Tomales Point Trail Reviews

Be ready for everything! If you start from the parking lot to the point and back it’s a good ten miles long! 10 miles back and forth !
It was a beautiful day and the wind helped us !
We realized that it was rolling hills but some parts of the trail had sand, tall tall wildflowers, unpaved trails!
What to expect:
A. Water and snacks
B. Walking sticks if you rely on it!
C. Patience since its long and arduous
D. Hat and a good windbreaker !
We came in search of beauty and we found it - wildflowers, iris, California poppy, the wildlife was amazing -the birds of prey and the best -the Tule Elk!!!

The trail has the Pacific on one side, Tomales Bay on the other. The views are spectacular, and the Tuli Elk are not to be missed. It's a pretty long walk, and it can be chilly and foggy, so check the weather and be prepared. But it is absolutely worth the effort.

This is a level and fairly easy hike until you get to the end of the point where it becomes sandy making it difficult to walk. We saw several elk herds on the way and views of the ocean and Tomales Bay were beautiful.

We went for a 10 mile hike on the Tomales Trail. The hike was easy but may be too long for kids and older people. We were lucky to see plenty of wild flowers, herd of elk, hundreds of caterpillars and ladybugs, and a whale. The views all along the trail and at the end of the trail were breathtaking! Pack a picnic lunch and plenty if water.

Stunning views of the ocean and Tomales Bay. We saw herds of wlk, some deer, a burrowing owl, mergansers, a great blue heron, quail, a jackrabbit and other wildlife. The trail is about 9 miles round trip. A bit of up and down but very moderate. Well maintained nd easy to follow trail. It was sunny and warm when we went but is very exposed so probably freezing if it’s windy or foggy. The trailhead resteoom is a short distance away at the trailhead to McClure Beach.

Try to go the whole way, about 10 miles round trip, and you won't be disappointed. You'll see an old dairy farm, lots of Tule Elk and be blown away by the incredible scenery. The best part is at the point itself, with incredible waves-hit-rock action.

Hikes galore-- with panoramic views of bays, ocean, fields of wild flowers, tons of wild animals, and cute little towns.
Whether you're getting around on foot, horse, car, bike or kayak, get ready for a day you'll never forget.
My favorite trail is Tomales Point Trail - which leaves from Pierce Point Ranch. It's about 11 miles round trip. You'll definitely see Tule elk, other assorted mammals, large birds of prey and fantastical scenes every way you look!

Whether you just explore the historic Pierce Ranch, walk down to the beach, or take the trail out the Tomales Point part or the whole way, this is a must see spot in Point Reyes National Seashore. And it's much closer and far less visited than Drake's beach or the Lighthouse, so perfect on a busy weekend. Also, it's more inland, so it might be less windy or foggy).

I did this hike in early Spring, and the wildflowers were amazing. I passed (not too close!) two herds of the local Tule Elk. And I encountered quite a few local folks doing the trail, with is always a recommendation.

Go early in the day, to avoid the crowds. When I arrived at 9am, I was the 4th car in the parking lot. When I left at about 2pm, there was no parking in the lot and the road was lined with cars for about a mile.

Be prepared for a rolling up and down terrain, there are a couple good solid uphill and downhill sections, but it is fairly easy. Take a pack lunch, and definitely take water.

We've hiked this 2 times now, both on warm pleasant days. When warm (springtime for us) you have a wonderful bunch of flowers to admire. And almost always you'll see a lot of elk on the trail. On a trip last year, we even saw whales off the coast

Its about 10 miles RT, but you can turn around at any point.....still pretty even if you only did 1/2. The trail is not perfectly flat, but mostly. Hikers looking for a lot of elevation gain won't get it here. And novice wanting flat will find a couple of short steep hills.

We had a wonderful day hiking the 10.5 mile Tomales Point trail. Took us about 4.5 hours and that included about 30 minutes lunch/ rest at the point.

This was a fantastic hike out to Tomales Point inside Point Reyes National Seashore park! This area of the park is an elk preserve, so you're almost guaranteed to see some elk around as you hike.
(I also drove by some deer on my way into the park too!)

The trail itself is fine, although it does get overgrown at times, but the views are amazing.

Round trip this is a 9.4mile trail - so for timing it depends on how fast you walk, if you stop to take photos, or if you stop to eat lunch. It took me 3 hours, but that was a slow pace, with lots of stops to photograph the area. You can always get there early, walk out and back, and then head down to McClure's beach to eat lunch.

A beautiful hike!

Some tips if you're going to head out:
- wear long (light) pants. Parts of the trail are very overgrown and will scratch up your legs.
- Wear layers. The ocean breeze is strong and cool, but you will probably get hot while hiking, so dress appropriately.
- Bring a hat! There is ZERO shade on this trail.
- The map indicates that there are washrooms at the trailhead. That isn't true, the washrooms are down the road a tiny bit at the McClure Beach trailhead. So drive past the Tomales Point parking lot, use the facilities at McClure's beach, and then head back to Tomales Point. Again - there is no shade on this trail, so there's no place to use the "facilities" in the wild :)
- wear proper shoes!
- Pack water. I didn't find any place to refill water bottles at the trailhead or at McClure's beach trailhead.
- The last 1/4 of the trail is sandy, so not as easy to walk or accessible.
- I got to the trailhead at 9am and there were only two spots left in the lot. By the time I walked back the trail was packed. Aim for a weekday if you can, or get there early.

What a gorgeous trail-tons of wildflowers and wildlife! If you’re going to hike in this area, hike this trail! It is a long trail, however you can walk as far out as you want and turn around and head back when you’ve had enough. It has some hills, but nothing too difficult. I was surprised at the number of people on this trail. We saw several different groups of tule elk along the way. The ocean views and the blue skies were spectacular. Don’t miss this one and don’t let the length scare you off.

