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North of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tamalpais State Park rises majestically from the heart of Marin County. Mount Tamalpais captures our attention with its sweeping hillsides cloaked with chaparral-covered ridges, grasslands and oak woodlands. Deep canyons filled with solemn redwood groves intersect these ridges and slopes to create a diverse environment for a wide array of plant and animal species.
On a clear day, visitors can see the Farallon Islands 25 miles out to sea, the Marin County hills, San Francisco and the bay, hills and cities of the East Bay, and Mount Diablo. On rare occasions, the Sierra Nevada's snow-covered mountains can be seen 150 miles away.
Coastal Miwok Indians lived in the area for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. In 1770, two explorers named the mountain La Sierra de Nuestro Padre de San Francisco, which was later changed to the Miwok word Tamalpais.
With the Gold Rush of 1849, San Francisco grew and more people began to use Mount Tamalpais for recreation. Trails were developed and a wagon road was built. Later, a railway was completed and became known as "The Crookedest Railroad in the World." It was abandoned in 1930 after a wildfire damaged the line.
Park News Alert
Service Reductions at Mt. Tam State Park
Alice Eastwood Group Camp will be closed October 1, 2011 - December 31, 2012. One restroom at Bootjack Day Use area will be closed through June 30, 2012.
Attention Campers! Pantoll Campground Closure Notice
The Pantoll Campground will be closed starting Monday, December 12, 2011 to repair a broken water line. The work is anticipated to extend through Wednesday, December 21.
Bootjack Trail Closure Information
Please click here to see details regarding the Bootjack Trail closure
Service Reductions at Mt. Tam State Park
Alice Eastwood Group Camp will be closed October 1, 2011 - December 31, 2012. One restroom at Bootjack Day Use area will be closed through June 30, 2012.
Attention Campers! Pantoll Campground Closure Notice
The Pantoll Campground will be closed starting Monday, December 12, 2011 to repair a broken water line. The work is anticipated to extend through Wednesday, December 21.
Bootjack Trail Closure Information
Please click here to see details regarding the Bootjack Trail closure
Getting There
The park is located off Route 1 via the Stinson Beach exit at 801 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The park is located off Route 1 via the Stinson Beach exit at 801 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Seasons/Climate
Spring and summer temperatures are warm, with average highs in the 70s and 80s. Fall and winter can be cool, with temperatures in the 50s; fog is common.
Spring and summer temperatures are warm, with average highs in the 70s and 80s. Fall and winter can be cool, with temperatures in the 50s; fog is common.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open from 7am to sunset year-round.
Telephone: 415-388-2070
The park is open from 7am to sunset year-round.
Telephone: 415-388-2070
Camping
Several campgrounds are open all year. The Pantoll Campground, on the Panoramic Highway, has 16 sites approximately 100 yards from the parking area. Drinking water, firewood and restrooms with flush toilets are nearby. There are no showers. Campsites are available first-come, first-served.
Rocky Point-Steep Ravine Environmental Campground, on a marine terrace one mile south of Stinson Beach, has seven primitive sites and nine rustic cabins. Each cabin has a small wood stove, picnic table, sleeping platforms and an outdoor barbecue, but no running water. Restrooms and water faucets are nearby. Reservations are highly recommended.
The Alice Eastwood Group Camp, located on the Panoramic Highway near the Mountain Home Inn, has two sites for organized groups of 25 to 50 people. Both sites have tables, barbecue grills and a large area for tents.
Frank Valley Group Horse Camp, on Muir Woods Road about one mile north of Highway 1 at Muir Beach, has tables, fire rings, drinking water, pit toilets, two horse troughs and corrals for up to 12 horses.
Make Campground Reservations
Please note: STEEP RAVINE CABINS and CAMPSITES are closed every October for annual maintenance.
Several campgrounds are open all year. The Pantoll Campground, on the Panoramic Highway, has 16 sites approximately 100 yards from the parking area. Drinking water, firewood and restrooms with flush toilets are nearby. There are no showers. Campsites are available first-come, first-served.
