Tomales Point Trailhead

Tomales Point Trail is one of the best places in Point Reyes to spot wildlife. December is an especially great time to visit, as it’s one of the best months to see tule elk. The trail itself is mostly flat with minimal elevation changes, making it an easy and enjoyable hike. The sweeping ocean views along one side of the trail are stunning, and watching the sunset with the ocean as a backdrop was absolutely unforgettable. We were lucky enough to see a herd of elk, black-tailed deer, a coyote, and plenty of other wildlife and birds along the way. If you love nature and wildlife, this trail is a must-visit.

Unforgettable experience reaching Tomales Point, beautiful trail to enjoy alone or with a partner. Recommend going in the spring when the grass is green and the weather is a bit chilly. Peaceful trail, the earlier you go the less people you will run into

check the weather before coming. as much as i enjoyed the cool air from the fog, i would have loved to see the wide views of the ocean. the trail itself isnt that difficult but mostly incline after 2 miles. i started my hike at 9am and when i started heading back at 11 is when the fog began to dissipate. i would say wear a long sleeve and a breathable hat. though theres cloud coverage, you can still get burnt. at the beginning of the trail are historic buildings from the 1800s, you can walk inside the barn and into the yard. there are no bathrooms here but there are some only about a 5 minutes walk from the parking lot to the beach trail. WATCH OUT FOR SNAILS! they mate here and those little lines that you see going across the path is where a snail had once been. look out for animal footprints and scat too, i think theyre cool finds. there more wildlife than just the elk here! keep an eye out for California Quail and foxes. keep your distance from the elk. they dont mind humans but please respect them.

I've done the trail twice now (Spring & Summer) and both times it's been foggy. But I've also seen loads of elk both times, so all good! Really great trail with lots to see - beautiful wildflowers, loads of wildlife (I saw elk, coyotes, snakes, rabbits, wild turkeys, California quail, songbirds, butterflies, etc) and great views when the fog fades. Take plenty of water and snacks as you'll need a good few hours to complete the trail.

Took the trail to the Elk Pond and it did not disappoint! Probably saw over 30 elks along the hike. There are lots of nice rest stops along the way where you can enjoy the breeze and coast scenery

STAY ON TRAIL AND DO NOT APPROACH WILDLIFE!! Started this hike at 8:30am on a Wednesday and there were only 3 other cars. Ended the hike around 1:30pm and the parking lot was jam packed and the entire road on both sides were full of cars! This is a great spot to see Elk but please do not approach the wildlife. It is rutting season and they can become aggressive very easily. And stay on trail give them more space than you think you need! Fairly flat trail except at the beginning and on the way back up from Tomales Point. And it’s difficult because you are in the sand too. My calves were hurting the next day! Most of the trail was covered in fog but got some great views of the ocean at Tomales point. Tons of wildlife! Elk, black tail deer, birds, snails, etc.

Great hike! This trail is an out and back trail which is not my favorite but the views are worth it. I prefer looped trails. The trail was 4.7 miles one-way (total 9.4 miles). The total duration was exactly 4 hours. We were the first hikers there at 8 am and we were done around 12. Parking is free. The parking lot was full by the time we were leaving. We thought going toward the trailhead was easier than coming back. There is a gradually climb coming back. We didn’t realize we were going down hill when trekking towards the trailhead. The scenes are breathtaking. The only area we did not like was when we were getting close to the trailhead, the brushes are overgrown which made to trail more narrow. Animals we saw included Elk, Deer, Tiger Moth Caterpillars, and a Heron. This trail is worth the hike one time if you are visiting the area or looking for a good hike to check off your bucketlist. 😊

Great hiking area although it gets pretty windy. Be ready for a long hike (3+ hours) and take some water and good with you! It’s not difficult but it’s long

Gorgeous out and back hike along the spine of Tomales Point! I have been recommended this hike for years and am so psyched I finally got to experience it! Accessing this hike takes some finesse - parking is limited alongside the Pierce Point Ranch, so aim to arrive earlier in the day, as parking packs up quickly! The trailhead is located within the Tule Elk reserve, so dogs are not allowed. The road leading to the trail passes through Point Reyes Station before winding through Inverness and up a pitted farm road until it ends at the trailhead. I started my hike at 10am and though the morning was clear and warm, the trail itself was a bit squidgey from spring rains earlier that week- come prepared with a change of shoes and a towel to wipe off any mud. The trail itself meanders through a low lying brush with sweeping views of both the Pacific ocean and Tomales bay. There is a fair amount of rolling elevation change, but plenty of gorgeous spots to stop and catch your breath For me, the highlight was seeing the tule elk basking in the sun overlooking the ocean! Definitely worth the trek and the hype.

This hike has been on my bucket list for some time now.  Glad I got to experience it during this year's Superbloom of wildflowers. Parked at Pierce Point Ranch where the trailhead starts.  Walked down the short hill to the lower parking lot to use the restroom but did not take the trailhead to McClure's beach.  Walked back up the hill for Tomales Point Trail.  Much of the trail was single track with wildflowers in full bloom on both sides as far as the eye can see.  This reminded me of the movie Spirited Away, a scene where Haku leads Chihiro through the flower garden.  Most of this trail is flat with views of the bay on one side and the ocean on the other side.  At about 3 miles in, we saw a herd of Elk bulls with large antlers on the bay side.  This is an easy and rewarding day hike.

CHECK FOR TICKS I had one crawling on my arm the second i got in despite not being around tall grass? So I sprayed myself with 20 Picardian, stuffed my pants into my socks and my shirts into my pants and went at it. Lots of people were dressed pretty casually and I let them know to check for ticks. Anyways! I went halfway down this path and back- the trail is as long as you make it and it is a LONG trail on its own. You probably won't need to go that far to see them, I saw my first elk within like 0.2 miles? Not very far. On my way out there was a colony next to the parking lot. They move around often so even if you don't see that many on your way up you may see some on your way down! Overall, pretty awesome experience. I will say the road in is very bumpy, hopefully one day they'll get funding to smooth it out like they did for the one on the way to Chimney rock. Also there's a TON of wild radish on this trail. The only downside is that the radish and tall grass kind of hang into the trail a lot at first, and sometimes a bit further down. It would be cool if they cleared that up a bit, make it easier to trudge through and maybe make it less likely for ticks. I never saw a tick after that one though! Make sure to bring TWO water bottles- this is a long hike- and some sunscreen and bug spray. Also obviously a protein bar and BINOCULARS! Binoculars are a MUST. You will see them from far away yes but the binoculars really make them clearer and amplifies the experience.

