Rock Spring Trailhead – Cataract Trail 🌲 loop from Alpine Dam

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

California

Marin County

Rock Spring Trailhead – Cataract Trail 🌲 loop from Alpine Dam

Moderate

3.5

(18)

hikers

Rock Spring Trailhead – Cataract Trail 🌲 loop from Alpine Dam

03:37

11.2km

450m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Last updated: August 8, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Waypoints

Start point

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2.41 km

Laurel Dell Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

Below these main falls are several more cataracts along the trail, impressive mostly after rains

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2.76 km

Picnic Area - Laurel Dell Fire Road / Cataract Trail

Highlight • Rest Area

A strategic junction along the Laurel Dell Fire Rd Trail and the Cataract Trail. There is a nice shaded picnic area with a restroom.

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4.97 km

Mountain Theater Firetrail Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

5.05 km

Simmons/Benstein Trailheads 🌿 West Ridgecrest Blvd

Highlight • Trail

5.49 km

Mountain Theater

Highlight • Monument

Historic outdoor amphitheatre among the forests on Mount Tamalpais that stages Shakespeare, other classic and modern plays every summer.

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5.94 km

Old Mine Trail / Mountain Theater Firetrail Junction

Highlight • Trail

6.12 km

The Rock Spring Trailhead offers picnic tables, good parking, and bathroom facilities. Open 24 hours, this trailhead is frequently used for quick access to the Rock Springs Trail, making it a convenient trailhead.

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6.43 km

Cataract Trail 🌲

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Cataract Trail leads from Alpine Lake reservoir up along the waterfalls of Cataract Creek (particularly impressive in spring after the winter rains), crosses Laurel Dell, and ends at the Rock Springs trailhead at the intersection of Rock Spring trail with Pan Toll Road and Ridgecrest Boulevard, which leads up to Mt Tam summit.

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11.2 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types