Rocky Point-Steep Ravine Environmental Campground, on a marine terrace one mile south of Stinson Beach, has seven primitive sites and nine rustic cabins. Each cabin has a small wood stove, picnic table, sleeping platforms and an outdoor barbecue, but no running water. Restrooms and water faucets are nearby. Reservations are highly recommended.
The Alice Eastwood Group Camp, located on the Panoramic Highway near the Mountain Home Inn, has two sites for organized groups of 25 to 50 people. Both sites have tables, barbecue grills and a large area for tents.
Frank Valley Group Horse Camp, on Muir Woods Road about one mile north of Highway 1 at Muir Beach, has tables, fire rings, drinking water, pit toilets, two horse troughs and corrals for up to 12 horses.
Make Campground Reservations
Please note: STEEP RAVINE CABINS and CAMPSITES are closed every October for annual maintenance.
Activities
Hiking: Hikers enjoy more than 50 miles of trails in the park that connect to a 200-mile trail system over land managed by the Marin Municipal Water District and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Day-Use Areas: Bootjack picnic area, on the Panoramic Highway northeast of Pantoll, has tables, stoves, drinking water and flush toilets.
The area accommodates groups of up to 50 picnickers.
East Peak summit has picnic tables, an accessible restroom, a visitor center staffed on weekends, and a refreshment stand open intermittently during the summer.
Mountain Theater: The 3,750-seat Mountain Theater, officially the Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre, was built of natural stone in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The theater can be reserved for special events. Each spring since 1913, the Mountain Play Association theatrical company has presented outdoor productions of Broadway musicals. For dates and reservations of Mountain Theater performances, contact the Mountain Play Association at (415) 383-1100.
Hiking: Hikers enjoy more than 50 miles of trails in the park that connect to a 200-mile trail system over land managed by the Marin Municipal Water District and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Day-Use Areas: Bootjack picnic area, on the Panoramic Highway northeast of Pantoll, has tables, stoves, drinking water and flush toilets.
The area accommodates groups of up to 50 picnickers.
East Peak summit has picnic tables, an accessible restroom, a visitor center staffed on weekends, and a refreshment stand open intermittently during the summer.
Mountain Theater: The 3,750-seat Mountain Theater, officially the Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre, was built of natural stone in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The theater can be reserved for special events. Each spring since 1913, the Mountain Play Association theatrical company has presented outdoor productions of Broadway musicals. For dates and reservations of Mountain Theater performances, contact the Mountain Play Association at (415) 383-1100.
Tips & Rules
•Camping and fires are permitted only in designated areas.
•Observe park hours, which vary by season.
•Dogs are not allowed on trails, on fire roads or in undeveloped areas. Dogs are permitted on leash in the picnic areas and campgrounds, except in the Environmental Campground. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night.
•Horses are allowed only on fire roads and designated (posted) hiking trails.
•Lock your car and take your valuables with you.
•Learn to identify poison oak. Be alert for rattlesnakes, mountain lions and ticks.
•All park resources are protected by law.
•Camping and fires are permitted only in designated areas.
•Observe park hours, which vary by season.
•Dogs are not allowed on trails, on fire roads or in undeveloped areas. Dogs are permitted on leash in the picnic areas and campgrounds, except in the Environmental Campground. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night.
•Horses are allowed only on fire roads and designated (posted) hiking trails.
•Lock your car and take your valuables with you.
•Learn to identify poison oak. Be alert for rattlesnakes, mountain lions and ticks.
•All park resources are protected by law.
Natural History
Geology
Many people think the 2,571-foot peak is the remnant of an extinct volcano. However, geologists believe that Mount Tamalpais was created due to its location near the San Andreas Fault, one of the world’s most active faults. Over time, the mountain has risen from the earth’s crust, while erosion has left only solid rock exposed in the highest peaks and ridges. Common rock types here are greywacke (sandstone), shale, greenstone, chert, quartz tourmaline and the easily-identified green serpentine, California’s official state rock.
