Hike the Tomales Point Trail to Windy Gap

Coastal fog and spring wildflowers add to the beauty of a hike on Tomales Point trail.

NPS / A. Kopshever

Distance to Windy Gap: 2 miles (3.2 km) roundtrip

This hike starts from the Tomales Point Trailhead by passing along the west side of Pierce Ranch before veering west through coastal scrub to the top of tall coastal bluffs. The trail follows an old ranch road northwest with spectacular views of the Tomales Point Headlands and the Pacific Ocean.

This is an opportune section of the trail to be on for sunset (so long as fog doesn't obscure the view). One can catch the sun setting "into" the ocean and still have enough twilight to walk back to one's vehicle before dark.

It is also a prime wildlife viewing trail, as it traverses through an area where most hikers see tule elk. After 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) with very little change in elevation, the trail drops a bit into a saddle, called Windy Gap, at the head of White Gulch. This is a good location from which to view tule elk gathered at a perennial spring in the gulch below. Looking beyond White Gulch, one has a view of Hog Island in Tomales Bay.

This is a good destination and turn-around location for visitors wanting a shorter hike. Visit our Hike the Tomales Point Trail page for information about the trail north of Windy Gap.

This route description alone is not a substitute for a trail map. Print out the park's Tomales Point Map (1,116 KB PDF) and North District trail map (3,409 KB PDF) before your visit, or pick one up at a visitor center on your way.

Always check current conditions before heading out into the park and familiarize yourself with park regulations.

The Tomales Point Trail is mostly within the Phillip Burton Wilderness. Please practice Leave No Trace principles.

Visit the park's Hiking at Point Reyes National Seashore page for hiking tips and information about trail etiquette and safety.

Visit the park's Trail Advisories and Closures page for current information about closed trails, trails blocked by trees, or other temporary hazards or advisories.

Visit the park's Tomales Point, Pierce Ranch, and Tule Elk page for more information about other points of interest and activities in the immediate vicinity.

Details

Duration

40-90 Minutes

The Tomales Point Trail is an out-and-back trail. Allow 40 to 60 minutes to hike to Windy Gap and back. Allow for more time for viewing elk.

Activity

Hiking

Age(s)

All ages.

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are prohibited on the Tomales Point Trail and everywhere else on Tomales Point beyond Pierce Point Road and the parking lots. Visit the park's Pets page to learn where pets are welcome at Point Reyes National Seashore.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Tomales Point Trailhead, Point Reyes National Seashore

Allow 35 minutes driving time from Bear Valley to the Tomales Point Trailhead, located at the north end of Pierce Point Road. Tomales Point is the northernmost peninsula within Point Reyes National Seashore, located between Tomales Bay on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west.
Directions to Bear Valley
Directions from Bear Valley to Tomales Point Trailhead

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Winter

The heaviest rainfall occurs in the winter months. Come prepared for rain and drizzle to possibly last for several days. In between winter rains, it is often sunny, calm, and cool.

Spring

Most spring days are windy and Tomales Point frequently experiences strong breezes. Expect cool temperatures in March. By late May and early June, temperatures can be quite pleasant, even warm.

Summer

Although there is very little rain during summer months, there is often dense fog throughout the day in July, August and September with temperatures often 20 degrees cooler than at Bear Valley.

Fall

The coastal areas of Point Reyes experience some of the clearest days in late September, October and early November. The occasional storm will start rolling through in late October, bringing clouds, wind, and rain. The strongest winds occur in November and December during occasional southerly gales.

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Point Reyes National Seashore is open for day-hiking from 6 am to midnight.

Accessibility Information

The Tomales Point Trail does not meet criteria for being accessible. However, the first mile (1.6 miles) of the Tomales Point Trail is fairly level and wide with mostly hard-packed soil.