Well, it's not every day you write your 6,000th Yelp review (not counting updates), so I wanted to celebrate this inauspicious, self-inflated milestone with a trail I just experienced for the very first time. Especially since the pandemic started to take hold, I've been seeking out new paths to take in the Bay Area. I'm not a natural hiker, not by a long shot, so I discovered this trail in a recent 7x7 article about the "12 Bucket List Hikes in Northern California". Top of the list was this one. I decided to make an early start of it since I knew it was going to take me close to an hour and a half to get to the trailhead on the northern end of the Point Reyes peninsula. Cynical skeptic that I am, I thought there was the possibility that the parking lot might be full if I waited to get there later in the morning. Turned out I was right. At 7:45AM, I was only the second car in the lot at Pierce Point Ranch, the starting point. The trail is almost ten miles round trip, or more accurately back and forth. This flexibility allows people to turn around at any point in the path. Nevertheless, I was determined to make it to the end of Tomales Point. It wasn't really tortuous from an elevation standpoint since it varies about 1,200 feet which makes it a "moderate" trail according to AllTrails.com. I don't know what that really means. I just know I didn't fall, and I wasn't sliding uncontrollably on the gravel. Honestly, the biggest challenge was making my way through the overgrowth of wildflowers toward the end of the trail. Visually, however, it was quite gorgeous to see all the different flora running riot over the hills. No surprise that the ocean views were beautiful throughout, and it got even more spectacular once Dillon Beach and Bodega Bay came into view. The irony was that the closer Tomales Point appeared to be, the further away it really was. No matter as there were plenty of tule elk up and about in the early morning. Once they saw me, they just stared and didn't feel a need to move. A wide variety of birds were either resting on white-capped Bird Rock or in constant flight except the quail who liked to perch on top of nearby bushes. It took me about two hours to get to the overlook at Tomales Point where the dramatic cliffs and strong winds made it challenging to take the obligatory selfie. The walk back felt more manageable since I knew what to expect. What struck me was how many people were hiking in the opposite direction. With the absence of cyclists, I only saw one person going to the point... But there were couples and even a huge tour group coming the other way. It made me feel grateful for my early morning start, and I received full validation when I saw the completely full parking lot at the end of the trail and all the additional cars parked on the opposite side of the road. Before heading back, I did a quick walkaround of the Pierce Point Ranch as it was once a thriving butter dairy farm. My total elapsed time was 4-1/2 hours, time well spent on a true bucket list trail. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU

A gorgeous peaceful walk! Breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean with Elk grazing in the distance. A well kept trail and worth the winding roads that lead to the trailhead. It's an easy hike with just a few inclines. It gets breezy! So make sure to wear a windbreaker.

Tomales Point Trail is a 4.5-mile (each way) trek to the tippy point finale of Point Reyes National Seashore. Just starting out you're immediately confronted with scenic coastal California views with the Pacific Ocean waters crashing down on the shores below. This was probably my favorite aspect in terms of sceneries along the hike. Eventually you'll pass through long strands of brush and vegetation making your way ultimately towards Tomales Point. Although I didn't find Tomales Point to be too photogenic, I still appreciated hiking the entire 4.5 miles and making it to the very end of the trail before turning around. Another great highlight was passing by herds of male elk. These guys were grazing in the grass and minding their own business. They were not a threat at all, and it was nice to witness them being in their natural habitats. As you hike deeper along Tomales Point Trail, you'll almost certainly view them hanging around. I also liked how it was 65 degrees, cool and brisk for a late afternoon July day. Tomales Point Trail didn't have much elevation to it. It climbed moderately throughout the 4.5 miles but nothing difficult. It was pretty manageable in my opinion. The trailhead is situated about 15 - 20 miles away from the star attraction of Point Reyes and that being the lighthouse area. If you need to find the trailhead, simply plug "Tomales Point" into Google Maps and you'll have no issues locating it as long as there's cell phone reception (which can be spotty at times) to help guide you. I visited around 5pm on an overcast summer day. I just wish the sun could have been out more for better picture opportunities. I'd suggest keeping the forecast in mind if your schedule is flexible. Finally, Tomales Point Trail sort of reminded me of Anacapa Island from Channel Islands National Park located down the Southern California coast near Los Angeles. Overall, I'd recommend if you have the time...come here and embark on the hike, part of a worthwhile section to explore within Point Reyes Seashore.

Great hiking trail, definitely Get here early for the 9-10mile hike parking gets crowded if you arrive after 9am Great coastal breeze, similar to allamere falls without the forest section, all outdoor no shade hike. You can get to see elks without disturbing them at a distance and the trail is quite smooth with up and downhill so be ready Greenery was amazing in winter after all the recent rain

This is such a beautiful hike within a two hour drive from the Bay Area. Even at its "busiest", the trail still felt peaceful and calming. There are lots of elk in the area so bring binoculars and good cameras. We went in early October where they were supposed to be in rut but the elk appeared pretty calm and only a few had formed harems. As for difficulty, the hike is only as long/hard as you're willing to go. You can turn around at any point and views will still have been good enough. For bathrooms, I suggest going to Bear Valley Visitor Center since those are the best/cleanest available nearby.

COVID-19 precautions can be better. Less traveled trail early in the day. Parking easier to get early in day. Scenic views. Long but moderate difficulty. Well-maintained and clean trail. See below for more info: COVID-19 precautions can be better: While some wear face masks, most people do not. People keep a physical distance. Less traveled trail early in the day: The trail is less traveled early in the day. We got here at eight and only saw four fellow hikers in nearly five miles. Yet, we saw dozens on the hike back as it was later in the day. Parking easier to get early in day: We got here at eight on a weekday and parking was not hard to get as there were many spots. However, when we finished and were heading home, it was quite the Parking Games. We recommend an earlier hike if you do not want to stress about finding parking. Scenic views: The trail here is better than the ones at Big Sur. The views of the water are lovely and a breathe of fresh air. The sun is warm but balanced by a small breeze. Long but moderate difficulty: The trail is about ten miles, so definitely a lengthier hiking option. The difficulty is moderate as while there are some up hills, they are balanced out by down hills and no elevation change. Well-maintained and clean trail: The trail is well-maintained and clean.