Plant Life
The varied topography and soils of the park support a tremendous diversity of plant life. More than 750 plant species can be found in the park. Hikers pass through open grassland, chaparral and oak-covered knolls, or descend through dense stands of Douglas-fir and California laurel into deep, fern- and redwood-filled canyons.
In spring the slopes of Mount Tam come alive with the vibrant colors of wildflowers. Hillsides are sprinkled with California poppies, lupines, Douglas irises, goldfields and shooting stars. Spotted coralroot, fetid adder’s tongue and Pacific trillium are among the plants that hide in the deep shade of the forest.
The Redwood Forest
Mount Tam’s legendary Steep Ravine Trail leads hikers along Webb Creek through a stand of tall redwood trees. The sound of rushing water prepares visitors for the fragrance of damp earth and the sight of ferns along the creek’s banks. The redwoods form a canopy above the water cascading over the rocks. Alongside the cascade, hikers must climb a steep ladder to return to the beginning of this beautiful trail.
Animal Life
Raccoons, gray foxes, squirrels, bobcats, coyotes, black-tailed deer, and, occasionally, mountain lions sometimes roam the mountain slopes. Bears and elk once wandered the land, but vanished as a result of hunting and ranching before the park was established.
Birdwatchers can view more than 150 species of birds within or very near the park. Red-tailed hawks, northern harriers and turkey vultures soar over the open grasslands by day, while the sounds of great horned, spotted, barn and screech owls fill the night. The hollow drilling of pileated, acorn, and hairy woodpeckers adds to the forest sounds. Along the coastline, there are numerous oceanic and intertidal birds to identify.
Geology
Many people think the 2,571-foot peak is the remnant of an extinct volcano. However, geologists believe that Mount Tamalpais was created due to its location near the San Andreas Fault, one of the world’s most active faults. Over time, the mountain has risen from the earth’s crust, while erosion has left only solid rock exposed in the highest peaks and ridges. Common rock types here are greywacke (sandstone), shale, greenstone, chert, quartz tourmaline and the easily-identified green serpentine, California’s official state rock.
Plant Life
The varied topography and soils of the park support a tremendous diversity of plant life. More than 750 plant species can be found in the park. Hikers pass through open grassland, chaparral and oak-covered knolls, or descend through dense stands of Douglas-fir and California laurel into deep, fern- and redwood-filled canyons.
In spring the slopes of Mount Tam come alive with the vibrant colors of wildflowers. Hillsides are sprinkled with California poppies, lupines, Douglas irises, goldfields and shooting stars. Spotted coralroot, fetid adder’s tongue and Pacific trillium are among the plants that hide in the deep shade of the forest.
The Redwood Forest
Mount Tam’s legendary Steep Ravine Trail leads hikers along Webb Creek through a stand of tall redwood trees. The sound of rushing water prepares visitors for the fragrance of damp earth and the sight of ferns along the creek’s banks. The redwoods form a canopy above the water cascading over the rocks. Alongside the cascade, hikers must climb a steep ladder to return to the beginning of this beautiful trail.
Animal Life
Raccoons, gray foxes, squirrels, bobcats, coyotes, black-tailed deer, and, occasionally, mountain lions sometimes roam the mountain slopes. Bears and elk once wandered the land, but vanished as a result of hunting and ranching before the park was established.
Birdwatchers can view more than 150 species of birds within or very near the park. Red-tailed hawks, northern harriers and turkey vultures soar over the open grasslands by day, while the sounds of great horned, spotted, barn and screech owls fill the night. The hollow drilling of pileated, acorn, and hairy woodpeckers adds to the forest sounds. Along the coastline, there are numerous oceanic and intertidal birds to identify.
Cultural History
Native People
The Coast Miwok lived on or near Mount Tamalpais for thousands of years before Europeans arrived, living near water sources throughout present-day Marin County. These California Indians hunted small animals and deer, collected acorns, and gathered flora, marsh plants and shellfish. They made baskets and clamshell disk beads, trading them for locally unobtainable resources, such as high-grade obsidian from Lake County tribes. The Coast Miwok had a rich culture and a complex and intricate language. However, their way of life changed soon after the arrival of Europeans.