We did this hike on the day after Thanksgiving. If you decide to do it then, start early. It became increasingly crowded as the day went on. But the views of the ocean on one side and Tomales Bay on the other were very nice. And the abundance of Tule elk was very interesting. We also saw several coyote dens and a lone coyote hunting for food. We saw a large white crane and many hawks. The complete hike out and back is about 8.5 miles, which is long, but not exceedingly difficult. There were a few ups and downs, but nothing major.

My wife and I visited one of our sons in San Francisco. We love to hike, and so does he. So we took a short drive (about an hour) north of the Golden Gate bridge and went on the most spectacular Oceanside hike I've ever been to. It was 10 miles round trip. Not a difficult hike, but 10 miles is 10 miles, so take plenty of water because there are no opportunities for water along the way. We carried lunch, and sat in a beautiful grassy meadow when we got hungry. Then, we came upon a small herd of elk...nice! Then we came upon another small herd. Finally as we reached the end of the hike, the trail gets right to the end of the point, and you've got ocean on both the right and left, with steep drop-offs on both sides. We saw a seal having fun in the waves, and that took our mind off the intense thrill of the setting, with enormous waves crashing below us. Truly an awesome day

It's a beautiful trail, about 5 miles each way. It starts at the historic park, then it goes along the beach, goes up and down the hills, passes through the elk preserve (a lot of elks! the big ones!) and it is free!

A couple tips.

The trail is fairly mild but in some places you have to walk on fine sand. So you'd be better off wearing some sand proof shoes (like hiking boots) - otherwise you may end up with blisters. There is no water or restroom along the way and no tables. So plan accordingly. It's generally windy and sometimes you go through a narrow trail in the high thorny grass - so you'd better off covering legs and maybe wearing some wind breaker.

After approaching via a winding road we enjoyed a beautiful trail. There are views to both the Pacific Ocean, sometimes with upcoming fog, and the Tomales Bay a.k.a. the San Andreas Fault. In the beginning dusk you can likely spot dozens of Tule Elk.
This trail is not difficult to walk, but it is always a good idea to be prepared for changing weather.

I did this hike with a Sierra Club group in May 2017. The hike is along a ridge line with gorgeous views of the Pacific ocean most of the way. Also there are many Tule Elk along the trail. The elk are used to humans & hang out close to the trail. Its the best hike in the Point Reyes area & only has 2000 ft, of elevation gain over the 8 miles.

Not widely advertised, but Tomales Point Trail is a fabulous day ride for horses. There is room to part a trailer or two at Pierce Point Road just outside of the old dairy. The trail out to Tomales Point is an easy trip for even a young horse, with the only real obstacle being the Tule Elk which can be found rather close to the trail. Note that there are no hitching racks at the point. We rode to the point and then rode back to the one and only grove of trees about a mile back from the point to eat our lunch. There are some places to tie up there just off the trail for well-behaved horses. Bathroom are down at the beach parking lot further along Pierce Point Road, so plan ahead for a stop there before you unload if you need a rest stop before tacking up. I'd recommend having water at your trailer for your horses as there is no water along the trail without disturbing the elk.

We did this hike in June 2010 (not 2013 - TA doesn't let you go back that far). It is an incredibly long drive from Palo Alto, where we live. It's only about 80 miles, but because of driving through SF & then the windy, slow roads in Pt Reyes, it took us a good 2 and 1/2 hours of driving each way. The hike itself is also long (about 10 miles round-trip). We went all the way out onto the tip of the point. What we found most unpleasant about the hike was that the last several miles we were essentially bush-whacking. There was no discernible trail, or the trail forked in multiple ways and it was unclear which way to go. We were hiking through bushes that were almost as tall as us, and some of them were very prickly. If we had only had a mile or so of this, it wouldn't have been too bad, but it was at least 3-4 miles total, and was quite unpleasant. I was also concerned we were going to get poison oak, but we fortunately did not. I'm not sure if this is just a problem around June, or if it goes on year round, but the last several miles of this hike are really not on a trail, so be prepared for that.

The views from the tip of the point were nice, but nothing spectacular. There were cliffs and crashing waves, but nothing you can't see along much of the California coast. The views at the end also didn't seem appreciably better than the views at the beginning or looking back along the trail, which sort of makes me wish we hadn't done the bushwhacking part.

As far as wildlife goes, we did see a whole bunch of elk, which was cool. We also saw a very cute, playful gopher that was playing peek-a-boo with us. It probably says something about our general view of the hike, that we thought the adorable gopher was one of the coolest parts of the day.

All in all, we had a nice time. We got great exercise, while enjoying some nice scenery and some cute animals. But I feel like it under-delivered on the scenery - I was expecting really breathtaking and if it's just going to be "nice", I'd rather just hike Stanford Dish, which is way closer to home and doesn't require bushwhacking.

One of our best hikes on the Point Reyes, lots of wild life. Lots of folks never have seen an, Elk ! This is a spot you may want to hike, and have an eye full. Water and food, your hiken gear and you on your way for one of the best hikes in the state cost !

It used to be 5 star but the parks system no longer maintains it beyond 1.7 miles. It is badly eroded after that. We saw three herds of elk. Spring is the best time to hike it as the wildflowers are lovely.

Beautiful views abound in all directions on this hike. Mostly flat and not too strenuous except for one gentle uphill stretch, this trail offers views of the ocean as well as Tomales Bay. You will see lots of wildlife: birds, hawks, gulls and Elk. Don't forget your camera and water and dress in layers as it can be quite hot, yet chilly when the wind kicks up.

We had a great day hiking the trail. Started out around 1:30 PM and it was a bit cold. As the hike and the day proceed the temperatures warmed up and it was perfect for the long hike. Not too much elevation and beautiful scenery everywhere. We saw several elk herds of various sizes throughout the day.

We were tired when we got back at 6:30 PM but enjoyed the day !!!

This is a wonderful moderate to easy hike which is located at the northern peninsula of Point Reyes National Seashore. The total round trip is 9.4 miles or you can go as far as you have time and then turn around. The views are stunning on a clear day and you can see a lot of wildlife particularly several Tule elk herds. The trail is very easy to follow, well maintained and well traveled with some slight ups and downs. I would recommend taking your time, pack a lunch and be sure not to forget water. The views of the Pacific Ocean and Tomales Bay are outstanding and the hike is simply terrific...not to be missed!