This is one of my favorite hikes. It's a great day trip from the city. The hike from Pierce Point Ranch to Tomales Point is a little under 10 miles and around 2 hours each way not including stops. There are no bathrooms on the trail, so I highly suggest stopping at the bathroom at McClures beach beforehand. Some people just want to see the elk and walk part way but I figure if you are taking the time to drive all the way out there it's better to do whole hike to the end. I always get a lunch at one of the local West Marin grocery store delis (Inverness Market, Palace Market, or Inverness Park Market) and eat it when I get to the end while looking out at the bay. If you go in the morning it probably will be foggy and afternoon sunny so depending on the photos and experience you want plan accordingly. I think most people like it sunny to get beautiful views of the ocean and bay and clearer views of the elk but I personally love the really eerie foggy look. For some reason it's foggiest in the summertime and can be intense-think Scottish Highlands or the movie the Fog which incidentally was filmed around Point Reyes and Inverness (the 80s one not the crappy 2005 remake). When it's thickly blanked in fog you can't see too far ahead of you but can hear the ocean in the distance which is really spooky. In terms of hiking it's not a super strenuous hike but there is an incline which can get a bit tiring after a few miles. The last mile is the hardest because it's pretty much sand the whole way and the trail isn't maintained so some parts you have to sift through bushes. I love all the colorful wildflowers, there is yellow lupine everywhere!

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.

Tomales Point Trail is a must-hike in the Bay Area. It's absolutely gorgeous and filled with rolling hills, ocean views, wildflowers and so much wildlife too! My fiancé and I walked all the way to point and our total mileage was 10 miles with about 1300ft climb in elevation. Overall, I would consider the hike moderate in terms of difficulty. Other than the one major climb section, the rest is fairly easy with rolling hills throughout. Also, the last mile or so near the point is pretty sandy, which added another elite challenge. Hiking all the way to the point was so worth it for the gorgeous views and to see a pod of whales! Also, throughout the hike we saw elk, caterpillars, turkey vultures, and even a few snakes at the beginning. I would absolutely recommend this hike. It's beautiful even if you chose not to do the full 10 miles. Be prepared for it to be windy and there is no shade coverage so I recommend wearing and bringing sunscreen!

Beautiful!! Took some amazing pics and great times with my family. 10 miles in and out so I didn't drink water as there are no restrooms along the way. I didn't see any where we parked either. Not even a portable. The way back was harder than I thought. Mostly uphill and my heart rate was going. Overall about 4 hours to go all the way to the end and back. That includes photo stops which were quite a few and at the end a quick power bar and I had a few sips of water. I wasn't going to push my bladder. Other than that, a perfect place to hike and we hit a perfect sunny December 2020 day! I was actually overdressed and took off my coat for most of the hike. Met some really nice people too.

Perfect Recipe for Escaping the Heat: Pack hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, lunch, water. Optionally, pack binoculars. Pack, but leave in your car trunk, a 6-pack of beer in a mini-cooler, beach chairs, and a good book. Perhaps some wet wipes too as you'll return quite sticky and dirty. Leave your dog and bike at home; neither is allowed here. Head to Pierce Point Trailhead. You'll pass through Inverness and drive right by Heart's Desire and Kehoe beaches. If you mistakenly search for "Tomales Point" on your phone you'll wind up in Dillon Beach; don't do that. The attendant at the booth in Laswon's Landing has a printed stack of papers telling people the correct address for the Tomales Point Trail; it's a solid hour away from Dillon Beach. So make sure you're on the right path. Arrive and park. A lower parking lot is closer to McClure's Beach and houses the only restrooms around. The first lot you come to is closer to the trailhead where you'll learn that the route to Tomales Point is about 4.5 miles each way. If you're in good shape, the hike to Tomales Point will feel easy. At no part is it steep; only when the trail becomes sand (for a bit) does it feel difficult. The return trek is what'll get you but we're not there just yet. This trail is somewhat famed as it's set within a Tule Elk Preserve. Expect to see many. The males, with their impressive racks, I find exquisite. The females less so. Though they can be fairly close, binoculars will ensure that. Tomales Point is literally as far as you can go here. There's just enough room out there on that furthest place to seat maybe three people. If you find it empty, grab it. This is where you'll eat lunch with the Pacific on one side and the entrance to Tomales Bay on the other. Pelicans in formation fly by at eye-level. It's quite an experience. Did I mention that the ocean is beside you almost the entire way? Despite your impressions, the trail is not flat, and you'll realize just how not flat it is as you make your way back. At most times of the year this area is windy and foggy but during our current, extended heat wave, it was something else altogether. It was never hot but neither was it windy or foggy. It is perhaps the coolest you can get right now, without being immersed in water. When I returned to the parking lot it was past 5 p.m. Including stops for Tule Elk observation and lunch, the trek had lasted about 5 hours. I pulled out my phone to check the current temperature at my home. When I saw it was still almost 100 degrees I pulled out the beach chairs, set them on the bluffs, and sat there drinking in the view until just before sunset. Tule Elk herds wandered past. Quail skittered through the bushes around me. A caterpillar crawled up my leg. Coyotes howled. Something else screeched. This was the closest I'm likely to get to being on safari and the experience can only be described as exquisite.

"If you lived through only one of those winters the way this elk has, you would write books about it. You would become a shaman. You would be forever changed. That elk from the winter stands there on the summer evening, watching from beside the forest. It keeps its story to itself." ― Craig Childs, The Animal Dialogues: Uncommon Encounters in the Wild Hmm...not sure who these people that are complaining about never seeing elk when visiting the Preserve are but maybe they're in the wrong place? I've been here at least five times at different times of the year and never failed to see at least a dozen elk. Maybe I'm just lucky? Who knows. Regardless do yourself a favor and just come here. Or don't. Actually I prefer you don't. Too many shitheads ruins nature. I'll keep this place to myself, please and thank you.

