TOMALES POINT

TOMALES POINT

Hike Date:  Saturday, September 20, 2025

Leader:  Carl Stein

Leader Email:  carl@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone:  415.794.2275

SF Meeting Time:  8:40 AM

SF Departure Time:  Shortly after 8:40 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:  8:40 AM

East Bay Departure Time:  Shortly after 8:40 AM

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

Hike Rating:  Level 3.5

Hike Mileage:  9.7 miles

Elevation Gain:  1175'

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 alongside Tomales Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The hike takes us to the northern edge of the peninsula. It is spectacular but can be very windy, so be prepared. Maybe we'll see wildflowers. We may spot seals, whales, or other ocean life, as well as birds. The great herd of tule elk is usually around -- sometimes quite near the trail. August-September is the tule elk rut season. 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   

To learn more about the Tomales Point and the trail, please see https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/tomales_point.htm.

Please be aware of this message at the Point Reyes website: "The last 1.7 miles (2.7 km) of the Tomales Point Trail, the most northern section, is unmaintained. Expect more vegetation overgrowth and the presence of additional social trails on this section. 

In January 2017, part of the bluff at this northern end of Tomales Point collapsed. As of February 2024, large cracks are present in the ground, some several feet from the edge. If you plan on hiking this section of Tomales Point, be aware that additional sections of the cliff are prone to collapse. Be aware of your surroundings and stay back from the edge." 

Bring / Wear:  lunch, water, hat, layers for a windy or chilly day, sunscreen, good hiking shoes, hiking poles if you like. Due to reports that at the last third of the trail overgrowth of plants may scratch and sting your legs, you may want to wear pants instead of shorts. 

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

Rain Policy:  Canceled in the event of rain

Dogs: Point Reyes National Seashore does not allow dogs on the Tomales Point trail.

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

Trailhead Meeting Time:   10:30 AM

Trailhead Departure Time:  10:45 AM

Total Driving Distance (round trip):  108 miles (SF),  124 miles (Rockridge BART).

Ride-Share Carpool Fees (per passenger):  $16 (SF), $18 (Rockridge BART).