Enjoyable hike. Saw elk right next to the trail. You can see the ocean from most parts of the trail if a cloud does not roll in. Seeing the clouds roll in is very enjoyable, too.

We spent several hours wandering this trail. We saw loads of elk (some very close to us), fields of wildflowers and even a coyote wandering by...The sound of the Pacific ocean crashing on the cliffs below and the views through the fog as we hiked are memories we will not soon forget. We loved how quiet and unspoiled and uncrowded this trail was on the day we visited.

This hike was well worth the time invested. When I started, I wasn't committed to the whole 9.5 miles, but by the time I hiked halfway, the scenery and weather were both too beautiful to stop.

We did not have the best weather conditions for our hike, so we did not go very far. However, what we did see was breathtaking!

This delightful headland, honey-combed with trails, is fantastic. The Park Headquarters provided lots of useful information and steered us to great hikes. One exceptional hike was a hike on the peninsula with Tomales Bay on one side and the ocean on the other. It is called the Tomales Point Trail.....and the extra benefit was a herd of 500 or so elk that hang around within yards of the trail. Really beautiful.

Ponds, cattle, grasslands, birds, water, scenery etc etc. what more could one want Ina hike? Try it at dusk...very nice

I live in the Bay Area and hike a lot. This is a very nice, relatively easy 10 mile round trip hike. People report that it can be windy and foggy. On the day I was there it was clear and sunny. The best part of the hike: the ocean views and the wildlife. I saw a couple of elk herds and a few elk feeding in a pond. For those who are not into long hikes, you can get to some of the ocean views within a mile though not necessarily the wildlife. I got an early start (8:30am) so I was hiking nearly along and beat the hiking traffic that showed up later.

This 9.5 mile trail is fantastic, if you have time to spare and are in the mood for a long hike with a lot of ups and downs. From the visitor center, the drive to the trailhead takes a solid 30-40 minutes on a one-lane (each direction) windy road past ranches, cattle and and fields. Once all the way out there, there is NOTHING. If you are hiking for any distance, bring all water, food, gear with you. There is a primitive bathroom at the adjacent trailhead, but really nothing else. This is an out-and-back trail. Just when you crest another hill and think you are at the end ... you are not. Just keep going. And going. Popular trail. I was there on a Sunday in late January 2014, and there were lots of people around. But, it didn't feel too crowded. I saw three different herds of elk, grazing on the surrounding hillsides. The views are ocean and surrounding landscape are really beautiful. The trail itself is well maintained, well trodden and easy to follow, except maybe at the very top/end where there is brush overgrowth and the base turns from compact in a somewhat annoying loose sand/dirt. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a flat trail (I heard someone say that at the visitor center) -- it is NOT. There is very little that is flat. It's either up, or down, or up and down.

My family of five will always remember this trail. Its somewhere between a 9 and 10 miles out and back. Very easy with some elevation gain but its somewhat gradual. We saw somewhere between 75 and 100 Tule Elk (I stopped counting). Most were off at a distance but one group of 28 was right off the trail along the pond. We loved watching them and observing their behaviors. The alpha male trying to keep the other 20 males away from his little harem was fasscinating. Last mile or so is sandy so it slows you down a little but not bad. Consider wearing pants because this part of the trail is narrower and there are low lying shrubs that scratch your legs. The end is magical and well worth the trek.

We visited this National Park, Point Reyes National Seashore, California and had a wonderful experience, breath taking views of the Pacific Ocean. It is a drive well worth it! Elk, hawks, seagulls are among the wildlife there.

We hiked the Tomales Point Trail - 9.4 miles round trip. Saw 85 elk, some as close as 15 feet, 1 coyote, several deer, and a seal. Not a lot of hikers, so we enjoyed some solitude as well. It's a long trek, but worth it to get to the point and have a packed lunch overlooking the mouth of the bay.

Although this hike wasn't quite as easy as I thought, it was definitely worth it. We saw so much wildlife including elk, deer, coyote, and a snake. The elk were gorgeous and so fun to watch. Of course, the real payoff is at the point where the views are amazing. We arrived about 10 am and it was really foggy for about half of our hike but before we got to the point, the skies brightened up and the sun came out. We loved it!

Relatively moderate hike outside of the distance of 9+ miles. There are some sandy areas towards Tomales Point that are a bit more difficult to stomp through but overall the hike is pretty straightforward with not too much elevation gain. It's also not at altitude so that helps. Great views in all directions on a clear day but know that clouds can roll in quickly at any time. Since the Elk Reserve is located here you may very likely to run into a herd or two. One of the most scenic hikes in the Point Reyes/Tomales Bay area so be sure to check it out!

We just returned from Yellowstone and Denali but this hike was every bit as special! Awesome wildflowers(bring the camera), osprey, views, and of course Tule Elk galore!its a bit longer than the 4.7 miles on the sign but worth every step. Go early and the fog will burn off plus you'll beat the crowds. Bring water and sunscreen because you won't notice the burn with the cool ocean breeze. It's simply a must when you are visiting this area.

Peaceful quiet walk out to the point. Lots of elk, wildlife and whales seen off the high bluffs. The area is at an opposite end of the Point Reyes where the lighthouse point is located so to go to all the “ends” of the trails in the park you’ll need a couple days since this alone is a 1/2 day and that doesn’t count getting there and back to where you are staying.
At the start there some information placards and a ranch building from early 1800s.

We did this moderate nearly 10 mile hike starting late morning. Loved the easily marked trail, the views and seeing so many Elk. Most of the previous reviews are correct in their tips: No water or restrooms, bring water and some food.
The fog comes in and out and there may be large parts of the trail where you can't see the views. When the fog clears, the views are amazing.
Wear a hat, windbreaker and long pants.
Be prepared for the last leg to be in soft sand. Not easy to hike in but doable.
Allow at least 4 hours at a good pace.
Do it!