Point Reyes is magical. You don't specifically have to go to the Tule Elk northern point to see elk. We actually saw them throughout Point Reyes, both groups of females (called cows) and male elk with their majestic antlers. Be careful when driving the road too as we patiently waited for a group of 5 female elk to cross the road. We loved our visit and it feels so amazing to be in their presence.

My friend recommended this beautiful hike. It is definitely a drive from San Jose, but not too bad. We got there around 10 AM and was able to find parking. Before starting the hike, remember to use the restroom (located near beach entrance). The hike is super scenic and I loved hearing the ocean waves as I made my way to Tomales Point. One of the best parts of the hike was seeing the wild elks roaming around. The hike is 9.5 miles, so remember to: -wear appropriate shoes. -bring plenty of water and snacks! -bring light outerwear as it could get chilly. I didn't think I could finish the hike since it was sooo long but it was so pretty. I was focusing more on the scenery than how tired I was.

One of the most scenic hikes in Tomales Bay! The Tomales Point Trailhead is a coastal trail that will take you along the Tomales Bluffs and amidst several Tule Elk. It's an out and back trail that measures roughly 9.5 miles roundtrip and features a mix of hills and flat paths. The terrain is very sandy and you'll basically be walking through the sand during some points, so I would recommend that you wear high tops or hiking boots if you want to avoid having a ton of sand in your shoes. The hike begins near Pierce Point Ranch and starts off relatively flat. As you continue on the trail, it will begin to gradually incline. About 1.5-2 miles in, those hills will start to attack! The trail then alternates between a flat and hill path. At the highest point of the trail, you'll have the most incredible view of the Tomales Bay Coastline! Wildflowers are very prevalent throughout the trail depending on what time of the season that you go. We went in mid fall and we were still able to catch many colorful wildflowers in bloom. Tule Elk run rampant along this trail. We were able to see herds of beautiful Elk about 3 miles in. The Elk are friendly but are not to be disturbed. You'll have a chance to get up close and personal with them. Plenty of picture taking opportunities too! The trail is completed unshaded but the wind from the ocean will keep you relatively cool during the colder months. You should definitely lather up on the sunscreen and bring plenty of water if you're planning to hit this trail during the summer. The skies were overcast during mid fall in the early morning but seemed to burn off around the afternoon. As you approach the end of the trail, it will begin to descend down to McClure's beach. You can take the path all the way down to the beach, or stop at one of the many viewpoints where you'll have an amazing view of the bluffs. We sat out on the beach and enjoyed lunch before heading back. Since this is an out and back, you can hike as little or as much as you want. We saw many people who only hiked long enough to see the Elk and then turned around. If you want to complete the entire hike, you should give yourself at least 3-5 hours depending on your skill level. We finished the hike in about 4 hours with observation, rest, and lunch breaks. I would rate this hike as moderate mainly because of its' length, but it will definitely get your heart pumping. Make sure you have enough gas to get to and from Tomales Bay because there isn't a gas station for miles. There are no restrooms located at the trailhead (there are a few located within Tomales Bay State Park a few miles before you enter the reserve). Bring snacks and a lunch as there aren't any facilities for many miles, and arrive early to secure parking or you'll have to end up parking far up the road. I absolutely loved this hike! It was incredibly scenic and it really got my heart pumping. It's also a great alternative hike to the overly crowded Point Reyes trails nearby.

Beautiful views from this trail that runs along the cliff. We hiked from Pierce Point Ranch to the watering hole where the tule elk hang out. It was approximately 6 miles round trip. There were a lot of elk hanging out along our hike and at the watering hole. This a great hike to do during the spring and fall since there's no shade.

This was my very first real hike and I'm surprised I made it! Nearly ten miles total with a good amount of uphill walking. About two thirds of the way on our path we experienced deep sand and boy does it make the calves burn LOL. The weather was absolutely perfect, and even though this trail is a work out we never broke a sweat. The views are breath taking and there were grazing elk everywhere. I would love to come back and I plan to attempt the dipsea trail on my next hiking adventure.

If you're looking for an adventure, Tomales Point is where it's at. The last mile to Tomales Point is a narrow path surrounded with bushes of wildflowers, whipping you left and right as you make your way across. I made the mistake of wearing short shorts and I barely made it out alive. My legs were all scratched up and I somehow ended up with five lumps on my leg from what appeared to be bug bites. By the time I got out of that jungle, I seriously needed a bucket of lotion for my legs. Long story short, bring long pants if you plan to hike all the way to Tomales Point. If you make it out alive, you'll see an awesome view of the coast and maybe an otter poking his head through the waves. We had lunch at the bluffs and I was lucky enough to spot the otter. Also, look out for hungry pelicans who are on the hunt. This trail is not a loop, but rather an out and back, totaling ~10 miles if you want to reach Tomales Point. It's relatively flat for most of the hike, but there are a couple uphill battles. It is nice and breezy hiking by the coast and the coastal views of the deep blue ocean are a big plus. However, the main attraction for me were the herds of elks that can be found on this trail. I saw at least fifty elks grazing along the trail and a couple of them were only twenty feet away! Can't believe they get so close to the trail! And some of them had fuzzy antlers! I never knew antlers were so fuzzy!

Absolutely breathtaking views of wildlife and scenery. I wish I hiked this trail sooner! We went on a Friday and got there around 8:30 AM to beat the crowds. The hike was incredibly beautiful and the trails were surrounded with tule elk. It truly felt like we were in a different country. On our way back from the trail though (around 11), there were so many people that most of the elk and wildlife were dispersed. The hike itself is pretty moderate. However, it is true that on the way back you don't really notice how long you've walked once you have to go back uphill. I definitely will be back here to enjoy the wildflower season. If you check this place out I highly recommend getting there early to witness the beauty undisturbed. Also, don't forget a pair of binoculars! There are way too many cool things to see near and far.

