Tomales Point Trailhead — Attraction in Sebastopol

We spent about 5 hours completing this 9.4 miles trail (~15 kms).

Starting with the good things.

We went on a Monday late morning so finding a parking spot was easy. I am not sure about how crowded it is on weekends. The day was clear with a cool breeze and several wildflowers, unique birds, deer and elk on the way. View of the Pacific kept me going.

Downside is that there is no water or toilets on the way or at this parking lot, so plan accordingly. Last 2 miles stretch was confusing and very narrow. There were no signboards and the overgrown vegetation had masked the real path. Thorns pierced through my hiking shoes. Please wear covered clothes. Especially on your legs. There are loose sand patches which make it difficult to walk. Your shoes get filled with sand.

We got lost for a few minutes until we saw some other folks in a distance. It was difficult to guess how much farther the end point is. Maps were not working.

I got severe sun burns from this trip. It is not a shaded path. You need to keep applying sunscreen and hope it works. I missed doing that.

Check my pics and videos.

Overall, I am proud of being able to walk this much at one go for the first time in my life. It was an experience. But not coming back here. One time is more than enough for me. I will go to a beach or a zoo to watch...

Estimated 200 feet of elevation gains only. Good trail for anyone not so in-shape. Wide trails with gradual inclines at most. Sand is not deep and cushions your steps.

Mom's never been out here to see the Elk, so a definite must we finally could check off the list. We decided to only go as far as she had energy for. We brought lunch and sat on the trailside ground to eat.

She had no complaints as she's regaining her knee & ankle strength. The trail was ultimately smooth the whole way.

We only made it about a quarter of the way down the entire trail one way. I estimate about 8 to 9 miles round trip.

We came across a pair female Elk between some bushes at the first peak. Shortly later, we found the herd grazing on the oceanside slope. They were larger than I remembered! By the time we made it back to the car, I spotted movement on the distant hill from the parking lot. I pulled out the binoculars and gave them to mom telling her where I spotted the large buck Elk. It had a huge rack of antlers, about 2 feet high! It barely moved from the top of that hill for a good 15-20 minutes and mom...

It is a perfect blend of accessibility and natural beauty, ideal for the whole family, including young kids. This trail, less than 10 miles long with around 1,000 feet in elevation gain, is pleasantly manageable and not overly strenuous. As you meander along, you're treated to the dynamic views of the ocean, observing the tides shift from high to low, adding a serene backdrop to your journey.

One of the highlights is the opportunity to capture the majestic elks in their natural habitat, making for an unforgettable photographic moment. The path is adorned with a vibrant array of wildflowers, seamlessly blending into the scenic beauty of the trail. It's a wonderful spectacle that reminds you of the simple joys nature offers.

This trail is what you would expect when looking to enjoy the gifts of nature. It invites you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the outdoors, appreciate the wildlife, and take in the breathtaking landscapes that change with the tides. It's an experience that's both grounding and uplifting, encouraging everyone to come and embrace the wonders of the...