You start at Pierce point ranch north of San Francisco (about 1.5 hours from the city). All the way to the tip of Tomales point is about 4.7 miles (9.5 miles round trip). You have the ocean on one side, and the bay on the other, elk grazing all along, and, at this time of year, wonderful wildflowers everywhere. It is a favorite hike of mine, and I make it a point to do it once a year .
As its so long, and so far from the city, it tends not to be as crowded as some of the other hikes around. Take enough water and maybe a snack, or a picnic lunch. After you leave the ranch there are no facilities along the route.

About 4.5 miles out you can choose to turn around at any point. The 1st haf of the walk/hike is pretty easy. Beautiful scenery!

I'm not a huge hiker, but this is one of my favorite hikes ever. Will never forget coming once in a foggy fall, rounding a corner and practically bumping into a herd of tule elk with full antlers. Most recently, we came here in spring with our kids, who typically complain about hiking but were fully engaged with all the wildlife here. We saw everything from beetles to snakes to the wonderful tule elk, and fantastic flora including calla lilies and purple irises. At the Point itself, you feel like you're on top of the world, with water views on three sides. The only mistake we made was not packing a picnic--it would have been great to spend even more time here.

We only traveled part of the way out due to time and a bum knee bu the pacific panorama was amazing as the clouds lifted.

Came here at the end of May and the wild flowers were in bloom. Everything was so gorgeous I couldn't stand it! I felt like I was hiking through a movie scene! Flowers, and the ocean, and the cliffs, and the sun and beach! Then we saw the elk! It all just takes your breath away. I can't recommend this trail enough! Except I don't want it to be crowded so never mind. It's a terrible place. Don't come here ;)

We try to do this hike every time we can. Do the complete hike to the end and the vistas are great. Bring lunch and water.

Saw a coyote, eagles and about 40 elks. The trail is long but not particularly strenuous. Lots of wind. Took us 4.5 hours total. Definitely worth it.

Tomales point hike is absolutely beautiful! Check out the lighthouse. Visit the seal harbor and check out some of those 3-ton male seals.

This is a breathtaking hike from Pierce Point Ranch to Tomales Point, in the Pt Reyes National Seashore/Park. This is a national park without an entry fee, but the views are priceless. Get to the parking lot at the Pierce Point Ranch trailhead early, it fills up quickly on the weekends. If you go in August during the Tule elk rut season, you may see a bull elk surrounded by 30 females in a harem, like we did! We also saw a red fox, and a coyote on the prowl.

Was a great hike even it was chilly , foggie but we had a great time saw lot of tule elks ,took us over 5 hours hiking .

What a wonderful trail for the senses. Get there early as the lot fills up, but you can park at the beach that has the only toilets nearby. The compost toilet is half shut down with a broken door lock.

Hike is about 10.5 mile and takes about 4.5 hours. Beautiful vistas and opportunities to see elk in several locations - some within 10 years of the trail. The view from the point is spectacular. A great hiking day.

My husband and I tagged along with our kids' Boy Scout troop to hike the Tomales Point Trail, a 10 miler to the trailhead and back. The weather was mild but it can get hazy because of the coastal fog. We encountered dozens of Tule Elk and other wildlife along the hike. We even saw some quail and coyote on our drive in. There was no water fountains along the trail, so bring plenty of water. Only negative was the lack of clean bathrooms. Folks rather relieved themselves in the great outdoors than go in the bathrooms. It was quite a drive but the wildlife and scenery made it all worth it.

Wow, wish I'd discovered this hike about 25 years ago as I would have hiked it at least 25 more times. Recommended to us by the ranger as the best hike in the park for views and not overly strenuous. Boy, was she right. We hiked in April after a good rain season. Imagine our delight to view, simultaneously, many herds of wild elk (some quite close for pic opportunity), tons of wild flowers, the Pacific Ocean with many beautiful rock formations and little hidden coves, and the Tomales Bay!!!! All on one hike.
Think that was good enough? You'd be wrong. WE SAW A MOUNTAIN LION DRIVING OUT!! Our first wild one ever. Geographically, it was my favorite type of hike with mostly rolling terrain as opposed to steep ups and downs . If you have kids, older people or hikers only reasonably fit, you will see plenty of spectacular views of the Bay , ocean and likely elk herds, by hiking in about the first 2- 3 miles then turning around instead of going the full 5 miles (one way) The last 2 miles are the steepest decent and assent but even this is a moderate difficulty. Don't miss the hike or be put off by the 10 mile round trip distance. It's very easy to modify to your ability by turning back since it affords wonderful views around the first few bends.

This hike is just under 10 miles from Pierce Point Ranch to the end. It is beautiful -- you see the ocean, the bay, the elk and other wildlife. The trail is well maintained except for the last mile or so. Could not recommend it more highly

The trail provides some great opportuinties for taking pictures. There is also restaurants around the area that serve great food.

We enjoyed a great hike along the Tomales Point Trail. The weather was perfect for us. It was very foggy as we headed out, and the fog burned off as we returned so we got the best of all worlds: the beauty and mystery of the fog and then spectacular views of both the ocean and the Bay on our return, and herds of Tule Elk up close besides. This is a relatively easy hike and well worth the time.

This is one of the best trails north of San Francisco. As other reviewers stated, the seashore and the Tomales Bay views are stunning, and seeing dozens of elks grazing near the path makes this hike very special.

We loved this trail! We saw so many elk, beautiful birds and flowers. The views were great and the hike itself was easy. No crazy inclines and a very clear path/trail.

PLEASE be respectful of the wildlife and their home. Do not litter. Do not try to walk up to them. Do not yell, feed or throw things at them.

This is a must do tril. It is an easy walk and the views are just fantastic. We saw seals and elk and deer too.

This trail gets away from the crowds a bit and has a really nice wilderness feel. Great views of Tule elk on the way. The last mile through sand dunes is tough, but make the effort .. the views and seabirds at the end are AMAZING.