A natural hidden gem for the state of California! I mean, I've seen elk before, but not in herds nor in their natural habitat. Until now! So upon arriving here, I made an unexpected turn and kept driving down Pierce Point Rd. We discovered the place and entered the preserve. Drove up through the hills, and cruised through scenic views of the land and ocean. Oh yeah, you can pretty much see the elks freely roaming the area from your car too. They're just kicking it, grazing on the grass, or waiting to get humped. Apparently this month of October seems to be a high time for cars to come out and observe them. A definite photo opportunity type of place, so don't forget your camera. If you spot the bull or king elk, he'll usually make it exciting for you as you'll likely hear him bellowing to attract the ladies. We pulled off a couple of times, stepped out of the car, and actually heard him. We even almost even saw a couple of young bull elks sparring. As for the hike, we didn't do any hiking, but it seems many yelpers enjoy doing so. If anything, just don't forget your binoculars and camera. Breathe in the fresh sea air and observe nature at it's best!

California has an amazing and ample amount of trails that are great for all kinds of experience levels. Tomales Point Trail is easily one of the most beautiful trails I have ever been to on the coast -- Cliff side views, rolling ocean waves, steep canyons; it doesn't get much better than that! On top of that, it's a very loooooong trail (9.5 miles), so come prepared with snacks and water. There are portable restrooms at the start of the trailhead. I think two different types of footwear would be appropriate here: Hiking boots or trail runners with good traction (waterproof, if hiking during the rainy season). There are muddy spots and lots of rocks, plus going back to the parking area is mostly uphill. Difficulty: 4/10, but it's a long trail so you'll be decently tired afterwards! Pros: - Good workout - scenic and has the best views - decent parking in the morning (come before 10am for good parking) - historic buildings in the beginning make for an excellent learning opportunity! - elk preserve - many good spots to stop and rest Cons: - congested with ample foot-traffic around 12pm. - parking is a MESS after 11am. The lot was packed all the way up the hill on a Saturday. We parked around 10 and had no issues. I would love to come back here again on a weekday, as I feel like there would be less people and a lot more serenity on the hike! The views will make you feel peaceful and the length of the trail is so rewarding. I definitely recommend it.

Tomales Point Trail is one of those special places in the world for me; it's as if I've been transported to a distant glen in Scotland. In past years it's also been a source of minor obsession. Let me explain that last part. My wife and I came here for the first time, years ago, with our very young daughters on a gorgeous day. We took the double hike stroller out about a mile, enjoyed the beautiful views of ocean and flowering heather, talked to a friendly docent, and saw some elk through her high-power scope. Even though I wanted to go a bit further, the girls were getting fussy, and so we turned around for the car. A few years later, we walked them out to about the same spot (sans stroller) on another beautiful day, saw more cool stuff; and we turned around when the girls got tired. A few years after that, our kids had a bit more stamina, and we walked the trail together out to the highest elevation point (~2 miles in), with a nice overlook and a glimpse of Tomales Point in the distance. I knew the trail went all the way out to the very tip, but once again it was time to head back. "Someday," I said to myself. And though all our visits were fun and the scenery gorgeous, you can see how perhaps I got a little obsessed with actually reaching the end of the trail and standing at the very end of Tomales Point one day. Recently, when my wife and I took a week off together, and were staying several miles south of here, it was an easy choice. When she asked where I wanted to hike the first day of our trip, I said "You're kidding right? I think 13 years is enough of a wait". And so we made our way to the trailhead once again, after packing a deli lunch and filling our water bottles. The same, historic dairy farm guarded the trail head, and the same tall cypresses guided us on our way down-trail. Five miles there and five miles back. We passed very close to a small, snoozing elk herd in the lifting fog; we walked through wildflowers and narrow walls of wiry, flowering shrubs (long pants recommended); and we found solitary rocks with peaceful views of sea cliffs and waves. We passed a lone artist sketching by the side of the trail; and we passed yet more elk in the distance. And all that time we watched the land narrow and shrink before us, until finally we could walk no further. We had finally done it, and we savored our lunches and enjoyed the afternoon sunshine, the crash of waves below the cliffs, and the ring of a distant bell from a rocking buoy. And the best part was we got to experience these all over again on the way back.

I love this hike! On a clear day, the coastal view is beautiful, and on a cloudy, foggy day the sound of the ocean waves is extremely calming. I love that you can come here alone or with a group of people and have a great time. I recently went on a cloudy day trying to catch the end of tule elk rutting season. The upside, there was plenty of parking and it wasn't very crowded... The downside was that there weren't many tule elk out either. I was able to catch a group of about 20 by the lake and was lucky enough to see a couple of males sparring. There weren't many hikers so in the silence, you would hear the crashing of their giant antlers which was incredibly cool! Definitely a trail I'd visit over and over again!

What a great hike with beautiful scenery. We almost made it out to the very end but instead we did make it to the pond where the elk were just lazing there unaffected by us standing there watching. I think from the parking lot to the pond is about 3 miles or so. We also saw a second grouping of elk before the pond in the right and they were quite active. There were about 25-30 of them! We also saw red fox and coyote. The hike is on packed sand and pretty much up hill on the way with some downhill potions but not many. It was foggy when we were there but started to break up 1:00. It can be very windy here. I would suggest wearing layers with a wind breaker as one of your layers. No bathrooms along the hike and bring some water. Fantastic views!

If you are in the Point Reyes area you must try to hike this trail. Is is a great bang for your buck! It is long but doable hiking/jogging trail. Some hills but lots of flat areas with amazing views. This is an elk reserve so you will see lots of Elk up close guaranteed. Also since this is a peninsula you will have amazing views on both sides. To start this is a popular trail so get there early. There are bathrooms but located at the nearby beach trailhead. There is an old farmstead that is nice to roam around and see. On this day my wife and I were jogging/walking so we came prepared with food and water. There is no water further in the trail. Unfortunately we did not see any whales on this trip but reports have it that you will often see migrating whales later in the Fall. Maybe next time. Overall loved this hike. Would recommend it for everyone! Even families with kids.

