Mount Our Mission

The mission of California State Parks is

Tamalpais
to provide for the health, inspiration and
education of the people of California by helping
to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological
The panorama from
diversity, protecting its most valued natural and the 2,571-foot peak
State Park cultural resources, and creating opportunities
for high-quality outdoor recreation. is breathtaking.
On a clear day, view the
Farallon Islands out to
California State Parks supports equal access. sea, the Marin County
Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who
need assistance should contact the park at hills, Mount Diablo, San
(415) 388-2070. If you need this publication in an
alternate format, contact [email protected]. Francisco, and the hills
CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS and cities of the bay.
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
For information call: (800) 777-0369
(916) 653-6995, outside the U.S.
711, TTY relay service

www.parks.ca.gov

SaveTheRedwoods.org/csp

Mount Tamalpais State Park

801 Panoramic Highway
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 388-2070 · www.parks.ca.gov/mttamalpais
© 2007 California State Parks (Rev. 2016)
 This was later changed to the Miwok word Conservation Efforts
tamalpais (tam-al-pie-us), which, roughly Over the years, millions have flocked to
translated, means “bay mountain” or the mountain, affectionately called “Mount
“coast mountain.” Tam,” to relish the spectacular views and
Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway hike its trails. Generations of Mount Tam
Residents of San Francisco, whose population enthusiasts have worked hard to protect
exploded after the 1848 gold discovery, used the mountain and keep it open to the
Mount Tamalpais for recreational purposes. public. The oldest of these citizen groups
Trails were developed, and a wagon road was is the Tamalpais Conservation Club,
built to the top of the mountain in 1884. organized in 1912. In 1928 William Kent, an
The Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway, ardent Marin County conservationist, and
completed in 1896, carried visitors to the his wife donated 200 acres of land in Steep
mountaintop and the Summit Tavern, a Ravine to help create Mount Tamalpais
hotel and restaurant. The slope from Mill State Park. The park was later enlarged
Valley to the summit was so steep that through the efforts of several hiking
the railroad had to negotiate 281 curves, clubs, led by the Tamalpais Conservation
equivalent to 42 complete circles, billing Club. These organizations orchestrated a
itself as the “Crookedest Railroad in the grassroots campaign to purchase additional
World.” In the section known as the land for the state park.
CULTURAL HISTORY “Double Bow Knot,” the track paralleled
itself five times within 200 yards. In
Native People 1907 the “gravity car” was designed to
The Coast Miwok lived on or near Mount transport visitors from the top of the
Tamalpais, staying near water sources mountain to the redwood-filled canyon
throughout present-day Marin County. These of Muir Woods. Requiring only gravity
Native Californians hunted small animals and a brake, open-air rail cars carried
and deer, collected acorns, and gathered passengers down the mountain to
flora, marsh plants, and shellfish. They made Muir Woods at an exhilarating 12 mph.
baskets and clamshell disk beads, trading The railroad and gravity cars allowed
them for locally unobtainable resources, sightseers to travel from Mill Valley to
such as high-grade obsidian from Lake the summit, down to the Woods, and
County tribes. The Coast Miwok had a rich back to Mill Valley.
culture and a complex and intricate language. The Scenic Railway’s famous gravity
However, their way of life changed soon after cars were popular until the advent of
the arrival of Europeans. the automobile and the construction of
In 1770 two explorers, Captain Pedro Fages Ridgecrest Boulevard in 1925. A gravity
and Father Juan Crespí, named the mountain car replica is displayed at the Gravity Gravity car on Mount Tam’s
La Sierra de Nuestro Padre de San Francisco. Car Barn on East Peak. Scenic Railway, ca. 1900
THE STATE PARK TODAY coralroot, fetid adder’s tongue, and Pacific Animal Life
Now one of the oldest and most popular trillium are among the plants that hide in the Raccoons, gray foxes, squirrels, bobcats,
units of the California State Park System, deep shade of the forest. coyotes, black-tailed deer, and mountain
the park has grown to 6,300 acres. The Redwood Forest lions sometimes roam the slopes. Bears
Completely surrounding Muir Woods Mount Tam’s legendary Steep Ravine Trail and elk once wandered the land, but they
National Monument, the park is bordered leads hikers along Webb Creek through vanished as a result of hunting and ranching
by Marin Municipal Water District land on a stand of tall redwood trees. The sound before the park was established.
the north and by the Golden Gate National of rushing water prepares visitors for the Birdwatchers can view more than 150
Recreation Area on the northwest and south. fragrance of damp earth and the sight of species of birds within or very near the
ferns along the creek’s banks. The redwoods park. Red-tailed hawks, northern harriers,
NATURAL HISTORY and turkey vultures soar over the open
form a canopy above the water cascading
Geology over the rocks. Alongside the cascade, hikers grasslands by day, while the sounds of great
Many people think the 2,571-foot peak is must climb a steep ladder to return to the horned, spotted, barn
the remnant of an extinct volcano. However, beginning of this beautiful trail. and screech owls fill the
geologists believe that Mount Tamalpais Although the park can be foggy year round, night. The hollow drilling
was created due to its location near the some scientists are concerned that increased of pileated, acorn, and
San Andreas Fault, one of the world’s most temperatures and decreased fog due to hairy woodpeckers adds
