TOMALES POINT

TOMALES POINT

Hike Date:  Saturday, October 1, 2022

Leader:  Carl Stein

Leader Email:  carl@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone:  415.794.2275

SF Meeting Time:  8:50 AM

SF Departure Time:  Shortly after 8:50 AM

NOTE:  Please only show up at Whole Foods if you've arranged for a ride ahead of time.

East Bay Meeting Location:  Rockridge BART station.  Meet at the bottom of the escalators.  (There's free and ample parking).

East Bay Meeting Time:  8:50 AM

East Bay Departure Time:  Shortly after 8:50 AM

NOTE:  Please only show up at the Rockridge BART station if you've arranged for a ride ahead of time.

Hike Rating:  Level 3

Hike Mileage:  9 miles

Elevation Gain:  1000'

Description:  One of the Bay Area's classic hikes. We will walk through the open fields of the northern end of Point Reyes National Seashore. The hike takes us to the northern edge of the peninsula. It is spectacular but can be very windy, so be prepared. Wildflowers may be out. We may spot seals, whales, or other ocean life, as well as birds. The great herd of tule elk is always around-- sometimes quite near the trail. July-September is the tule elk rut season. (Please don't tell the elk that today is October 1.) The park website wrote that "This is an exciting time of year on Tomales Point where visitors will likely hear bull elk bugling and see them attempting to round up harems of females. The lucky visitor may even get to see a couple of bull elk sparring." You may want to bring binoculars to get closer looks of the elk. Tule elk FAQ   

Please be aware of this message at the Point Reyes website: "In January 2017, part of the bluff at the northern end of Tomales Point collapsed. As a result, a section of the Tomales Point Trail is no more. If you plan on hiking to Tomales Point, be aware that additional sections of the cliff are likely to collapse. Small cracks are present in the ground, some several feet from the edge. If you are hiking anywhere that brings you near cliffs, please be mindful of the hazards. Be aware of your surroundings and stay back from the edge. Many of the cliffs around Point Reyes are unstable and prone to collapse." 

Bring / Wear:  lunch, water, hat, layers for a windy or chilly day, sunscreen, good hiking shoes, hiking poles if you like.

Did you know we have sfhiking.com t-shirts available?  Click on the STORE menu above.

Rain Policy:  Canceled in the event of rain

Trailhead Meeting Location:  Pierce Point Ranch trailhead parking lot.  Google Maps Link

Trailhead Meeting Time:   10:30 AM

Trailhead Departure Time:  10:35 AM

Total Driving Distance (round trip):  58 miles (SF),  62 miles (Rockridge BART).

Ride-Share Carpool Fees (per passenger):  $16 (SF), $17 (Rockridge BART).