In 1770 two explorers, Captain Pedro Fages and Father Juan Crespí, named the mountain La Sierra de Nuestro Padre de San Francisco. This was later changed to the Miwok word tamalpais (tam-alpie-us), which roughly translated means “bay mountain” or “coast mountain.”
Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway
Residents of San Francisco, whose population exploded after the 1848 gold discovery, used Mount Tamalpais for recreational purposes. Trails were developed, and a wagon road was built to the top of the mountain in 1884.
The Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway, completed in 1896, carried visitors to the scenic mountaintop and the Summit Tavern, a hotel and restaurant. The slope from Mill Valley to the summit was so steep that the railroad had to negotiate 281 curves, equivalent to 42 complete circles, earning it the title of “Crookedest Railroad in the World.” In the section known as the “Double Bow Knot,” the track paralleled itself five times within 200 yards. In 1907 a gravity car line was designed to transport visitors from the top of the mountain to the redwood-filled canyon of Muir Woods. Requiring only gravity and a brake, special open-air cars carried passengers down the mountain to Muir Woods at an exhilarating 12 mph. The gravity cars allowed sightseers to travel from Mill Valley to the summit, down to Muir Woods, and then back to Mill Valley.
The Scenic Railway’s famous gravity cars were popular until the advent of the automobile and the construction of Ridgecrest Boulevard in 1922. A gravity car replica is displayed at the new Gravity Car Barn on East Peak.
Conservation Efforts
Over the years, millions have flocked to the mountain, affectionately called “Mount Tam,” to relish the spectacular views and hike its trails. Generations of Mount Tam enthusiasts have worked hard to protect the mountain and keep it open to the public. The oldest of these citizen groups is the Tamalpais Conservation Club, organized in 1912. In 1928 William Kent, an ardent Marin County conservationist, and his wife donated 200 acres of land in Steep Ravine to help create Mount Tamalpais State Park. The park was later enlarged through the efforts of several hiking clubs led by the Tamalpais Conservation Club. These organizations orchestrated a grassroots campaign to purchase additional state park land.
The State Park Today
Now one of the oldest and most popular units of the California State Park System, the park has grown to 6,300 acres. Completely surrounding Muir Woods National Monument, the park is bordered by Marin Municipal Water District land on the north and by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area on the northwest and south.
Native People
The Coast Miwok lived on or near Mount Tamalpais for thousands of years before Europeans arrived, living near water sources throughout present-day Marin County. These California Indians hunted small animals and deer, collected acorns, and gathered flora, marsh plants and shellfish. They made baskets and clamshell disk beads, trading them for locally unobtainable resources, such as high-grade obsidian from Lake County tribes. The Coast Miwok had a rich culture and a complex and intricate language. However, their way of life changed soon after the arrival of Europeans.
In 1770 two explorers, Captain Pedro Fages and Father Juan Crespí, named the mountain La Sierra de Nuestro Padre de San Francisco. This was later changed to the Miwok word tamalpais (tam-alpie-us), which roughly translated means “bay mountain” or “coast mountain.”
Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway
Residents of San Francisco, whose population exploded after the 1848 gold discovery, used Mount Tamalpais for recreational purposes. Trails were developed, and a wagon road was built to the top of the mountain in 1884.
The Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway, completed in 1896, carried visitors to the scenic mountaintop and the Summit Tavern, a hotel and restaurant. The slope from Mill Valley to the summit was so steep that the railroad had to negotiate 281 curves, equivalent to 42 complete circles, earning it the title of “Crookedest Railroad in the World.” In the section known as the “Double Bow Knot,” the track paralleled itself five times within 200 yards. In 1907 a gravity car line was designed to transport visitors from the top of the mountain to the redwood-filled canyon of Muir Woods. Requiring only gravity and a brake, special open-air cars carried passengers down the mountain to Muir Woods at an exhilarating 12 mph. The gravity cars allowed sightseers to travel from Mill Valley to the summit, down to Muir Woods, and then back to Mill Valley.
