Discover the Magic of Mt. Tamalpais
Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge is Mount Tamalpais, Marin County’s very own landmark. From this beautiful mountain peak the vista goes for miles over the rolling hills of Marin. It is possible to see the Farallon Islands 25 miles away or catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, more than 125 miles away. There are plenty of fun activities to do on and around the mountain. Numerous hiking and biking trails crisscross the area. The eastern summit features a visitor’s center, picnic tables and a concession stand, the perfect place to go for a relaxing picnic after a busy day of exploring this beautiful mountain.
The park is home to the abandoned “crookedest railroad in the world” as well as the large stone amphitheater that plays host to the “Mountain Play” each year.
First-come/first-serve camping is available at Pantoll or Bootjack Campgrounds. Visitors can also reserve a group campsite at Alice Eastwood Group Camp or a rustic cabin or seaside campsite at the Steep Ravine Cabins and Environmental Campground through our agency Reserve California.
Hike Steep Ravine Trail: A perfect way to experience the natural beauty that is Marin County is to hike Steep Ravine in the Pantoll area. Majestic redwoods and lush fern-covered hillsides await you on this magical hike. You can park in the Pantoll Ranger Station parking lot (day fee required), and you will see the trailhead from the parking lot. The seven-mile hike will take you through lush, forested areas populated with coastal redwoods, Douglas firs, manzanita and bay trees, paralleling and crossing babbling creeks and crystal-clear cascading waterfalls. Magnificent ocean and valley views await you on the hike. Your journey will end just outside scenic Stinson Beach, where you can either catch the bus back to your car or turn around and climb back up Steep Ravine trail. Some hikers opt for taking legendary Matt Davis Trail for the return trip. This trail, while slightly longer than Steep Ravine, is not as steep, and ends near the Pan Toll Ranger Station. The trailhead is located off Highway 1 on Panoramic Highway.
Mt. Tamalpais State Park
From Highway 101 take Highway 1 to the Stinson Beach exit
and follow signs up the mountain.
(415) 388-2070 • www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=471
