Tomales Point Hike

I have always maintained that getting exercise should be fun. Because if it’s not fun, you won’t want to do it, nor will you do it, again and again. Being physically active is a lifestyle choice, just as eating better is a lifestyle choice. 

In today’s post I offer up a very nice hike about an hour north of San Francisco. This is an easy out and back hike, under 10 miles round trip, with no significant elevation change. The Tomales Point trail starts at the Pierce Point Ranch and passes through the Tule Elk Preserve where you will see tons of elk!

Tule Elk Preserve

The trail, which is located in the Point Reyes National Seashore, follows an old path leading to the Lower Pierce Ranch with intermittent views of the Pacific Ocean to the west and Tomales Bay to the east. About three miles into the hike, the views of the ocean become spectacular and from here, it is just a short hike to the termination of the trail at the cliffs of Tomales Bluff overlooking Bird Cliff.

View of Pacific side near Tomales Bluff

This is a beautiful trail with lots of birds, butterflies, and caterpillars. When we hiked it last weekend, there were literally thousands of caterpillars dancing around the trails and in the bushes. While not an expert on the subject, this must be some type of breeding or nesting ground for these little critters. I highly recommend this hike for its beauty and spectacular wildlife!

~Lori Dotson, CPT, CPFT, PES, BA, MS
President, DotsoFit, LLC

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