Temelpa Trailhead — Attraction in Mill Valley

Last day of January 2021 was a perfect weather to hiking up to East Peak of Mt Tamalpais. My hike was 5 miles out & back, and 1,789 feet of elevation gain. This is a moderately to difficult hike of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, CA. The Tempelpa trailhead has only 4 parking spaces at Fern Canyon/ Summit Ave. The climb is short but has a huge elevation gain during the hike. Yes, it was steep, but really fun, since it has a lot of loose and uneven rocks. But on the way down was hard on the knees and legs. The trail offers an spectacular views of Richmond Bridge, Mount Diablo, Golden Gate Bridge, San Rafael Bridge, and San Francisco Bay in the distance. The 360 degrees views on the top offers an incredible surrounding landscape, A lot of boulders to climb( perfect picturesque). This is one of the most BREATHTAKING views in Bay Area. There’s a short trail to scenic overlook leads a spectacular views, which I’d recommend. All over, it was great cardio both on the way up and down. A good pair of hiking shoes is must, trekking poles are life saver on descent. Mt Tam is the...

Oh boy, if you stay on the Temelpa trail, be prepared for a hard hike. I'm surprised there are few reviews about how vertical this trail is. It's like a 60%+ grade almost all up a rocky creek bed for the first two miles. While the view and adventure is completely and totally worth it, I do not recommend this trail for beginner hikers or those with concerns regarding their knees or back. Now that it's wetter, hiking shoes with traction on wet surfaces are highly recommended. The first two miles require a lot of crouching and climbing over uneven rocks, so tall people be warned. When the trees break, you will have an Epic view primarily south (towards Marin) and east (Richmond and the San Rafael bridge). It's a hard climb, but feels like an adventure and is totally worth it if you are up for the challenge. Otherwise, stick to the paved and...

The Temelpa Trail is a challenging (for beginners), yet a rewarding hike that’s perfect for hikers looking for a good workout.

The trail is steep and rocky, with an elevation gain of nearly 1,800 feet over 4.7 miles (round trip), so it’s definitely not for beginners.

However, the stunning views from the top, which include the San Francisco Bay and the Marin Headlands, make the effort worthwhile.

The path is well-marked, though the steep inclines can be tough on the knees, so sturdy shoes and plenty of water are a must.

Overall, it’s a great trail if you’re up for a challenge and want to experience some of the best views in...