Not a hiking enthusiast so you ask what we were doing here? Well I am a wildlife enthusiast and I had heard of the Thule elk that roam these abandoned ranch lands and since we were in the area (Sebastopol) I decided to pack a lunch and visit the peninsula. It didn't take long on the drive towards Pierce Point Ranch when we began to see these regal beasts grazing on the hillsides. Who would have thought that out here on the coast frequented by hundreds of hikers that these elk would flourish but they have. And we are the better for it.
Continued on to the Pierce Ranch, parked and climbed the hills behind it to get a great view of the mighty Pacific. Then uncorked a bottle of Sonoma's tasty Sauvignon Blanc to wash down the cheese and baguette we brought before heading out on our next adventure. Oh I love retirement!!!

This is a fairly easy trail to hike. It starts at an old Ranch area, which is rather interesting, in itself, to walk around and look inside the buildings. You then walk on the trail with stunning views of the ocean and cliffs almost the entire hike. No worries, there is plenty of land between the trail and the cliff edge. There are herds of elk on both sides of the trail and they are apparently quite used to people – as they didn’t seem the least bit worried, in particular the males with the full antlers. One mail elk was standing on the trail and we had to make a wide circle around it, as it didn’t seem the least bit interested in moving. We also had the luck of seeing a coyote not too far from the trail, which was a nice treat too. Near the end of the trail, it becomes a little more challenging, as the path is mostly soft sand and you need to hike that uphill. But it’s worth the hike to see the views from the top of the hill and all the seabirds on the rocks below. Be sure to bring a mask, as it was crowded the day we were there. Also, bring a jacket, as it could get quite cold against the ocean. Also note that there are no restrooms along the trail. If you arrive and need to go to the restroom, you can walk or drive down to the lower parking lot, downhill to the left of the old Ranch house area.

This was my first raod trip with my friends in over a year. The sights were amazing and will be going back shortly. For something that was planned last minute, everything ran smoothly.

I hiked with a fog that wouldn’t lift, so it hampered views. I was the first one on the trail (set out about 8am) and saw dozens of elk. Views were good when fog finally lifted. Hated the sand found on last mile or so and 10 miles was a bit too tedious down the stretch.

This is a pretty level hike without any truly steep sections that takes you through the Tule elk preserve and to the point. It starts at a historic farm which is worth a look through. At roughly the half way point there is a pond which is the best place to see elk and also a good place to turn around for a shorter but just as rewarding hike. Be warned its a long and pretty curvy drive out to the trail head and often very foggy - but totally worth the trip!

We hiked a good portion of the Tomales Point Trail on our visit to Point Reyes. It is a little bit of a drive out to Tomales Point, but the drive is scenic and the hike itself was beautiful. The wildflowers were in bloom when we visited and the views of the bluffs and the Pacific Ocean are gorgeous. We were also able to see wildlife. We saw cows as there are dairy farms in this area, but as far as wildlife we saw elk, birds, a weasel, and coyotes. The hike is moderate in difficulty. I highly recommend a visit to Tomales Point if you visit Point Reyes.

My friend from San Francisco absolutely wanted to take me on this hike, and he was right. It's a 10 mile, technically easy hike. It took us around 3h30. The wildflowers were in full bloom, we saw elk, little snakes and not to forget, very nice scenery.

I have been on more beautiful hikes however this did offer some great scenery. Not at all treacherous. on our hike we saw 3 herds of elk (spectacular!) , a coyote, a snake eating a field mouse, and 4 deer. There was one area where you reach a small pond, elk grazing near by , the ocean off in the distance as well as these beautiful trees and all that went through my head is that it looked like a scene from Jurassic park! When you get to the end of the hike and you walk down to the cliffs edge the wind is thrashing and that feeling is nothing less than amazing. On the way back you are just experiencing the same things you were before and you get a little restless towards the end...i ended up running the trail to change it up...overall good hike.

I love this hike, but arrive early before the wind kicks in. Great ocean vistas with peeks into Tomales Bay, it affords moderate elevation gain on a well traveled trail. Purple iris were blooming this past weekend, and the elk were making plans to herd up their does. We arrived at 9:00 AM, which is perfect, you can sneak by the scattered herds - later, the crowds push them further into hills. 10 miles to the point, which is unstable due to the recent storms - so, be careful. Did not spot any whales despite calm ocean. Perfect green hills - just lovely.

This is a really beautiful hike, and well worth it! We saw tulle elk along the trail - some with big antlers, and relatively close up! At the end of the trail we sat and watched some whales down below! We set off on the trail around 1PM and it took about 4 hours to do the full hike, with a 15 min rest at the far end (it's an out and back trail). I recommend you wear hiking boots if you have some, as there are some hills, and a few areas that are sandy and thus a bit harder to walk in. Overall it is not a difficult hike other than that the length might be difficult for a novice hiker. When we went it was a foggy/cool day and we needed both a heavy sweatshirt and a jacket. Make sure you check the weather and plan ahead! Also, there are bathrooms down at a lower parking area - you can find them on a map.

This trail winds along the ridge ending with a spit, with the Pacific Ocean on your left and Tomales Bay on your right. Need I say more ! Breathtaking for sure. Have seen whales and sea lions and you are sure to see part of the herd of Tule elk along the trail. The last mile the trail becomes mostly sand.
Bring lunch to enjoy at the end with a view you will not forget. Can visit and walk around the historic ranch where you park.

Fantastic Trail except for one thing. There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.

Read up on the geology of this Trail and you'll love it even more. The scenery along the trail isn't as amazing as the scenery at Tomales point. I hiked on a chilly July afternoon. While it was probably a hundred degrees a few miles inland, it was a fantastic 58° with some blowing fog along the trail.

At the beginning of the trail there is a historic dairy farm with some cool old barns. About three-quarters of the way to the point, you'll see a sign that says trail is no longer maintained. Don't stress out, you'll be able to find the trail. You'll just be pushing some underbrush out of the way with your legs as you hike. and from that point on the trail is mostly sand anyway.

