Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
2,790.00 ft (850.39 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
11.70 mi (18.83 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

At 2,571 feet, Mount Tamalpais offers a unique view of San Francisco and the San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands, East Bay, and Mount Diablo. When the day is clear, usually after a winter storm, you'll be able to see as far as Sierra Nevada. On your way up and down you'll be able to catch glimpses of Golden Gate Bridge and Muir Woods.

Especially on weekends, start your day early to get a good parking spot and enjoy a little bit of solitude on your hike. Join Dipsea Trail and follow it for 0.9 mile before turning left on Steep Ravine Trail. Follow Webb Creek as you cross several wooden bridges before encountering a wooden ladder. Be very cautious going up and down the ladder as it gets extremely slippery. After 1.4 miles, you'll reach Pantoll Campground. There's a toilet there and the opportunity to refill your water bottle.

From there, cross the road and follow Old Stage Fire Road. This fire road leads to West Point Inn, where if timed well you can try their famous breakfast pancakes. Go around the inn to get on Old Railroad Fire Road. After 1.3 miles, reach the road leading up the mountain. Take a right there and go right again after a few yards. Follow the old access road and reach East Peak Visitor Center. From there, it's only 0.1 mile to the very top.

After your hike, visit the beach to cool your feet off and relax a little before your way home or the next adventure of the day.

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Great views. A lot of greenery.

Cons

Gets busy.

Trailhead Elevation

100.00 ft (30.48 m)

Highest point

2,571.00 ft (783.64 m)

Features

Bird watching
Big vistas
Flushing toilets

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Mount Tamalpais State Park, California
Mount Tamalpais State Park, California
Mount Tamalpais State Park, California

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Point Reyes National Seashore

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