A San Francisco Bay Area oasis of trails and open space
A walk on 2,571-foot Mount Tamalpais puts Northern California in perspective. From this promontory just north of San Francisco, you can see the Farallon Islands 25 miles to the west and the Sierra Nevada 150 miles to the east on a clear day. Next to the often-crowded Muir Woods National Monument, "Mount Tam" Is popular too, but it doesn't feel as packed. Here you will find deep canyons, cool redwood forests, oak woodlands, open meadows and chaparral.
ACTIVITIES: The park offers 60 miles of hiking trails, plus picnicking, star-gazing, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, botanizing, rock-climbing, mountain biking and geocaching. Ocean swimming is permitted nearby at Stinson Beach.
ACCESSIBLE FEATURES: Parking, campsites, restrooms, cabins, Mountain Theater, 0.75-mile-long Verna Dunshee Trail, parts of the Old Mine and McKennan Trails.
DOGS: Not allowed on trails or dirt roads. On leash elsewhere. In tent or vehicle at night.
Take a tour of the Steep Ravine trail with Google Street View Treks. (external link)
Directions
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Amenities & Fees
$8 for day-use vehicle entry at some trailheads; no charge to walk or bike into the park. Camping and Lodging: Reservations can be made online at ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling the toll free telephone number at 1-800-444-PARK. For more camping near the park, visit HipCamp.com.
What To Pack
- Safety: We want visitors to enjoy their experience safely. Simple actions can positively increase your outdoor experience. Such actions include taking water and snacks along with you, staying on designated trails, taking breaks, and letting people know where you are going and approximately what time you're coming back. For more outdoor safety tips, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips (external link).
- What To Bring: Layers of clothing. In the rainy season, pack warm hats, scarves, mittens and plenty of thick, fast-drying socks. And don't forget the raincoats and rain pants. Water, snacks a field guide, binoculars.
Additional Information
Visit the state park website (external link). The Mount Tamalpais State Park Brochure contains valuable information for trip planning.
