Towering above Marin County with its sweeping views and lush forests, Mount Tamalpais—affectionately known as Mount Tam—is a local treasure and a hiker’s paradise. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, panoramic vistas, or a shaded stroll through redwoods, there’s a trail here with your name on it.
Ready to lace up your boots? Here are the top Mount Tam trails you absolutely can’t miss.
Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine to Matt Davis Loop
Distance: ~7 miles
Elevation Gain: ~1,600 feet
Start Point: Pantoll Trailhead or Stinson Beach
This iconic loop is a local favorite for good reason: it offers a bit of everything. Starting with coastal views from the historic Dipsea Trail, you’ll descend into the lush, mossy wonderland of Steep Ravine, where wooden ladders and redwoods make you feel like you're in a storybook. Then you'll climb up via the Matt Davis Trail, which offers sweeping ocean vistas, open meadows, and a gentle descent back to where you began.
Local tip: Go counter-clockwise from Pantoll for a more gradual climb and a dramatic ocean-facing finish.
Cataract Falls Trail
Distance: ~2.7 miles round trip (or longer if extended)
Elevation Gain: ~800 feet
Start Point: Rock Spring Trailhead or Alpine Lake
If you're hiking in winter or early spring, Cataract Falls is a must. This out-and-back trail follows Cataract Creek, passing a series of cascading waterfalls tucked into a shaded canyon. With stone steps, moss-covered boulders, and fern-filled gullies, it’s easily one of the most enchanting hikes on the mountain.
Local tip: Go early—this trail is beloved and can get busy, especially after rains.
East Peak Summit Trail
Distance: ~1 mile round trip
Elevation Gain: ~250 feet
Start Point: East Peak Parking Lot
Short on time but want jaw-dropping views? The East Peak Fire Lookout Trail is your best bet. A quick but rewarding climb brings you to the very top of Mount Tam, where you'll enjoy 360-degree views of Marin, San Francisco, the Bay, and even the Farallon Islands on a clear day.
Local tip: Pack a snack and enjoy it at the top—you'll feel like you're on top of the world.
Old Railroad Grade to West Point Inn
Distance: ~8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,100 feet
Start Point: Railroad Grade Trailhead in Mill Valley or Panoramic Hwy
For something a little different, follow the historic Old Railroad Grade, once the path of the Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway. This wide, gently graded trail is perfect for hikers, runners, and even mountain bikers. The reward? A stop at the West Point Inn, a rustic gem nestled in the woods that’s straight out of another era.
Local tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy it on the inn’s deck. You’ll be treated to stunning views of the East Bay and Mount Diablo.
Fern Creek Trail to Troop 80 and back
Distance: ~4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,200 feet
Start Point: Pantoll Station
This less-traveled trail is a hidden gem. Fern Creek is exactly what it sounds like—a shady trail along a bubbling creek, surrounded by ferns and towering redwoods. The Troop 80 Trail climbs steadily and rewards you with sweeping views and quiet forest solitude.
Local tip: Connect to other trails from Troop 80 for a longer loop if you’re feeling ambitious.
Coastal Trail to Pirate’s Cove
Distance: ~4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~900 feet
Start Point: Muir Beach parking lot
While technically hugging the coastal edge of Mount Tam, this trail deserves a mention. The Coastal Trail to Pirate’s Cove offers breathtaking ocean views, dramatic cliffside terrain, and ends at a tucked-away beach cove that feels like a secret. It’s one of the most scenic—and photogenic—hikes in the area.
Local tip: Bring layers—it can get windy, but the views are always worth it.
Alpine Lake to Bon Tempe Lake Loop
Distance: ~5 miles
Elevation Gain: ~600 feet
Start Point: Alpine Dam or Bon Tempe parking area
For a serene, less crowded experience, this lakeside loop offers tranquil water views, forested paths, and plenty of birdwatching. It’s a mellow but beautiful hike, perfect for a peaceful Sunday stroll or a nature-filled afternoon with family.
Local tip: Great spot for a post-hike picnic—bring a blanket and take in the lake views.