Once you reach Tomales point there are countless photo opportunities. Just be careful and don't get too close to the edge.

This hike is a little over 10 miles round trip and goes up and down hills. It's not difficult but it will get your heart rate up. The views for the entire hike are breathtaking. There are wild "elk" that roam around as well. It's not in any travel books we had and is a bit of a drive from most places people come to visit, but it is definitely worth the trip for the views alone!

We found out about it from a family member who lives in the area. They suggested packing sandwiches for lunch and eatinh lunch once we got to Tomales Point, which we did. There was lots of wildlife to see there: sea lions, gulls, and many more sea birds. It was great to unplug and enjoy nature.

Reaching the trailhead required a drive of about 30 min from the Bear Trail Visitors Center. The road is curvy and undulates. It is very safe, but a lot of breaking and patience are required.

Parking in the lot at the trailhead is very limited, but both sides of the road leading to the lot are mowed to accommodate angled parking for several dozen vehicles, with more off-road parking further up. We had plenty of parking options when we arrived at 10:45 a.m. on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. When we left around 2:45, most spots appeared to be taken; however, incoming cars didn’t have to wait too long to find spots that opened as others left. We didn't witness any long lines of cars waiting for spots.

Additionally, ¼ mile down the hill is the parking lot for McClure’s Beach which you absolutely want to visit. You could park there, hike the Tomales Trail and then visit the beach.

We only walked out about 2.5 of the 4.7 miles, but this is a wonderful trail regardless of how far you go. By hiking 2.5 miles out in late May, we were able to experience the amazing carpet of wildflowers that blanket both sides of the trail from the top all the way down to the shoreline. We also got to see dozens of Tule Elk and we reached the highest point of the trail from which we could see all the way to the end of Tomales Point. So, even if you choose not to hike to the end, you can still reach a point about 2 ½ miles out from which the entire trail is in sight.

The initial section of the trail is clearly defined dirt often rutted by tracks, and generally wide enough for hikers to easily pass one another. The overall grade from the trailhead is substantial with a gain of about 250’ much of it in the last ½ mile that takes you to the highest point along the trail where you have a wonderful view in all directions.

Also, after about 2 miles, the elk began to appear wherever they chose to roam. A large herd was down in a valley a couple of hundred yards from the trail, while a smaller group was up in a meadow less than 100 yards from the trail. Others were seen on slopes and walking the coastline. We got a sense that the elk became a bit irritated and would move away if they found themselves too close to hikers and the trail.

We are in our late 60s, fit and hike often. Our 5-mile round trip hike on this trail took us about 2 ½ hours, including many stops for pictures, time to watch the elk and a snack at the highest point. Finally, for international travelers, once you pass through the wildflowers, the Tomales Trail opens up into brush and long grass that is VERY reminiscent of grassy seaside trails we have walked in the British Isles and New Zealand.

We just returned back from one day trip at Point Reyes. Went for a short trek at Tomales and visited the historic ranch. It was a rainy and very cooling day, the wind was very strong and we advised to check the weather forecast before you go, as well as packing of more layered clothes at this spring season. We didn't get to taste their fresh oysters as many weren't open. However, it was highly recommended to buy their cheeses. Overall it was a very pleasant trip, but would highly recommend to stay there for at least two nights to explore around as it took nearly 2 hours driving from San Francisco.

Tomales Point trail is a 9+ mile out and back trail. It has fantastic views of the Pacific and Tomales Bay. If you conjure enough energy head to the point. Although please follow the signs and respect them. There has been some erosion and do not venture out where it is not allowed. I bring friends who like a short hike. There is parking and much of the terrain is flat. I love going in May as the wild flowers are in full bloom and in full color. By June the flowers dry up and turn brown. We did about less than two miles and had lunch and walked back. Tule Elf roam free, but do not approach or feed them. A great beginners hike for my friends.

The scenery on this 9.4-mile round-trip trail is well worth the trip out here if you are in the area for more than a short vacation. We went in mid-August and encountered 4 large herds of Elk casually grazing or sitting in the sun. One group of Elk were feeding literally 20-30 ft from the hiking trail!

The difficulty of this hike is relatively low, making it good for families with small children or even the elderly if they're up for a 3-4 hour walk. There are a few sloping hills, but nothing that'll leave you breathing hard after more than a few minutes to catch your breath. The end of the trail towards the point is quite sandy, so make sure to empty your shoes out.

Once you reach the end of Tomales Point, you can see Bodega Bay off in the distance. Tons of birds around and more mussels than you can count on the rocks below. If your'e brave enough, scale down the steep, sandy paths to explore the base of the cliffs; however, brings some water, because it's tough going back up to the top.

Overall, I found some parts of the trail tedious with not much to offer in terms of challenge or scenery, but I still give it a 4 because it's definitely something you should do, it's just not up there with the most memorable hikes ever.

The drive to the Tomales Point Trailhead is a winding road up and down hills, sometimes scenic and generally slow because of all of the tight turns. Once you arrive at the trailhead go first to the McClure Beach parking area (only 1/4 mile down the road) to access the toilets because this is a long hike. There was ample parking at the trailhead because we arrived at about 9:30 am. The parking lot was exceptionally crowded when we arrived back in the afternoon. The trail begins at a cluster of farm buildings that are now part of the National Seashore display and we didn't spend any time looking at these. The trail is easy to follow most of the way and is generally well maintained but there are some spots where erosion has left some rough patches. You will meander through open fields of wild flowers, old cypress trees and many free roaming elk. The elk seem to enjoy watching the hikers and don't flinch when asked to have their picture taken. Some of the reviews have characterized the hills as relatively unchallenging but they are long and steep and do require a good amount of effort. I wouldn't recommend this hike for someone not physically fit. There is a point about 1 mile before the end of the trail that has a little sign explaining that the rest of the trail is not maintained by the park service and it becomes obvious very quickly as you make your way through white/pink and yellow flowers that are shoulder high and have encroached on the path. The yellow flowers in particular left lots of pollen or some other yellow pigment on our shirts and jackets. The last part of the path is sandy but the sand isn't very deep and really doesn't impede progress much. The highlight of our hike was sitting near the end of the trail, eating lunch and watching a migrating California gray whale go by blowing its spout as it surfaced every now and then. We had a bright sunny day and the ocean was pretty calm. Just a wonderful day and a wonderful hike.

