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Head from old-growth redwoods to the top of one of the Bay Area's most iconic peaks.


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Map Key

8.7

Miles

13.9

KM

Out and Back

2,552' 778 m

High

138' 42 m

Low

2,416' 736 m

Up

2,416' 736 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

43%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views

Overview

This is a direct, bottom-to-top hike of Mount Tamalpais that gives you everything the mountain has to offer - from old-growth redwoods to panoramic summit views.

Need to Know

There is a $15 entrance fee, as well as an $8 to $11 fee to reserve a parking spot for Muir Woods when the visitor center is open. If driving a personal vehicle, you must make a reservation in advance. You can see the operating hours here.

Description

Start at Muir Woods. Be sure to get there early to find parking and avoid the crowds.

Take the Redwood Creek Trail and then go uphill on the Canopy View Trail through a dense forest of redwoods. At the top of the Canopy View Trail, cross Panoramic Highway near the Mountain Home Inn and continue toward the Throckmorton Fire Station, where you continue on the steep and sunny Hogback Fire Road to Old Railroad Grade.

Turn left on Old Railroad Grade and look for the small Fern Creek Trail on your right. Stay on the Fern Creek Trail until you get to the Mount Tamalpais summit parking lot. From there, take the Plankwalk Trail to the top. Reverse the route to get back.

Contacts

Shared By:

Miguel Vieira with improvements by Thomas Johnson

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 26 votes

#377

Overall
  4.8 from 26 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#59

in California

#377

Overall
36 Views Last Month
10,387 Since Dec 24, 2016
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Photos

Muir Woods
May 12, 2016 near Mill Va…, CA
Big trees are great all over in Muir Woods.
May 12, 2016 near Mill Va…, CA
Looking down on the city from Mt. Tam.
Jun 4, 2015 near Larkspur, CA
View from the East Peak.
Jun 4, 2015 near Larkspur, CA
Muir Woods
Jul 28, 2015 near Tamalpa…, CA
Muir Woods Canopy View Trail
May 12, 2016 near Mill Va…, CA

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