About
Length (round trip)1 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyEasy
Typical time1 hr 5 min
TrailheadTomales Point Trailhead, Point Reyes National Seashore
ParkingAllow 35 minutes driving time from Bear Valley to the Tomales Point Trailhead , located at the north end of Pierce Point Road. Tomales Point is the northernmost peninsula within Point Reyes National Seashore, located between Tomales Bay on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. Directions to Bear Valley Directions from Bear Valley to Tomales Point Trailhead
Best season<h2>Winter</h2> <p>The heaviest rainfall occurs in the winter months. Come prepared for rain and drizzle to possibly last for several days. In between winter rains, it is often sunny, calm, and coo...
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityThe Tomales Point Trail does not meet criteria for being accessible. However, the first mile (1.6 miles) of the Tomales Point Trail is fairly level and wide with mostly hard-packed soil.
What you'll see 🌄 Big views🦌 Wildlife

Distance to Windy Gap: 2 miles (3.2 km) roundtrip This hike starts from the Tomales Point Trailhead by passing along the west side of Pierce Ranch before veering west through coastal scrub to the top of tall coastal bluffs. The trail follows an old ranch road northwest with spectacular views of the Tomales Point Headlands and the Pacific Ocean. This is an opportune section of the trail to be on for sunset (so long as fog doesn't obscure the view). One can catch the sun setting "into" the ocean and still have enough twilight to walk back to one's vehicle before dark. It is also a prime wildlife viewing trail, as it traverses through anarea where most hikers see tule elk . After 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) with very little change in elevation, the trail drops a bit into a saddle, called Windy Gap, at the head of White Gulch. This is a good location from which to view tule elk gathered at a perennial spring in the gulch below. Looking beyond White Gulch, one has a view of Hog Island in Tomales Bay. This is a good destination and turn-around location for visitors wanting a shorter hike. Visit our Hike the Tomales Point Trail page for information about the trail north of Windy Gap. This route description alone is not a substitute for a trail map. Print out the park's Tomales Point Map (1,116 KB PDF) and North Districttrail map (3,409 KB PDF) before your visit, or pick one up at a visitor center on your way. Always check current conditions before heading out into the park and familiarize yourself with park regulations . The Tomales Point Trail ismostlywithin the Phillip Burton Wilderness . Please practice Leave No Trace principles. Visit the park's Hiking at Point Reyes National Seashore page for hiking tips and information about trail etiquette and safety. Visit the park's Trail Advisories and Closures page for current information about closed trails, trails blocked by trees, or other temporary hazards or advisories. Visit the park's Tomales Point, Pierce Ranch, and Tule Elk page for more information about other points of interest and activities in the immediate vicinity.

Tips
Point Reyes National Seashore is open for day-hiking from 6 am to midnight. Pets are prohibited on the Tomales Point Trail and everywhere else on Tomales Point beyond Pierce Point Road and the parking lots. Visit the park's Pets page to learn where pets are welcome at Point Reyes National Seashore. All ages.
Location

Tomales Point Trailhead, Point Reyes National Seashore

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Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Access and conditions change — check with the managing agency before you go.