Mount Tamalpais East Peak — Attraction in Larkspur

The thing about Mount Tamalpais is this: it doesn’t just sit there like some idle chunk of earth waiting for the casual stroller with a granola bar and a Fitbit. No, this beast leans into you, tilts the whole world on its side, and demands that you climb it with sweat in your eyes and dogs tugging at the leash like they’ve got an appointment in heaven.

The trail coils upward in long, green switchbacks—redwood shadows, damp earth, the smell of eucalyptus like an old hippie’s perfume clinging to the wind. The air sharpens as you climb, teeth in your lungs, and then—suddenly—you’re up and above it all. The madness of the Bay Area drowned beneath a rolling sea of clouds, like some god spilled shaving cream across the Pacific.

And there it is: San Francisco, a shining hallucination on the horizon, floating like Atlantis in the haze. The dogs sit there panting like deranged prophets, grinning at the panorama, while you try to hold it all in—this sense that you’ve slipped out of the normal, filthy grind of the world and stumbled onto a higher frequency.

Mount Tam doesn’t give you a view. It delivers a sermon. It tells you, in no uncertain terms, that the city is small, the ocean is vast, and life—when you get high enough above the static—is unbearably, terrifyingly beautiful.

A five-star hike, if your legs can take it. Bring water. Bring dogs. And bring a brain prepared to be rewired by altitude and the raw, unfiltered spectacle...

Omg such a beautiful spot. I have been searching for this for a very long time but always ended up somewhere else. This was my fourth attempt to finding this and I was able to make it. Omg what a gorgeous place, iam so glad I was able to find this place. I had some visitors with me from Australia and they were just mesmerized by the awesomeness of this place. We were lucky enough to go on a day when the whole place was surrounded by clouds and it literally felt we were on top of the world. I have never experienced such feeling in my life. I hope u all can go on a day like this also. *There's bathroom there in the beginning of two short trails which is easy. In the past I have seen questions like can you bring people who are maybe old or can't walk that far? The answer is totally..this trail is short and very very easy. It's flat 90 percent and the only climb that u won't even feel. *There's lot of parking Drive slow as driving there is super windy. There is a parking fee of $5 Picnic benches are available where you will...

Amazing views, history and great accessibility! Our first time visiting Mt. Tamalpais was a very misty/rainy afternoon. It was so much fun and wonder exploring the trails that we came back the next day to appreciate the beauty with clearer sky. The road up to the peak is fun, with plenty of pullouts and rest stops. Parking at the top is plentiful, though you’ll need to pay a park use fee, now simply done online. Totally worth it. This place is that good! The Verna Dunshee trail is paved and really easy for kids. It basically travels the perimeter of the peak, just about 1.0 mile. Enjoy the views, flora and fauna at each sign post. If you are feeling adventurous, just near the Gravity Car Barn is the trailhead to reach the Mt. Tam Fire Lookout. It starts out on flat wooden planks with a gradual incline, but then it’s entirely a rocky path. Wear shoes! At the top you’ll be rewarded with stunning 360 degree views.

Highly...