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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.

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Features

Hiking
Easy Parking
Groups
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Tomales Point Trail Reviews

Wanna see elk munching on grass with an ocean view? This is the place for you. Although the hike is on the longer side for a day hike, the scenery and wildlife make it worth it. I recommend bring a picnic and some beer to celebrate at the "end of the world"

Definitely get here early, especially if it's a weekend! By the time we got back to our car the parking lot and road out were completely filled up. It's a beautiful trail with very nice views.

This hike is a beauty! I got there right after sunrise and there were only three other cars in the lot. The tule elk were active and, though cautious, not too interested in me. The trail is easy to follow even once it becomes "unmaintained." I hiked on a beautiful, cloud-free Sunday and on the hike back to my car I passed an endless stream of hikers. I'm glad I got there early! My hike in was relatively quiet, with only the occasional hiker around. The parking lot, and road into the lot, were packed. I saw enough runners to assume this is a great trail for running.

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