Did the trail at the recommendation of one of the rangers and it was def a cool trail, mainly for the elks. I've been to the elk reserve in the past and happened upon a herd crossing which was unbelievably amazing so this seemed like the next logical step. Back and forth the entire trail is about 9.4 Miles. I saw all three herds and by the end of it you've seen so many elk, it almost seems ordinary. Nevertheless, a very cool hike.

I'll be the first to admit: the full length of the trail sounds intimidating. I'm in shape and hike regularly, but upon hearing "10 mile hike" even I had my doubts. Turns out, it's a walk in the park. (Quite literally...but I mean figuratively!) It's intense enough that you feel like you got a great workout, but you aren't dying at any point (thank you mild elevation changes). The scenery, however, is to die for. (Please don't die, though!) You meander up and down hills along the ocean with beautiful views left and right -- cliffs, water, elk, lush greens... RE: dying - a chunk of the cliff at the turnaround point apparently fell into the ocean last year, and what's left has been deemed "fragile" (i.e. it may join the other bit that's in the ocean very soon). Take extra care when you get to the end, and don't let the desire for getting crazy photos get the better of you. Also, the wind is real. Very real. Bundle up! We hiked at a decent clip and generated some heat, but our ears were falling off.

A beautiful and "casual" trail located at the tippy top of Point Reyes. Alltrails listed this as a very heavy traffic trail, which is true - depending on the time and day you are going - try going earlier! My boyfriend and I went on Saturday morning around 8:15 AM and there was about 4 total cars in the tiny parking lot. When we left, around 12:15ish, there was no parking anywhere -- uphill, downhill etc. As we're walking back - there was people everywhere! So come early For those who do come later, when there is no parking, please be considerate and NOT park on the lanes leading to McClure Beach... these are narrow ass roads already - we don't need your cars blocking the road even more... talking to you Prius and Toyota owners! Huge abundance of these cars blocking roads, not cool. Also, need a restroom? The parking lot DOES NOT HAVE A restroom - you would need to trek or drive down a short ways to McClure beach parking for the restroom. The trail itself is very beautiful, the last 2 miles are UN-MAINTAINED!! The plants and wildlife overgrown in these areas, so be prepared to get scratched if you are not dressed correctly or don't care! To be honest, we both wore shorts and the bushes didn't bother us too much. The last few miles also have SANDY PATCHES. Holy crap, walking up sandy that sink your feet is no fun! Just an FYI. The first 3 miles were amazing. Lots of downhill coastal scenery to be viewed, ocean waves crashing along the cliffs/beaches and rocks, elk everywhere! A bit windy, but with all the hiking - you get warm fast! Bring a jacket just in case there is fog, luckily my trip there was none. The hike totals about 4.83 miles each way totally 9.66 miles, from parking to the very tip of the rocks where you can see waves crashing along tidal pools. Alltrails says it's moderate and that definition of moderate varies by individuals for sure. The level of this hike will depend on how you generally hike... going back to the parking lot is pure up hill. About 1-2 miles is just up-hill nonstop so be wary of that... suggest to bring enough water! At the end, after going through shrubs upon shrubs, you are met with beautiful coastal view, you can climb down the lowest of the rocky platforms to get a nicer view -- it was well worth the 3 hour and 41 minute trek.

A. THE TRAIL. I twice hiked the entire Tomales Point Trail (9-miles, round trip). Nearly all of the trail is easy to hike. But when you are one mile away from the northern end of the trail, the hard-packed dirt trail is replaced with deep sand. In this sandy part of the trail, the land is covered with low bushes that partially obscure the sandy trail. As a result, hikers need to keep an eye on distant end of Tomales Point while, at the same time, do their best at marching northwards through the open areas between the low bushes. B. ELK PHOTOGRAPHY. I took 70 photos of the tule elk. I encountered two herds of elk, each with about 20 elk. One herd (females) resides a few hundred feet beyond the trailhead at Pierce Point Ranch, and the next herd (males with antlers) stays farther north, next to a pond at the half-way point in the trail. Better photographs can be taken of the elk by the pond, because the trail passing the pond is at a higher elevation than the pond and the nearby meadow. In the morning, the male elk were drinking water from this pond, and ducks floating nearby. Two hours later, during my return hike, most of the male elk were sitting in the meadow, 40 feet downhill of the pond. I use a 300 mm telephoto lens with my camera, a sturdy SLIK tripod, and ASA400 color film. This equipment did a perfect job for me. Because the total weight of my equipment was 25 pounds, I used a wheeled luggage cart for toting the tripod, three lenses, and camera bag. One of the other hikers passing on the trail said, "Now I know why the trail has marks from two wheels." C. ELK ZOOLOGY. Elk occur as Rocky Mountain elk (C.e. nelsoni), Roosevelt elk (C.e. roosevelti), and tule elk (C.e. nannodes). C.e. means, Cervus elaphus. The elk at Point Reyes are tule elk. Their diet is mostly grasses and forbs (see, page 61 of McCrea Cobb). The forbs at Point Reyes are, perennial cow parsnip (Heracleum maximum) and English plantain (Plantago lanceolata). The grasses at Point Reyes include, annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), perennial ryegrass (Lolium. perenne), and purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra). Rutting season is August to October and calving season is April to May (see, page 24 of McCrea Cobb). Rutting is when male elk display their strength over other male elk, sometimes with fighting. The male elk attempts to dominate and earn the right to mate with female elk (cows). Elk are divided into five age groups: (1) Cows - adult females, (2) Calves - young of the year of either sex, (3) Spikes - adult males with unbranched antlers, (4) Raghorns - adult males with branched antlers having 2 to 4 tines, and (5) Prime bulls - adult males with branched antlers having 5 or more tines. D. BIRD ROCK. About 3,000 feet from the end of the trail, hikers will see an island called, Bird Rock. Hundreds of brownpelicans spend their days roosting on Bird Rock. Bird Rock is also the home for the Ashy Storm-Petrel. Birds near Tomales Bay include blue herons, egrets, marine geese, loons, grebes, cormorants, ducks, Bonaparte's Gulls, terns, and alcids. E. GEOLOGY. Tomales Point is made of plutonic rocks. A pluton is molten granite that, when cooled, becomes granite rock. The granite plutonic rocks of Tomales Point consists of quartz diorite, granodiorite, and adamellite. Adamellite is a mixture of feldspar and quartz. The relation between plutons and granite is explained by Trent and Hazlett (2002) Joshua Tree Nat'l. Park Geology. F. REFERENCES (1) McCrea Cobb (2010) Spatial Ecology and Population Dynamics of Tule elk (Cervus elaphus) at Point Reyes (218 pages). (2) Laura Watt (2015) The Continuously Managed Wild:Tule Elk at Point Reyes. J. Int. Wildlife Law & Policy. 18:289-308. (3) Mary Callahan (Oct. 4, 2017) Tule elk put on dramatic displays in Point Reyes National Seashore. The Press Democrat. (4) John Kelly (1992) Bird Populations on Tomales Bay. Third Biennial State of Tomales Bay Conference. Inverness, CA (pages 30-35 of 56-page conference). (5) Becker, Carter, Parker (2016) Ashy Storm-Petrels at Point Reyes. Marine Ornithology. 44:63-70. (6) Calif. Division of Mines and Geology. Bulletin 202. Geology of the Pt. Reyes Peninsula (36 pages).