active faults. Over time, the mountain has climate change may threaten the survival of to the forest sounds. Along
risen from the earth’s crust, while erosion the coast redwoods environment. the coastline, there are
has left only solid rock exposed in the numerous oceanic and
highest peaks and ridges. intertidal birds to identify.
Common rock types here are graywacke Red-tailed hawk
(sandstone), shale, greenstone, chert, quartz RECREATION
tourmaline, and the easily identified green Hiking — Hikers enjoy more than 60 miles
serpentine, California’s official state rock. of park trails, connecting to a 200-mile trail
system over land managed by the Marin
Plant Life
Municipal Water District and the Golden
The varied topography and soils of the
Gate National Recreation Area.
park support a tremendous diversity of
Cycling — Road bikers are challenged by
plant life. More than 750 plant species can
the infamous Seven Sisters climb and the
be found in the park. Hikers pass through
twisting road to the top. Mountain bikers can
open grassland, chaparral, and oak-covered
knolls, or they descend through dense enjoy the Coast View and Dias Ridge multi-
stands of Douglas-fir and California laurel use trails as well as park fire roads.
into deep, fern- and redwood-filled canyons. Day Use — Bootjack, on Panoramic Highway
In spring the slopes of Mount Tam east of Pantoll, has picnic tables for up to 50
come alive with the vibrant colors of people, stoves, water, and flush toilets.
wildflowers. Hillsides are sprinkled with East Peak summit has picnic tables, an
California poppies, lupines, Douglas irises, accessible restroom, and a visitor center
goldfields, and shooting stars. Spotted staffed on weekends.
 a small wood stove, picnic ACCESSIBLE FEATURES
table, sleeping platforms, and • The accessible half-mile Verna Dunshee
an outdoor barbecue, but Trail at East Peak has fantastic bay views.
no running water. Restrooms Accessible tables, restrooms, and drinking
and water faucets are nearby. fountains are nearby.
Reservations are required. • Spectacular vistas may also be seen from
The Alice Eastwood an accessible .4-mile portion of the Old
Group Camp, located on the Mine Trail from Pantoll Station and .25
Panoramic Highway near the miles of the McKennan Trail.
Mountain Home Inn, has two • Pantoll and Bootjack each have accessible
sites for organized groups of
camping, restrooms, and parking.
25 to 50 people. Both sites
• Cabin #1 and environmental campsite #7
Spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay area can have tables, grills, and a
be seen from the Verna Dunshee Trail near East Peak. at Steep Ravine are accessible.
large tent spot.
• The Mountain Theater has a wheelchair
Frank Valley Group Horse
Mountain Theater — The 3,750-seat Camp, on Muir Woods Road about one mile platform on the right side of the theater.
Mountain Theater, officially named the north of Hwy. 1 at Muir Beach, has tables, • The Mountain Play Association offers
Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre, was built fire rings, drinking water, pit toilets, horse signed performances and descriptive
of natural stone in the 1930s by the Civilian troughs, and corrals for up to 12 horses. services during the first three play
Conservation Corps at Steep Ravine. Visit www.parks.ca.gov/mttamalpais or performances each season. For more
Each spring since 1913, the Mountain call (800) 444-7275 for campground and cabin information, call the Mountain Play
Play Association theatrical company has reservation information. Reservations may be Association at (415) 383-1100.
presented outdoor productions of Broadway made seven months in advance.
musicals. For dates and reservations of INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS
Mountain Theater performances, contact the At East Peak, a visitor center and recreated
Mountain Play Association at (415) 383-1100. Gravity Car Barn are open as volunteer
To hold special events in the park, see the staffing allows. At the Mountain Theater,
park event application at www.parks.ca.gov. free astronomy programs with telescope
Camping — Bootjack and Pantoll viewings take place on select Saturday
campgrounds, on Panoramic Highway, each nights April through October. Elsewhere on
have 15 first-come, first-served sites about 100 the mountain, guided hikes are offered year
yards from the parking area. Both campsites round. Visit www.parks.ca.gov/mttamalpais
offer drinking water, firewood, and restrooms or www.friendsofmttam.org for details and
with flush toilets. There are no showers. links to interpretive programs and events,
Rocky Point /Steep Ravine Environmental such as free guided weekend and moonlight
Campground, on a marine terrace one mile hikes. Inquire at the Pantoll Ranger Kiosk
south of Stinson Beach, has seven primitive about self-guided hikes and ranger-led
sites and nine rustic cabins. Each cabin has programs for schools and other groups.
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© 2010 California State Parks (Rev. 2016)
• Camping and fires are permitted only in designated areas.
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(415) 435-5390 GGNRA G AT E

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This park is supported in part through the posted hiking trails. (415) 456-0766 Green Gulch
Farm and R E C R E AT I O N Tra il
Friends of Mt. Tam • Be alert for poison oak, rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and ticks. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Zen Center
ay

Pacific

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Middle Green 800
P.O. Box 7064, Corte Madera, CA 94976

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• Bus transit serves the park. Visit www.marintransit.org or call 1 Way Gulch Trail
15 miles west of San Rafael on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard

lch
(bikes uphill only)
(415) 258-2410 • www.friendsofmttam.org Muir Beach Kaasi AREA

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511 or (415) 526-3239 for schedules and stops. (415) 488-9897 Overlook Fire Road Green
P MUIR BEACH

to Coastal Trail
P