Mount Tamalpais State Park is perched just north of San Francisco in Marin County. It spans over 6,300 acres of stunning coastal mountainside. Known affectionately as “Mount Tam,” this iconic park offers sweeping Bay Area vistas, lush redwood forests, historic theaters and trails that wind from seaside cliffs to high-elevation peaks—all within easy reach of city dwellers.
What Makes Mount Tamalpais State Park Unique
Mount Tam uniquely blends dramatic elevation changes. It transitions from fog-shrouded canyons to sunlit ridgelines. This supports diverse habitats: redwoods, oak woodlands, grasslands, and serpentine chaparral. The park is a cultural treasure too, with its historic Gravity Car Barn, the nearly century-old Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre (a natural stone amphitheater), and legend-rich trails once served by the famed scenic railroad.
Top Activities & Amenities
? Hiking Trails & Scenic Drives
The park boasts over 60 miles of maintained trails, connecting seamlessly to more than 200 miles of backcountry routes. Favorites include the wheelchair-accessible Verna Dunshee Trail, the Dipsea Trail to Stinson Beach, Steep Ravine, Cataract and Ben Johnson’s Ridge for waterfall chases. Panoramic drives along Ridgecrest Boulevard bring photo-worthy stops like Rock Springs and East Peak.
?️ Camping & Group Sites
First-come, first-served camping at Pantoll and Bootjack includes drinkable water, restrooms, fire rings and picnic tables. Group camping is available at Alice Eastwood Camp. For a unique seaside experience, the Steep Ravine Environmental Campground offers rustic cabins and walk-in wooded campsites by reservation.
?♂️ Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding & Rock Climbing
Mount Tam is recognized as the birthplace of modern mountain biking. It allows bikes on fire roads and select multi-use trails like Dias Ridge. Equestrians enjoy established routes from Bootjack and Pantoll. Rock climbers find varied routes in areas like Pantoll and near Bootjack.
? Wildlife Viewing & Interpretive Exhibits
The park thrives with wildlife: black-tailed deer, owls, hawks, and bobcats roam freely. Unique serpentine plant communities support rare species like Mount Tam jewelflower. Interpretive signage along trails and in the East Peak Visitor Center educates on geology, ecology and human history.
? Visitor Center, Amphitheater, & Ranger Programs
The East Peak Visitor Center (open weekends) and Gravity Car Barn museum host interpretive displays and sales. The Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre hosts the legendary Mountain Plays in spring, and stargazing evenings run April–October in partnership with volunteers. Regular ranger-led hikes and nature programs offer seasonal insights.
? Picnic Areas & Accessibility
Bootjack and East Peak picnic zones have accessible tables, restrooms, water, and fire rings. The Verna Dunshee Trail is 0.75-mile and wheelchair-friendly. Pantoll and Bootjack campgrounds feature accessible sites and facilities.
Visitor Tips
- Hours & Fees: Open daily 7 am–sunset. Parking ranges from $8–10 at East Peak, Pantoll and Bootjack via self-pay stations or card.
- Dog & Bike Rules: Pets on leash only in developed areas, fire roads, and select paved trails—no dogs on summit trails. Bikes allowed only on fire roads and authorized multi-use trails.
- Camping: No reservations at Pantoll and Bootjack—arrive early. Steep Ravine cabins and Alice Eastwood group camp require advance booking via ReserveCalifornia.
- Fire & Safety: Fires ONLY in provided rings during fire season. Beware of poison oak, ticks, rattlesnakes and mountain lions.
- Trail Closures: Steep Ravine trail remains closed between Dipsea and Pantoll—check current alerts before visiting.
- Accessibility: Accessible summit trail, restrooms, campsites and amphitheater seating available.
- Volunteer Work: Help maintain trails, host astronomy nights or interpret exhibits; parking permits available for volunteers.
- Traffic & Transit: Parks fill fast on weekends—carpool or take Golden Gate Transit shuttle from Stinson Beach to Pantoll.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
In spring, wildflower carpets—lupine, Indian pinks and poppies—blanket the lower slopes along Steep Ravine and Pan Toll. Early morning or late afternoon hikes deliver breathtaking light, serene summit views and cooler temperatures. For a magical theatre experience, attend the Mountain Play in May, where live performances blend with the mountain landscape. And don’t miss the monthly astronomy nights—volunteer-led telescope viewing from the amphitheater makes the sky come alive.