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The Tomales Point Trail is in the northern section of Point Reyes National Seashore. It is a 9.4 mile out-and-back trail that hugs the Pacific Coastline. The first (and last) 3 miles of the trail follow an old dirt ranch road and is well maintained while the rest of the trail is a sandy path.
On the day that we visited, our group wasn’t really up for a 9-mile hike, but we did want the see the Tule Elk, so we decided to hike the maintained section of the trail. This trail runs through the Tule Elk Reserve. Nearly extinct in the 1970, the Tule Elk were reintroduced to the Tomales peninsula, where they had once thrived in the grasslands.
Today, there are about 300 elk living in the Reserve. So we set off on the Tomales Point Trail, determined to see some elk. We met a park ranger along the way who pointed us in the right direction and we did see a herd about 2.5 miles in, grazing in the tall grass above Tomales Bay.
Point Reyes Posts:
- Point Reyes National Seashore
- Point Reyes Lighthouse
- Tomales Point Trail
Location: Pierce Point Rd, Inverness, CA 94937
Designation: National Seashore
Date established/designated: September 13, 1962
Date of my visit: August 15, 2012
Brings back memories – visited Point Reyes Station during one of my Navy midshipman cruises in college. Point Reyes Station is a gateway to the Point Reyes National Seashore. I’m sure it’s not maintained any more, but there might be some historical marker designating. Wish the elk has been there at that time…Great photos, Theresa.
Wow! The town outside the park is still called point Reyes Station, nut we didn’t see anything there except a fancy deli where we picked up a a bag lunch for our day in the park
One of our favourite places near the Bay Area. We walked this area several times when visiting our son while he was at UC Berkeley. Thanks for the memories. Allan
One of our favorites too. Thanks for reading and commenting 😊
What!?! I’m posting about Point Reyes this week too! You rock! We didn’t see elk close enough to photograph though!
Lol, my posts are scheduled out several months in advance. This was the only time we saw elk…didn’t even know about them on the other visits.
Wonderful photography, Theresa. Enjoyed this visit.
Thanks 😊. I am so glad you enjoyed it!
That’s a very neat place!
Thanks 😊. Yes it is!
Hiked that trail out to its end many times over the years. Pt. Reyes was my easy escape from Sacramento for years. its a beautiful are with great hiking trails. I’ve even backpacked there. –Curt
Cool 😎
What an interesting post. We would love to see the tule elk. We’ll have to add Point Reyes to our list.
Thanks
Thanks 😊. I see something different each time I go there…it’s a great park.
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