Fitness Qualification
All applicants must meet our basic fitness requirement to be accepted into Candidate class.
The fitness requirement is straightforward: Carry a 25 pound pack over a 4 mile distance with ~1300 ft elevation gain in one hour and 35 minutes. Everyone gets two attempts to qualify. Bring your own pack. Qualification day is scheduled after a successful interview and background check. Applicants will be offered a spot as a Candidate, conditional on successfully completing the Fitness Qualification hike before training begins.
We *strongly* encourage giving the course a test hike before submitting an application to join the unit. Many people improve their times significantly after a practice try. The qualification hike is the last step before an applicant becomes a candidate and no one likes surprises on qualification day after investing time and energy in the application process.
If you have any questions about your fitness, get you doctor's approval before attempting the course!
Weather: Check the weather and plan your attire appropriately.
Where
Location: Google map link- It starts just off Lucas Valley Road at the tennis courts located on Creekside Dr. San Rafael. The courts are across the street from the Lutz fire road where you finish the course. Continue counterclockwise from the tennis courts around the loop.
Parking: Please park on the street. The tennis court lot is small, and the tennis players use these spots.
Tips:
There are no restrooms anywhere near or on the course. Plan ahead.
Cell service is sketchy at the tennis courts. Don't count on making a call.
Cell and radio’s do not work between tennis courts and the lower part of the Goat trail (just after the trailhead)
Beware the trail split at the ‘Y’! Many have missed the turn and go off the course. See image 8 below
Questions? recruiting@cal-esar.org
Links for printable PDF of maps
1-Tennis Court Parking lot- Trail marker
start of creekside trail
2-Bridgewater Street & Luiz Ct.
Proceed down Luiz Ct. - have faith
3- End of Luiz Ct. creek side trail resumes
4-Proceed to end of Mt. Burney Ct.
follow right of way to Rubicon Court.
5- Trailhead
6- Big Oak with Swing
7- Horse corrals landmark