Wanted a quiet hike away from the weekend crowds. Went to Abbot's Lagoon for a nice easy hike that ends at the beach. Snuggled up to a sand dune for a great picnic of local beer, cheese, bread, and apples from the grocery in Point Reyes.

The Pacific on one side, Tomales Bay on the other with close encounters with three herds of Tule Elk, as well as numerous birds. Highly recommend this hike

Bring your cameras and binoculars on this one, dress to be warm one minute and a bit chilly the next. It's long, but you can see a lot -- usually including tule elk -- even by going halfway before turning back. A bonus is the picturesque Pierce Point Ranch at the trailhead, especially nice for photographers!

Highly recommend. Gorgeous views. Give yourself 4-5 hours. We are decent hikers. Bring extra layers due to ocean breezes.

Super scenic hike. Not particularly strenuous, just awesome scenery. Not much shade - so bring a good hat. It can get really windy so check the forecast.

The actual hike is 4.7 miles each way, so it can take sometime to finish it. First 3 miles are better paved than the last 1.7 miles but not that bad. Some of the trail at the end is a bit sandy and can slow down a bit.

On this trail you will be rewarded with beautiful ocean views, Elk, snakes, and other wild life.

Be sure to wear to cover all the skin so that you won't get scraped by the plants as some of the trail is very narrow and surrounded by plants.

We did this one afternoon after having walked to the lighthouse and then Chimney Rock, making a full day of it.

We were pleased to start at the old dairy ranch, finding it quite interesting wandering about the old buildings wondering what life must have been like then.

The walk to the point was pleasant, with lovely shore views all the way. After three miles you get to the end of the maintained trail and we found it quite a slog through the sand and some 5' high bushes to get the remaining 1.7 miles to the far end. We were on our own there, which made it that bit more special. It was interesting to see Bodega Head not so far away, which we'd visited a few days before.

Whilst this was definitely a nice walk, we actually much preferred the longer, but somehow slightly easier, walk from Palomarin Trailhead via Wildcat Beach to Alamere Falls.

Gorgeous views of the ocean and the bay - with Tule elk and flowers, depending on the season. Can be windy, but that's part of the fun too - just dress in layers!

We enjoyed a couple of hikes here with ocean views and interesting wildlife. Our first hike to Tomales Point was very nice, but got extremely crowded toward the end, I guess because it was the day after Thanksgiving. We saw lots of Tule elk and a coyote. We also saw a white crane. The views and sounds of the ocean were nice.

Our second hike from Abbott’s Lagoon to Kehoe Beach and back was a nice beach hike, if you like hiking on sand. The scenery was great, including a great blue heron, sand cranes, and sea gulls. On our return walk, we saw lots of deer and a coyote.

We didn’t have time to drive to the lighthouse, but I highly recommend it. We did stop at a cafe along Tomales Bay and had some delicious local oysters.

The drive is both beautiful and very scary. The hairpin turns and drop dead clifs are great for "thrill seekers" not me!!

The wind at the beginning was the strongest of the hike. First 1.5 miles are uphill, second 1.5 downhill, and last bit uphill again. Many, many elk at multiple spots through the day. Takes about 2 hours to get to the end. Will also see deer. Spectacular views of ocean and beach. Very pristine. Trail is mostly sandy. Moderately strenuous. No restrooms at trailhead, but there are some at the turn off before and also Abbott's Lagoon.

It's such a magic hike that starts at the Phillip Burton Wilderness and stretches along the northern tip of the peninsula to Tomales Point. No matter whether you make it to Tamales Point (approx. 9.4 miles in total to hike back & forth) or turn around before then, you will experience stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the Tamales Bay, and the beauty of the landscape & nature along the way. And I shouldn't forget to point out that you will see dozens of tule elks close by the hiking trail! So, even if hiking isn't for you, the drive to and visit of Point Reyes Station at the beginning of Tomales Bay from any direction is worth the trip.

You may struggle just to get past the trailhead, which is a preserved nineteenth century dairy farm. But it's worth it to hike part or all (you can turn around any time) of the trail to the northernmost point of the peninsula. With even a little luck, you may see a herd of tule elk.

We did the hike in early May and the millions of wildflowers of differing colors and sizes was spectacular. The elk and birds were fun to watch. The beaches, bird rock and the views were stunning. Maybe the following will help you be prepared as you don't have to be in top physical condition to do this trail:
1) its 9-10 miles round trip with some pretty good ups and downs so be prepared for breaks or trekking poles - whatever you might need to make the trip easier for you. Or just go part of the way.
2) you need water and snacks
3) take your camera - it's so beautiful - you don't want to miss showing the sights to your friends.
4) give yourself plenty of time to take it all in - we saw lots of people rushing by us on the trail - we stopped to watch the elk, the ocean, bird rock or to inspect a beautiful wildflower.
5) take a break - there is treed area about 3 miles in where you can sit on a downed tree and have a snack in the shade.
6) might want a hat to shield you from the sun and wind.
7) A good pair of hiking or walking shoes as some of the areas are not level.

What a great hike to do in this area.
The views are the best we can have, one side the beautiful Tomales bay the other the Point Reyes and the desert beaches and not to forget the Elks in big number....
It is a 10 miles hikes so it is not for everybody.

Great hike and easy. Saw lots, and lots of elk and few people. Beautiful views overlooking the ocean.

On a clear day this must be one of the most gorgeous trails anywhere, with views in all directions of the ocean, Tomales Bay, and eventually Bodega Head, with flowers and birds and elk along the way. The trail is easy to moderate, and well-maintained.

My partner and I hiked this trail in November. It was a gorgeous day. However the wind can kick up and give you a chill! Hiking doesn't get much better than this!

