Mount Tamalpais
The highest peak in Marin County. The summit of East Peak overlooks the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific, making it a spot for sea-of-clouds and sunset views and a hiking favorite.
Mount Tamalpais (locally known as Mount Tam) rises about 784 meters and is mostly within Mount Tamalpais State Park, next to the Muir Woods redwood forest. By car, you can drive up Panoramic Highway and Ridgecrest Boulevard, the latter being one of the Bay Area's most classic scenic roads. Park at the East Peak lot, then walk about 15 minutes to the summit, which has a fire lookout tower. On clear days you can see the city of San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge and even the distant Sierra Nevada. In summer, low clouds often fill the valleys, and the view at sunset is most spectacular.
Popular hiking routes include the Dipsea and the Steep Ravine trail to Stinson Beach. Parking at East Peak costs about $8, and the mountain roads have many curves, so take care when passing other vehicles. You can combine it with Muir Woods and Stinson Beach for a day trip. From the Golden Gate Bridge, it's about a 45-minute drive.
Opening hours
7:00 to sunset (check state park announcements)
Nearby sights
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Sausalito
- Battery Spencer (Marin Headlands)
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Lands End & Sutro Baths
- Angel Island
- Baker Beach
- Presidio & Crissy Field