The Scenic Railway’s famous gravity cars were popular until the advent of the automobile and the construction of Ridgecrest Boulevard in 1922. A gravity car replica is displayed at the new Gravity Car Barn on East Peak.
Conservation Efforts
Over the years, millions have flocked to the mountain, affectionately called “Mount Tam,” to relish the spectacular views and hike its trails. Generations of Mount Tam enthusiasts have worked hard to protect the mountain and keep it open to the public. The oldest of these citizen groups is the Tamalpais Conservation Club, organized in 1912. In 1928 William Kent, an ardent Marin County conservationist, and his wife donated 200 acres of land in Steep Ravine to help create Mount Tamalpais State Park. The park was later enlarged through the efforts of several hiking clubs led by the Tamalpais Conservation Club. These organizations orchestrated a grassroots campaign to purchase additional state park land.
The State Park Today
Now one of the oldest and most popular units of the California State Park System, the park has grown to 6,300 acres. Completely surrounding Muir Woods National Monument, the park is bordered by Marin Municipal Water District land on the north and by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area on the northwest and south.
Accessible Features
Camping
Steep Ravine Environmental Campground: Located just south of Stinson Beach, this area has 7 walk-in campsites, including one that is accessible and conveniently located within a short distance of the parking area.
Steep Ravine has 9 cabins, with one designated accessible. All cabins are often reserved as soon as they can be (7 months prior) so it is essential to plan ahead if you want to experience this popular location.
Cabin #1 also called “William Kent” is designated accessible. Beds, turning space and a table and counter are accessibly designed.
Designated accessible parking is available and should accommodate vans or cars. Assistance may be needed on the path to the cabin.
Restroom: There are two accessible restrooms in the Steep Ravine campground.
Alice Eastwood Grove Group Camp: One campsite and restroom are accessible.
Pantoll Campground: An accessible campsite, a generally accessible restroom with parking, and drinking fountain are present.
Frank Valley Horse Camp: Accessible campsites, no-flush restroom, and van parking space are available.
Picnic Area
Bootjack Picnic Area: Accessible picnic sites are available. Accessible restroom and parking spaces, including one van accessible space, are available.
Pantoll Area: Accessible picnic sites, parking and a generally accessible restroom are available.
Trails
The McKennan Gulch Trail is a less than 1/4 mile trail that begins at a turnout along Ridgecrest Drive. Although short, the trail leads to a spectacular overlook of the Bolinas Lagoon and Pacific Ocean below. The trail is constructed of compacted soil. Accessible parking is available at the trailhead.
East Peak Area:
The Verna Dunshee Trail offers fine panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay area. This trail is accessible for its 3/4 mile length. Accessible parking, picnic tables, restroom facilities, and drinking fountain are available at the trailhead.
Pantoll Area:
The Old Mine Trail through evergreen forest is accessible for nearly 3/4 miles (one-way). There is accessible parking and restroom available at the Pantoll Parking lot.
Exhibits/Programs
East Peak Area: The Visitor Center and Gravity Car Barn are accessible however assistance may be needed on the steep paved path between parking and the use area.
Camping
Steep Ravine Environmental Campground: Located just south of Stinson Beach, this area has 7 walk-in campsites, including one that is accessible and conveniently located within a short distance of the parking area.
Steep Ravine has 9 cabins, with one designated accessible. All cabins are often reserved as soon as they can be (7 months prior) so it is essential to plan ahead if you want to experience this popular location.
Cabin #1 also called “William Kent” is designated accessible. Beds, turning space and a table and counter are accessibly designed.
Designated accessible parking is available and should accommodate vans or cars. Assistance may be needed on the path to the cabin.
Restroom: There are two accessible restrooms in the Steep Ravine campground.
Alice Eastwood Grove Group Camp: One campsite and restroom are accessible.
Pantoll Campground: An accessible campsite, a generally accessible restroom with parking, and drinking fountain are present.
Frank Valley Horse Camp: Accessible campsites, no-flush restroom, and van parking space are available.
Picnic Area
Bootjack Picnic Area: Accessible picnic sites are available. Accessible restroom and parking spaces, including one van accessible space, are available.
