Turn around here if you desire a 6-mile (~10 km) round-trip hike.īeyond the Lower Pierce Point Ranch site, it is 1.7 miles to the tip of Tomales Point, but the trail is unmaintained, sandy, and is often overgrown. If you have yet to see elk, you'll likely see some here. But, if you are willing to proceed, you will soon arrive at a stock pond at the site of the Lower Pierce Point Ranch where elk, herons, and ducks can usually be seen. Beyond this "peak", the trail descends rather steeply over the next 0.75 miles (1.2 km). If you don't want to sweat much on the return hike, turn around here. This is a good destination at which to turn around for visitors wanting to do a shorter hike.Ĭontinuing north on the trail, one begins to ascend along the ridge crest to the highest location along the trail, located approximately 2.25 miles (3.6 km) from the trailhead. Looking beyond White Gulch, one has a view of Hog Island in Tomales Bay. This is a good location from which to view tule elk gathered at a perennial spring in the gulch below. One can catch the sun setting "into" the ocean and still have enough twilight to walk back to one's vehicle before dark.Īfter 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) with very little change in elevation, the trail drops a bit into a saddle, called Windy Gap, at the head of White Gulch. This is an opportune section of the trail to be on for sunset (so long as fog doesn't obscure the view). The first mile of the trail is fairly level and broad, with views looking west over the Pacific Ocean. The Tomales Point Trail is an out-and-back trail, so it provides visitors with the flexibility to choose how long they want to make their adventure. It is also a prime wildlife viewing trail, as it traverses through the Tule Elk Reserve. It offers spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. This trail rambles along the crest of an open ridge as it follows an old ranch road northwest. This hike starts from the Tomales Point Trailhead by passing along the west side of Pierce Point Ranch before veering west through coastal scrub to the top of tall coastal bluffs. To Tomales Point: 9.5 miles (15 km) roundtrip To Lower Pierce Point Ranch site: 6 miles (9.6 km) roundtrip
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |