Hike the Tomales Point Trail, Pt. Reyes National Seashore
Added by Jake Young
Tomales Point is a moderate day hike with incredible seaside views, ending at the northern tip of Pt. Reyes. Along the trail, you'll have great opportunities to see tule elk.
This hike will take you through the Tule Elk Preserve in Point Reyes Nation Seashore, and offers fantastic views of Bodega and Tomales Bay, as well as the Pacific Ocean.
Start at the Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. This trail is very well maintained and you are almost guaranteed to see tule elk along the way.
After reaching Lower Pierce Point Ranch, the trail is not maintained and can be overgrown with bush lupine or other shrubs. From here, it is about 1.7 miles to the point. The trail should still be relatively easy to follow, but if you find yourself off-trail, just keep walking towards the end of the peninsula. The end of the peninsula, Tomales Bluff, is a great place to have a picnic.
There are many sensitive elk habitats along the way, so it is always a good idea to stay on trail. Throughout the hike, it is not uncommon to see many different types of wildlife, so make sure to leave no trace in their natural environment.
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Beautiful hike
We saw so many elk and they got even closer to the trail on the way back. Got here at 9am and there weren't many people on the way out, but more on the way back. All the grass dried up over the summer
5.0
So many elk
This hike was very beautiful. The first part is through wildflowers which grow right up to the trail. There were lots of people taking those flower photos here. Farther on you get to see elk. A lot of the trail is through tall grass/flowers, so wear the right clothing if you don't want too many bugs on you.
4.0
A hike with everything you could want
This hike has it all! Wildlife (we saw elk and a wolf), breathtaking cliffs, beautiful trees, and the impressive ocean. Did it on 12/24 and had an incredible time. It is long (I was wearing older hiking boots and felt it in my feet), but so worth it! Would be quite hot during summer as there's not much shade, especially towards the end.
5.0
Stunning Views And Wildlife, Though Prepare For Hiking In Sand For Longer Than You Want To
Long (nearly 10 mi round trip) but relatively easy hike along costal cliffs and through an Elk Preserve. I wasn't prepared to hike for a mile or two in sand, which made for a relatively slow and annoying few hours, so if this isn't for you, turn back at the cypress grove. However, it's worth mentioning that Tomales Point is stunning. It does feel like the end of the world in the best way. There were many black cormorants hanging out and nesting, and the probably inaccessible hidden beaches were cool to behold. Plus, more Elk!
4.0
Incredible views!
This is an awesome hike. As a beginner and a large man (270lbs) I feel it may be more than just a "beginner" trail, although my son (also a large man) and I made the full distance. We were both whooped! We also felt very accomplished! It was well worth the effort! The views were absolutely incredible! Would recommend this to anyone with the note that there are seemingly long uphills and sand to deal with so.....Enjoy and take your time! The views are so worth it!
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
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