Pantoll Area: Accessible picnic sites, parking and a generally accessible restroom are available.
Trails
The McKennan Gulch Trail is a less than 1/4 mile trail that begins at a turnout along Ridgecrest Drive. Although short, the trail leads to a spectacular overlook of the Bolinas Lagoon and Pacific Ocean below. The trail is constructed of compacted soil. Accessible parking is available at the trailhead.
East Peak Area:
The Verna Dunshee Trail offers fine panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay area. This trail is accessible for its 3/4 mile length. Accessible parking, picnic tables, restroom facilities, and drinking fountain are available at the trailhead.
Pantoll Area:
The Old Mine Trail through evergreen forest is accessible for nearly 3/4 miles (one-way). There is accessible parking and restroom available at the Pantoll Parking lot.
Exhibits/Programs
East Peak Area: The Visitor Center and Gravity Car Barn are accessible however assistance may be needed on the steep paved path between parking and the use area.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
East Peak, Mt. Tamalpais State Park
The best panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area are just a half-mile hike away atop Mt. Tamalpais.
The best panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area are just a half-mile hike away atop Mt. Tamalpais.
Easy
0.5 mi/
0.8 km
0.8 km
Verna Dunshee Loop Trail around Mt Tamalpais East Peak
Experience some of the best views in the Bay Area along this flat, paved trail. A great hike for young kids.
Experience some of the best views in the Bay Area along this flat, paved trail. A great hike for young kids.
Easy
0.7 mi/
1.1 km
1.1 km
Mountain Theater and the Southwest Slope of Mount Tamalpais
The amazing theater and an afternoon hike on Tam's west slopes
The amazing theater and an afternoon hike on Tam's west slopes
Easy
2.0 mi/
3.2 km
3.2 km
Muir Woods and Tourist Club Loop
Backdoor entry to Muir Woods on an uncrowded trail where you can enjoy scenery (and a bar!) most visitors never see.
Backdoor entry to Muir Woods on an uncrowded trail where you can enjoy scenery (and a bar!) most visitors never see.
Moderate
4.5 mi/
7.2 km
7.2 km
Muir Woods National Monument Exploration
You may not think of salmon when visiting the redwoods in Muir Woods, but it's home to a population of Coho Salmon.
You may not think of salmon when visiting the redwoods in Muir Woods, but it's home to a population of Coho Salmon.
Moderate
6.0 mi/
9.7 km
9.7 km
Steep Ravine via Matt Davis, Mt Tamalpais
Get an early start to enjoy one of Mt Tamalpais' most loved and most distinctive trails.
Get an early start to enjoy one of Mt Tamalpais' most loved and most distinctive trails.
Moderate
6.5 mi/
10.5 km
10.5 km
Coast View Trail Loop, Mt Tamalpais State Park
Perfect Mt. Tamalpais coastal scenery, Muir Wood redwoods and a chance to quench your thirst at an old British pub.
Perfect Mt. Tamalpais coastal scenery, Muir Wood redwoods and a chance to quench your thirst at an old British pub.
Moderate
8.5 mi/
13.7 km
13.7 km
Muir Woods via the Bootjack Trail
Beat the crowds by walking to famed Muir Woods. 6-mile moderate hike.
Beat the crowds by walking to famed Muir Woods. 6-mile moderate hike.
Moderate
8.9 mi/
14.3 km
14.3 km
West Point Inn, Mt. Tamalpais SP
Explore the remnants of a bygone era on the slopes of Mt Tamalpais.
Explore the remnants of a bygone era on the slopes of Mt Tamalpais.
Moderate
9.0 mi/
14.5 km
14.5 km
Stinson Beach to Mt. Tam East Peak via Matt Davis Trail and Northside Trail
Hike to the top of Mt. Tam and Bike down
Hike to the top of Mt. Tam and Bike down
Moderate
16.3 mi/
26 km
26 km
Stinson Beach to Mt. Tamalpais
A great day (or overnight) hike from the beach to the top of Mount Tamalpais where you can see the entire bay area.
