Mount Tamalpais—Mount Tam to locals—is the Bay Area's backyard mountain. Rising 2,571 feet just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, it's visible from across the region and accessible to millions. But familiarity hasn't bred contempt; Mount Tam remains genuinely spectacular, with ancient redwood groves, sweeping coastal views, and a trail network that could take years to fully explore.
The mountain is credited with helping birth mountain biking (the first modern mountain bikes descended these fire roads in the 1970s) and has been a hiking destination since the 1800s. Today, over 200 miles of trails crisscross the mountain's flanks, connecting state parks, national monuments, and open spaces into one vast hiking paradise.
Best Hikes
Steep Ravine to Stinson Beach
- Distance: 5.8 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
One of the Bay Area's most beautiful trails, descending through redwood forest along Webb Creek to the Pacific Ocean. Ladders aid the steepest sections. Return via the Dipsea Trail for a loop, or arrange pickup at Stinson Beach.
Matt Davis Trail
- Distance: 7.0 miles one way to Stinson
- Difficulty: Moderate
A classic Mount Tam traverse with excellent coastal views. The trail contours around the mountain's western slopes, offering ocean panoramas before descending to Stinson Beach.
Dipsea Trail
- Distance: 7.4 miles one way
- Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
The historic Dipsea Race route from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach. Brutal stairs at the start, stunning views throughout. A rite of passage for Bay Area hikers.
Muir Woods to Summit
- Distance: 6+ miles round trip (varies by route)
- Elevation Gain: 1,500+ feet
- Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
Combine redwood forest with summit views by climbing from Muir Woods to the East Peak. Several route options via Ben Johnson, Bootjack, or Sun trails.
Summit Options
East Peak
- Elevation: 2,571 feet
The true summit, with a fire lookout and 360-degree views. Multiple trails lead here from various trailheads. The Plankwalk Trail from the East Peak parking lot is the shortest approach (0.5 miles round trip).
What You'll See
From the summit:
- San Francisco skyline and bay
- The Golden Gate Bridge
- Pacific Ocean and Farallon Islands
- Mount Diablo to the east
- On clear days, the Sierra Nevada
Muir Woods
Muir Woods National Monument protects one of the last old-growth coast redwood forests in the Bay Area. The main canyon floor can be crowded, but trails climbing out of the valley quickly find solitude.
Visiting Tips
- Parking reservations required (book at gomuirwoods.com)
- Arrive early for best experience
- Combine with Mount Tam trails for longer hikes
- The canyon floor trails are paved and accessible
Best Trails
For hiking (not just walking), head up the Ben Johnson Trail, Bootjack Trail, or Dipsea Trail to escape the crowds and experience true redwood forest hiking.
Practical Information
Access Points
- Pantoll Ranger Station: Central trailhead with multiple trail options
- Rock Spring: Popular starting point for summit hikes
- Bootjack: Access to summit and Muir Woods
- Stinson Beach: Coastal trailhead for climbs up
- Muir Woods: Reservation required for parking
Fees
Mount Tamalpais State Park: $8/vehicle. Muir Woods: Reservation required, $15 parking or free shuttle.
Weather
Coastal fog is common, especially summer. Layers essential. The summit can be 15-20 degrees warmer than the fog-shrouded valleys—or colder if wind is blowing.
When to Go
- Spring: Wildflowers, waterfalls flowing
- Summer: Foggy mornings, clear afternoons
- Fall: Clearest weather, golden hills
- Winter: Green hills, possible rain, dramatic skies
Quick Reference: Mount Tamalpais
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steep Ravine | 5.8 mi | Mod-Stren | Redwoods to ocean |
| Dipsea Trail | 7.4 mi | Strenuous | Classic challenge |
| Matt Davis | 7.0 mi | Moderate | Coastal views |
| East Peak | varies | varies | Summit views |
Mount Tamalpais offers everything the Bay Area hiker could want: redwood forests, coastal views, challenging climbs, and gentle walks—all within an hour of San Francisco. It's a mountain that rewards repeated visits, with trails enough to explore for a lifetime.
