Tomales Point Trail is a 9.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Marshall, California that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, nature trips, and horses and is accessible year-round. Horses are also able to use this trail.
Hike out to Tomales Point with stunning views surrounding you on all sides. An excellent out and back day hike. This open trail offers spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It is also a prime wildlife viewing trail, as it is remote and the tule elk are enclosed in this reserve. The first 3 miles to Lower Pierce Point Ranch are well marked and maintained, but the last stretch can be overgrown with bush lupine and other shrubs, so long pants and long sleeves are a good idea. The journey all the way to the Point is worth it, for the view is unparalleled. Fog and wind can limit visibility and make this hike more challenging. The Tomales Point Trailhead is at the end of Pierce Point Road, 40 minute driving time from Bear Valley.
Parking off of Pierce Point Rd.
California Travel and Tourism Commision, P.O. Box 1499 , Sacramento, CA, 95812-1499, Phone: 800-862-2543
Tomales Point requires a long drive and a long hike. Plan for an all-day outing if you want to go the distance. Don't count on solitude: this is a popular trail, especially during the elk rut. The trails won't be packed, but they won't be empty, either. Elk are massive, dangerous wild animals; never try to get close to one. Human hide is no match for bull elk antlers; an unfortunate few have been fatally gored. Check the weather forecast for Point Reyes Station before you go. The hike's worth doing in all weather but you'll have a better chance of enjoying yourself if you're properly prepared. What to bring: A camera and binoculars. Layers, especially a wind-breaker. Sun screen; there's no shade on this hike Water and snacks.
Directions from Bear Valley Visitor Center: Travel north on Bear Valley Road to Inverness Park. Continue northward on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard (do not turn right). Follow this park road through Inverness as it begins to bear westward. Past Inverness the road forks. Take the right side of the fork, which is Pierce Point Road. The trail begins at the end of Pierce Point Road, 40 minutes driving time from Bear Valley.
January 24, 2021Very fun with some great sights.
January 23, 2021January 23, 2021January 23, 2021Parked around 9am, get there early! Heavy foot traffic along the trail but so many chances to see Tule Elk :)
January 23, 2021Amazing awesome bright blue sky day. Started early thankfully. Started with folks every 300 yds or so... on the way back it was jam packed where your mask most of the way. Trail was easy.. for sure harder grade coming back.
January 22, 2021If going on a weekend do try to get there early, before 10am, because you may have to park far away. We were lucky and arrived at 8:30 and were able to find a spot in the lot. It was a beautiful hike with lots of wild life! Lengthy but highly recommend!
January 20, 2021January 20, 2021All the reviews of this hike made me want to do it, but I was concerned about the crowds mentioned in many reviews. I did it on a weekday and it was great! There were other people on the trail, but nothing overwhelming. Saw lots of tule elk, a little grass snake, a hawk, and two coyote.
January 19, 2021This is a great trail...a little elevation but nothing major. Arrive early to get parked. By 1pm they were closing the gates and turning folks away. It was a holiday though so on a normal day it might be ok. Absolutely beautiful place...lots of wildlife too. Well worth the drive.
January 18, 2021Long hike but the view is worth it at the end!
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021This is a 10 mile hike up and down the hill. View is beautiful. Recommend to start it early morning or afternoon because parking is a nightmare after 10 am. Hike took me 3:15 hours. Trail is not shaded, no water (bring a lot), no restroom (only at the beginning).
January 18, 2021January 18, 2021Nice view
January 17, 2021Awesome weather
January 17, 2021Best hike we've done in a while and worth the 10 miles! We saw so many elk and even better, people wearing masks! Got here at 10 am Sun, plenty of parking and by 2 pm it was a madhouse.
January 17, 2021January 17, 2021Check the weather, foggy today so couldn’t see views. Will have to come back. Nice easy trail, crowded.
January 16, 2021January 16, 2021January 16, 2021Awesome trail, beautiful all along the way. Surely recommended for beginners.
January 15, 2021January 14, 2021Beautiful! Will definitely do again.
January 13, 2021January 10, 2021Incredible views, tons of elk, moderate hills. Pretty crowded on a Sunday, but easy to walk around off the trail.
January 10, 2021Being a kid from SF, it’s been a while since I’ve discovered some new territory. This was a trail I did recently and enjoyed every minute of it. Well, except for the trail turning to sand towards the end of the point. Otherwise the views are great and the Elk are plentiful along this trail. Will def go back again!
January 9, 2021January 4, 2021Great trail, the elk were everywhere. Also saw a coyote and sea lion surfing in the waves. Weather ended up being perfect!
