Tomales Point Trail is a 9.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Inverness, California that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Horses are also able to use this trail.
hiking
horseback riding
nature trips
walking
bird watching
running
beach
views
wildlife
over grown
no dogs
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.
Try to go all the way to the end to see the cliffs
An overall easy-to-moderate hike. You’ll find beautiful views of the Pacific right as you start the trail. Fun is when you have the company of Tule elks in groups all along your trail. The last 1.5 miles of the trail is not maintained and is sandy! So, a little work out should be expected. Plan your day for the sunset! If you’re a sunset lover as I am, plan your day such that you reach the trail head back out, right before the sun sets so that you won’t have to hike much in the dark. I would totally go back only for the mesmerizing frame as I watched the slow decent of the sun turning the landscape gold and painting the sky in a dazzling array of pink and orange hues.
Gab Posada recorded Tomales Point Trail
Such a beautiful place to watch the sunset!!!
A great hike. Look for the Tule Elk at the watering hole.
Shannon Voelkel recorded Tomales Point Trail
Awesome hike- little over 10 miles to the point and back. The trail was in great condition until you got to the unmaintained portion close to the point. Very sandy and unclear which path to go down. I kept the app open to stay as close to what I thought the trail was. It was such a nice day out! There were TONS of elk. I did see a coyote as well. Definitely a nice hike for any age, I went alone and felt very comfortable with a fair amount of people on the path.
Torn between 3 & 4 stars. Lovely seaside and wildlife (birds and elk) views. Pokey brushes and sand paths made it a messy and uncomfortable experience. A 10 mile workout.
Alistair N.
Awesome views of the sky/sun/ocean on a clear day. No shade/not many trees. Some sand to hike through.
Incredible views on a fog less day. The last bit that is unattended path, beware that it is soft sugary sand and will put you to work, but well worth it.
Saw so many elks this time unbelievable! Trail is flat and suitable for all ages and levels. Hands down one of the best in the Bay Area.
James Grossman recorded Tomales Point Trail
Very crowded trail out and back. Caught a beautiful day with great views. Good sighting of elks and one coyote.
Mary Alden recorded Tomales Point Trail
Hot day for hiking even though on the coast. Go early to beat the mobs of people that arrive after 11 am. So glad I was completing my hike as several groups slowly trickled in. Decided not to go to the end because the trail became very narrow, unmaintained and too overgrown and most likely snakes on the trail edges. Seen two snakes at the beginning of my hike but they disappeared too quickly so I couldn’t identify which kind of snakes they were. Lots of Tule Elk! I counted around 50 in three separate groups. Ive heard there are over 400 in the Inverness area alone. I believe it was mating season because I heard a couple of different times bull Elk bugling for their female counterparts. Very interesting! A great hike but definitely better on weekdays with less crowds.
An excellent trail, well maintained until the last 1,5 Miles, where the path becomes sandy and narrows. Great nature and views, with lots of elk, a few snakes (garter) and a lone coyote who passed us looking for roadrunners.
Beautiful trail! Trail was well maintained until the last mile or so. We found a second trail leading to a private beach area and had lunch. Stunning ocean views! Not many wildflowers to see right now.
favorite hike i’ve ever done!
Manuel Gómez recorded Tomales Point Trail
I will give this trail a 6 out of 5! The view at the end and many of the other views were breathtaking! Almost brought me to tears!
A special place..transports me to another dimension with every hike..
Perfect California coastal hike! Suggest starting out early morning to avoid the crowds and afternoon sun. Path is easy to follow and well marked but there are few trees so it's full sunshine. Bring sunscreen! Lot's of wildlife and fantastic coastal views. Highly suggest pushing through to the top of the point for some rewarding views.
David Eriksson recorded Tomales Point Trail
Beautiful sunny walk next to the ocean with tons of elk!
What a beautiful hike. It was very foggy and tons of people, but one of my all time favorite hikes.
Em W recorded Tomales Point Trail
Beautiful on a foggy day. Encountered quails (gamble ? ), turkey vultures and snakes. Wildflowers about 1 mi in.