A great day (or overnight) hike from the beach to the top of Mount Tamalpais where you can see the entire bay area.
Difficult
17.3 mi/
28 km
28 km
Bay Area Wildflower Hikes
Springtime brings a remarkable wildflower show to Bay Area hills
Springtime brings a remarkable wildflower show to Bay Area hills
n/a
35 mi/
56 km
56 km
Guides
Get an early start to enjoy one of Mt Tamalpais' most loved and most distinctive trails.
Backdoor entry to Muir Woods on an uncrowded trail where you can enjoy scenery (and a bar!) most visitors never see.
A nice loop in Mount Tamalpais State Park
A great day (or overnight) hike from the beach to the top of Mount Tamalpais where you can see the entire bay area.
Deep woods and towering vistas await at Marin County's most famous peak
Springtime brings a remarkable wildflower show to Bay Area hills
Experience some of the best views in the Bay Area along this flat, paved trail. A great hike for young kids.
Five selected hikes in the coastal wilderness of "Mt Tam", just a stone's throw from the bustle of San Francisco.
The best panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area are just a half-mile hike away atop Mt. Tamalpais.
Explore the remnants of a bygone era on the slopes of Mt Tamalpais.
Perfect Mt. Tamalpais coastal scenery, Muir Wood redwoods and a chance to quench your thirst at an old British pub.
Beat the crowds by walking to famed Muir Woods. 6-mile moderate hike.
Community Trips
Stinson Beach to Mount Tamalpais Summit... and back
Stinson Beach, California, United States
15.2 miles
15.2 miles
I've been meaning to do this hike for quite some time. In addition to everything nice about it (the flowers, the views, the climb, the length, the company), it just seemed meaningful.Since several of us were considering that hike, it was just a matter of picking a date. Barbara and Pavla called it, and there we went.We started on the Stinson Beach parking lot shortly after 9:30 and took Dipsea trail to...
I've taken so little vacation recently that I'm not allowed to accumulate any more, so I decided to take a day off work and go hiking at Mt. Tamilpais. This is one of the most scenic and beautiful hikes you can do in the Bay Area. I took the Matt Davis trail from the Pan Toll ranger station down to Stinson Beach, and climbed back up via the Dipsea and Steep Ravine...
Inspired by the homebrew crew (Sounds like a good EveryTrail group name...) trip last weekend, David and I decided (last minute) to sneak in a hiking trip--wait, no--a BACKPACKING trip (which basically ended up with us carrying packs much heavier than we needed). We finally got all of our stuff together around 6pm in San Francisco and drove across the Golden Gate Bridge towards Mt. Tam. We were trying to decide if...
A hike from Stinson Beach to Pan Toll Ranger station via Dipsea trail
Excellent round trip hike from sea level at Stinson Beach to the summit of Mt Tamalpais and back. The myriad of trails on Mt Tam allow for some creativity with the loop and an incredible variety of terrain. We parked at the beach and picked up the Dipsea Trail from just south of the fire station. From Dipsea we followed Steep Ravine up and connected with old road for the rest of the...
OK, maybe not a swim, but pretty close. Barbara, Pavla, Rebecca, David and I decided to hike up Mount Tam this Saturday, despite the rain. It would just be a very wet hike and we had to embrace this. I much prefer sunny, dry weather, but the choice was between a wet hike or no hike at all.We met at a Starbucks store in Mill Valley to finalize our plans. The area...
Pantoll Trailhead - Matt Davis - Coastal - Willow Camp - Cataract - Old Mine. Pick a right day/weather to hike and you'll dream about it for days. I did.
A nice hike to the summit of Mount Tamalpais from the parking area across from Mountain Home Inn (801 Panaromic Highway, Mill Valley). We basically followed Vaudesir's "Swimming to the top of Mount Tamalpais" route, but excluded the small hairpin loop they did near the beginning on the lower part of Hoo Koo E Koo Trail. We got to the parking area around 10AM and just missed the last open space. So we...
The Matt Davis trail and Mountain Theater
Reviews