One of the most scenic and best hikes I've done in the Bay Area. 180 and sometimes 360 degree views on this moderate, but longish trek (9 miles round trip). Be sure to pack water and a sandwich, unless you want to end up like me... dehydrated and hangry. It's an Elk preserve so you're very likely to see the herd(s). We also caught a glimpse of a coyote, who was checking us out as much as we were checking him out. Be careful of the sheer cliffs, while the trail is quite safe there are places you could get into trouble going for that ultimate selfie... it just may be your last. There is a bathroom near the trailhead (down by the secondary parking lot) which is gross, but convenient. The drive out here was about 1.2 hrs with light traffic from the SF side of the Golden Gate, coming back we hit traffic and it was about 1.4 hrs. Worth getting there early for the serenity and easier parking.

Great hike at the northern end of Point Reyes National Seashore. The elks are highlight of this trail, though the views of the Pacific ocean and Tomales Bay are amazing as well. Trail is 5 miles in and 5 miles out, but the elks are usually at about 3 miles in. Though there are are a few hills, this trail is not too difficult. Parking is a lot easier here compared to at the lighthouse. I'd recommend driving all the way to the end for parking spots. Some of our friends turned back before reaching the end for a spot, but there were actually a few open spots closer to the barn and trailhead. There are no restrooms at the trailhead so be prepared. We didn't see any male elks during Memorial weekend (May 2017), but we learned that during mating season the male elks make some interesting noises.

This trail is longer than eight miles round-trip if you hike all the way to the point. I went as far as the pond and that is 6.69 miles. The rutted somewhat rocky trail does go up and down about 500 ft a couple of times. I read on a trails rating website that this is a moderate hike. I was there with two goals: to be able to photograph elk close and not fall off the trail. So, it did take me a bit longer than it might some other people. I was 35 minutes behind my much more-fit friend who was also photographing elk. The rewards were well the effort the day I went. When the fog lifted the views of the ocean on one side and Bolinas Bay of the other side were spectacular. The male elk with impressive antlers were lounging at the pond and the females were grazing by the trail. The weather is very changeable along this part of the California Coast. You should dress in layers. Don't forget sunscreen there is no shade along the trail. Dogs are not allowed on the trail.

One of the most beautiful haunts in Pt Reyes. The 9.5 mi is mostly easy, with raggedy spots of intermediate grade and hill. Seeing the elk n deer: precious. So are the delicious, tantalizing sweeping coast n cliff views of Pacific on one side...Tomales Bay, the other... together. Can get wind factor, n there is approx half mi. of hiking through sand. Difficult to describe the glorious views, everywhere. Bit out of the way to get to, but so, so, so worth it.

I visited this trail on recommendation from a book on great bay area hikes. In a word, the Tomales Point Trail is stunning. It's a windy road to get this far out on Point Reyes, so factor in some time to get to the trailhead. Parking is easily available at the trailhead, Pierce Point Ranch. Restrooms are just down the hill from the ranch. The ranch buildings are open to explore---if you're so inclined, take a few minutes before beginning your walk to wander around through the barns. There are a lot of park service employees on this trail to assist with elk spotting. If interested, you can talk with the elk docents before beginning your trail to learn more about the Tule Elk. At particular spots on the trail, employees were set up with cameras and binoculars you could look through to observe the elk. Not that you need binoculars--there were several points where elk were less than 100 feet off the trail, and content to be watched. The trail itself is beautiful. If you go out and back the full way, it's just under 9.5 miles. The Point Reyes seashore is beautiful--arguably right up there with Big Sur. There are plenty of picturesque cliffs, beaches, rock formations, waves, and wildflowers to be seen. After completing the full trail, you're definitely a bit tired. The trail rolls up and down for 4.7 miles to the point, and the total cumulative elevation change for the entire trail out and back is something like ~1000 ft--though no hill seems to be more than ~200 feet. It took us 3.5 hours to do the whole thing, but we stopped for lunch for about 30 minutes near the end. You don't have to go all the way to the point to see some amazing sights and elk. Overall: I think I'm in love with this trail...! Definitely a must see in the Bay Area.

Wow, definitely worth the trip! I love elk but have never seen them so close out on a hike-they are so beautiful. This is a 9.4 mile hike with moderate hills. It is super windy so make sure you wear layers. I went the second week of June and was surprised how many wildflowers were in bloom. Bonus: there's no fee to park and there were plenty of open spots on a weekday.

This is an amazing place! A couple of tips: -You can't get lost. There's only one trail. Put Pierce Point Ranch into your GPS to get to the trailhead. -If you can, wear shoes and long pants. You end up walking through very narrow paths that are surrounded by wildflowers. Your ankles/feet may get irritated if you're not properly prepared. -The Elk are here!! Be patient with them. Sometimes they come closer to the road/hiking path. -The hike is 5 miles out and 5 miles back in. It takes most people 4-5 hours. Enjoy the scenery! Flowers as far as the eye can see coupled with cliffs that tower over the ocean!!

