The easy loop around the East Peak has incredible views on a clear day, and the short but rocky hike up to the peak leads to the Fire Lookout.
Location: Mount Tamalpais State Park
Length: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: easy
Shade: open
Parking: East Peak Visitor Center ($8/vehicle)
Public Transportation: none
WC: toilets at the Visitor Center
Dogs: not allowed on trails; only allowed in developed areas, and must be kept on leash
Hiked: December 2023
Trail Route & Notes
Both trails begin outside the Visitor Center. To hike the loop, look for the Verna Dunshee Trail. To hike up to the peak, look for the wooden planks leading up the hill.
Along the Verna Dunshee Trail, you’ll pass the Gravity Car Barn, where you can learn about the history of the train that used to carry visitors up the mountain. It’s usually open on weekend afternoons. The Visitor Center is also only open on weekend afternoons, but the bathrooms are always open.
We hiked this on a foggy morning, so we really didn’t get to enjoy any views. But the hike was pleasant regardless. I wish we’d been there when the Gravity Car Barn was open, as that seemed interesting.
A note about the difficulty of the trails: The Verna Dunshee Trail, looping around the peak, is considered an accessible trail and is quite level. The trail up to the peak, however, is very rocky and I advise wearing hiking boots. We saw a hiker climbing back onto the trail after slipping off into the bushes (it had rained recently and was a bit muddy). That said, it’s a short hike and I enjoyed clambering over the rocks.
