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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

This is a beautiful trail, especially on a clear day where you’ve got views both into the bay and out to the ocean. Even when conditions are foggy you can get lucky and see elk, quail, coyotes, and other wildlife. It’s not all up or all down which is nice but the end is a bit sandy so have a picnic while you rest up for the return trip.

This hike is unlike most I’ve done before because rather than hiking along the coast, you’ve got the ocean crashing on either side. Nowhere else in CA have a seen elk, and they were everywhere along the hike. At the end of the point we were able to climb around the rocks and bluffs to find a lunch spot before heading back.

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

Leave No Trace

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

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