Mt. Tamalpais State Park Visitor Center — Attraction in Mill Valley

Definitely a gem in the Bay Area. The drive up to the parking lot is definitely a bit intense if one has not driven on hilly roads with turns. The way to the visitor center is full of stops with amazing views and hiking opportunities. Once you have parked, there are multiple options for hikes with different levels of difficulty. The paved trail (Dunshee) around the peak is just a stroll and offers this platform (video) for a view of the whole Bay Area. A moderate hike take you to the top of the hill with hit like structure. Great feeling of being on top of the world!

PS: There is a parking fee of $8 that you are expected to put in an envelope (cash and...

Mount Tamalpais is a jewel of the North Bay, CA. Set your GPS to the State Park visitor center. Once inside, you are out in the nature, leaving the city and its ultra-fast pace, traffic, internet all behind! A 0.3 mile steep and almost all unpaved trail takes you to the Fire Lookout with great panoramic scenery. While the trail is short It can be arduous in a sunny afternoon; be cautious on your feet and do it only if you think you safely can. For the fit and motivated this might be just...

I lived in the Bay Area for many years. One thing that I had never done was take the trail to the top of Mt. Tamalpais. I wanted to do this, all was well at the start. The trail is poorly maintained and became too dangerous for this older lady so I turned back while the other three in my party went on. The feedback when they returned was that I chose wisely.

I was disappointed, but enjoyed my time walking the various trails as much as was safe. Also, such good air -...