January 27, 2016
Distance: 9.5 miles RT
Elevation Gain: 1,300 ft
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Point Reyes National Seashore offers a variety of beautiful hikes and Tomales Point is one of the best among them. The trail travels through the Tule Elk Reserve and chances are you can sight several herds of tule elk along the journey, also with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Luck be with you, and you could also spot whales traveling off the seashore.
Tomales Point trailhead is located at the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. It gets sandy part of the way for the last mile or so to the end of the Point....good workout! Stay on trail and do NOT disturb sensitive natural habitats. Enjoy fantastic panoramic vistas all along and at the north end of the peninsula - Tomales Bluff, Pacific Ocean, Dillon Beach and Bodega Bay. Be careful not to stand too close to the edge of the cliff as the trail is washed out at the end and the ground is cracked and fragile.
I recommend this hike when weather is nice and calm as Point Reyes is quite often windy and foggy. Fog can limit visibility and wind would make this hike more challenging. There is no shade along the trail, so make sure to bring enough water and stay hydrated. Extra layers are a good idea as this is a coastal trail and weather can change quickly. Make sure to leave no trace in this beautiful natural wonderland.
Restroom is available at McClures Beach trailhead down the road from Pierce Point Ranch. Follow the sign.
Bear Valley Visitor Center
Point Reyes National Seashore's primary Visitor Center provides useful info of the park's roads, trails, and human and natural history. It's wroth stopping by on the way to Point Reyes. Rangers can answer your questions and provide useful info.
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