Outbound Collective logo

Tomales Point Trail

Inverness, California

4.7/5
based on 21 reviews

Details

Distance

9.47 miles

Elevation Gain

1165 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jake Young

Tomales Point Trail on Point Reyes National Seashore 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.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Hiking
Easy Parking
Groups
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Tomales Point Trail Reviews

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.

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.

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!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

McClures Beach

Kayak Tomales Bay

Marshall Beach Trail

Abbotts Lagoon Trail

Photograph the Cypress Tree Tunnel in Point Reyes

Kayak Camping in Point Reyes