. Stunning views the entire trail. Pinnacle views are breathtaking. I was fortunate enough to hike on a clear day, and could not have had a better experience. The trail offers diverse environments, rocky terrain that turns to into a pine Forrest! The trail towards the end is single file with 360 views.
I can not recommend this more.
The hike was a little bit more difficult than I expected.
In my experience the most challenging part was getting to the trailhead. you have to specify in your GPS that you want Corte Madera Trailhead. Which will have you exit Buckman Springs Road off the 8. Take you through some streets to a metal gate with a heart. To the left is the small parking area maybe 8 cars fit there. Start past the metal gate and walk through the shaded area with trees. The enviroment changes a lot throughout the trail. You start any very shaded area then you head up into an area with high bushes then some dirt and then you're almost in a desert type atmosphere and then you end up around pine trees. there are many "lookout" spots through the trail. Once you pass the pine tree area and some large boulders the trail becomes small and almost non existent. Once you get to the top you have to look around a little bit for the box and sign.
The hike is beautiful and worth the time. Although this was difficult I am definitely coming back. My 20 lbs Boston Terrier made it.
Beautiful views at the top. Did with my dog, who is very experienced in hiking with me. However I wouldn't recommend doing with a dog since much of trail is single-track and very narrow and winding. Took us about 3 hours round-trip.