What a beautiful coastal trail! After months of cold, unpredictable weather, we were itching for some sunshine to take little guy out. V searched for a kid friendly trail and stumbled upon this one. It did not disappoint. It's paved and easy. The little guy was able to walk most of the way on his own, although, there were parts where the ledge was a little steeper than others so I wouldn't recommend letting kids walk those parts. The view was amazing. Made us come to terms with why we overpay to live in the Bay Area. It's a little less than a 2 hr drive from the east bay. We'll definitely be back again.

I have hiked this trail about five times now, so I guess it's time for a review. First of all, there are no restrooms at the trailhead or along the trail. The nearest restrooms are at McClure's Beach. You will see a road veering down and to the left just before you enter the parking lot. It can be foggy, windy, cloudy, and/or sunny during your hike (we experienced all three), especially if you start early in the morning. Dress accordingly and bring extra layers. Even during the summer! There are over 400 elk in the preserve. I have witnessed a large herd of elk crossing the trail right in front of me just 15 minutes into the hike. There was also a time when I saw only a handful of elk, and they were off in the distance. Another time I startled an elk as I crested a ridge. Good thing she ran in the opposite direction, she was really close. As you get closer and closer to Tomales Point, parts of the trail are sandy and overgrown. I got some scrapes on my legs from the vegetation, and repeatedly checked for ticks. The trail is 9.4 miles out and back. It is easy to follow, and it does not cross any other trails. Short spur trails usually lead to nice viewpoints. I would rate the trail as moderate, but long. There are no steep climbs or descents, just undulating terrain for miles and miles. The views along the trail are beautiful, but the best scenery is at the end of the trail.

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.

Great trail! Enjoyed spectacular views along the coast as well as viewing the elk. We arrived/parked by 9am and the parking lot was almost full- when we came back afterwards we were astounded at how many cars there were- they were double parked in the lot and about half a mile up the road! Needless to say, get there early because this place is popular. In terms if terrain, I would say this trail is moderate (not too many steep hills/climbs, gradual builds), but is long (over 9mi). A couple miles in the trail is pretty overgrown with flowers, but generally is well kept and marked since it's well-travelled. Highly refommend if you have the time

This was an amazing hike. We went all the way out to the point on a very foggy windy day. Left at about 9:30 in the morning and saw about 50 elk and about 20 bucks. Once you got on to the end main trail for the last mile and a quarter the area was in full bloom of acres of wild radish and rainbow color. It was stunning. This was first of June. We will

I'm going to keep it straight and simple despite the fact that there is absolutely nothing straight nor simple about Tomales Point. The hike is, in fact, my absolute favorite in the Bay Area! With that being said, I should also disclose that I'm from Southern California... Regardless of where my allegiance lays, I can't deny the beauty of the bay after a trip to Point Reyes. The hike to the ultimate point begins at what was once Pierce Point Ranch! There was plenty of parking when I arrived at the crack of dawn--that's what I wish I could say, but realistically, I arrived much closer to post-crack than pre. In other words, arrive by 8am and you're as good as gold. Having done my research beforehand, I came prepared for the 9.4 mile hike with a few bottles of water, sunscreen, and a loaf of bread, because--happiness. The trail was completely open and the sun was anything but shy, so definitely be prepared! A cap would also be a good way to go! 4.7 miles in and back out, the trail was relatively flat with small segments of gradual incline. The final mile of the trail, however, got extremely sandy so the hike became something much more resemblant of a trudge; however, I'm telling you--the end result is beyond worth it. The trail leads you to--you guessed it--Tomales Point, which is essentially a cliff's edge that overlooks the ocean. The coastal views are beyond screensaver saver status, and in total honesty, words can't do it justice. Let us thank goodness that pictures are worth a thousand words then, right? I'm only half kidding. Please do me a huge favor. Don't live vicariously through my words and my review--instead, visit this wonder for yourself. The area also serves as an elk reserve, and you know how visiting an elk reserve has always been at the top of your bucket list? Well now's your chance to hit two birds with one stone. After an experience and a view like Tomales Point, you're definitely bound to be in high spirits and the hike back should resemble more of a frolic than a trek. You really can't go wrong here. Think about it--you'll be frolicking with wild elk. A definite underrated gem right outside of the city and easily one of my favorite things I have seen, done, and experienced in the Bay! Love.

One of the most beautiful hikes I've ever been on. Deserted during the week, but can be a little busy on weekends. There is a long, mile plus ascent each way going and coming back but the climb isn't unbearable. It is a long ways to go with no bathroom so use the facilities just down the hill from parking.

SO COOL!!! I followed directions from this link: http://www.everytrail.com/guide/tomales-point-at-point-reyes-national-seashore, but really, you don't need directions because the location is pretty easy to find (even though it takes a long time to drive there) and the trail is very clearly marked. I'd rate the trail as "easy" - no steep inclines, the dirt trail is relatively flat. The view is amazing; you get a wide, unobstructed view of the cliffsides and the ocean. The tule elk were chillin' when we were there; all the male elks were sitting in the grass in one group and looking at the hikers while the females were sitting further off in a group. We also saw lots of other wildlife, eg., a coyote and saw it pounce on a meal! You can turn back after you see the tule elk, but it is pretty cool if you hike all the way to the end of the trail. You walk up to the very tip of Pt. Reyes where the land meets ocean (check out photos here: https://www.theoutbound.com/san-francisco/hiking/journey-to-the-end-of-pt-reyes) and it is awesomeeeeee. You should know, though, that this part of the trail gets VERY sandy and you will most likely end up stomping around where shoes that suddenly seem much heavier than normal. So, your call if you want to walk all the way to the end.

It's invigorating to see these elk thrive while allowing humans to pass through, snap our pics and be humbled. The hike itself is great except those freaking little flower milkweed that can cause splinter pain. Granted I wore flip flops, k owing how much sand at the end. Getting to the very end was never in doubt. Glad u brought the headlamps to avoid stepping on poop on the way back. Moon lit most of the way.

I am one with nature every time I'm here. How I love hiking here. Makes my senses happy. Hearing the surf, smelling the wildflowers, and seeing both.