We arrived about 11am on a Saturday in August. The parking lot was about 90% full.

Low fog drifted across the road for the last couple of miles on the road. Distant views on the trail were mostly blocked by fog. It was kind of disappointing compared to the lovely views posted on this site and elsewhere.

We saw some elk along the drive and along the trail. No other critters.

The trail had some gentle hills. We did the first 2.2 miles and then turned around. My Apple watch said we had about 450 feet of elevation gain. The trail was wide enough to allow for cross traffic going the other way or passing.

Tip: Use the "bathroom" at Abbott's Lagoon. There isn't a bathroom at the parking lot for the Tomales Point Trail.

This is a somewhat long (9-plus miles) but fairly flat hike with water views on both sides, Tule elk and birds galore throughout. In the spring, the area is carpeted with wildflowers that in places can be chest-high. Just a flat-out gorgeous jaunt.

A terrific hike with wildlife viewing can be found at the northernmost tip of Pt. Reyes, Tomales Point, where the Tule Elk Preserve is located. Year-round you can hike in from the parking area trailhead at Pierce Point Ranch and see a herd of elk from the trail, usually guarded by a bull elk with a head of antlers. I’ve been on the trail at daybreak and encountered a herd of elk sleeping on the trail. Like with all wildlife, you keep your distance and they eventually move but they are a sight to behold, particularly the bulls, who are massive and while not generally aggressive will charge if feeling threatened or intruded upon. The trail is not difficult with expansive horizon views every step of the way (if the weather is favorable).
People have asked if you have to hike far to see any elk. The earlier you start hiking the trail, the more likely the herd will be near the trail, usually within a mile or two. I have done the trail out to the point where the land ends but that is 4.7 miles then back another 4.7. It’s worth it if the weather is good but most people do a mile or two in before turning around.

My favorite experience was arriving at Pierce Point Ranch in the early morning hours with a misty winter fog covering the area. Before I started hiking, I heard the alternating mating call of 2 Tule Elk mournfully baying unseen in the vicinity. It was haunting, wondrous, and completely unexpected. A wilderness experience you cannot plan for or expect but something you can only get at Pt. Reyes.

For this hike, we arrived around 9:30 AM on a Thursday morning. There were only two other cars in the parking lot. The marine layer clouds/fog blanketed the area for our hike out to Tomales Point. However, it all dissipated around noon, so we had the beautiful ocean views on our way back. That said, we enjoyed the misty fog and observing the elk in it...an ethereal feeling. We only encountered a few people on the way out, but by the time we headed back around 12:30-1:00 PM, the trail was much busier.

This is a fairly easy trail to moderate trail. The trail is not always even, though, so watch your step. Last mile and a half or so you will be hiking in sand. Pack a lunch and eat at the end of the trail, taking in the beautiful scenery.

This trail is a definite must when in the area.

The walk out from the parking lot at the old dairy farm is nothing short of breathtaking, except for actual breath. This walk is easy for the healthy, but not so athletic of us. It runs along more or less level along the top of a bluff, offering views of the Pacific for almost all of the way and of Tomales Bay on the other side too in a few spots.

Wildlife is up close and personal. Hawks use the wind to glide in place looking for something to eat. Crows and many smaller birds are around along with the normal shore birds and grass land birds at water level. The Elk do not shy away, and in our case, neither did a Coyote hunting for her meal.

Despite the stunning beauty of the view, it is a view of an environmental break down. As far as you can see, there will be bare, overgrazed hills. Look closer here and there and you will see exposed soils, and gullies eroding away looking like miniature grand canyons. Walking along the path, you will notice that the grass is grazed down to the nub, other plants do not cover and there is exposed soil everywhere. If you are there during a rain, you will notice that the run off will be muddy.

Some restoration is happening. I strongly suggest you also go to Limantour Beach and compare the hills on the drive over there to the bare hills in almost every other direction and both sides of Tomales Bay.

What there is not enough of is critical brush and tree coverage, especially along water ways and on steep slopes. Cattle are allowed to graze from summit to sea level and on almost any incline no matter how steep or eroded.

If you have a clear view of the cattle grazing on the inland side of Tomales bay, you will notice that the brush and tree coverage is minimal and the soil erosion noticeable. This is ironic since the view is also so beautiful.

In places south of the trail head and around the reserve you will see native brush cover growing back giving us a small reflection of what this area looked like before cattle and grass lands were introduced and you can compare that with the road out to Limantour Beach.

For more information about soil erosion and cattle grazing one can do some simple web searches. What I am saying here is just what I learned as a watershed administrator, real environmental biologists, soil experts and forestry technicians could provide a more educated explanation than I can give.

It is a wonderful place to enjoy the walk, the view and to teach oneself some land management.

We got to the trail a bit later than we had hoped (around 420) so we had to cut the hike short to get back before the sun set- I wish we could have spent more time on the trail because it had beautiful views. Make sure you bring water- there was no where to fill up before the hike.

I am not in the best of shape so I have to be careful about the trails I choose. This out and back hike was perfect. A gentle slope on smooth, sandy dirt. Not only was it not strenuous, it allowed for a complete enjoyment of the surroundings. By not having to think carefully about where to step all the time, the views could be appreciated much more. And such views! I did not see the mules (although I saw poopy evidence), but I did glimpse Humpback whales in the distance and I saw a Monarch butterfly. The docent was very friendly and helpful. The drive out was long but I expected that. Seeing the old ranch being restored was nice too.

This 10 mile round-trip trail is absolutely amazing. In the summer, you will see lots of wildflowers (yellow, purple and white) across the valleys. We found elks on our way. You will get great views of the ocean throughout the trail. The hike itself is quite moderate. Only, last 1.5 mile, you have to find your way through tall bushes. So, if you are planning to do it with kids, be CAREFUL ! Otherwise, for standard hikers, this is a great half day hike.

Great vistas, beautiful wildflowers, lots and lots of elk, but lots of uphill hiking, especially on the return from the point. The last two miles of the hike seemed endless.