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Mount Tamalpais East Peak
4.9 ★★★★★ 1,341 Google reviews · Running trail in Mill Valley, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Mount Tamalpais East Peak's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Quarter-mi. trail with dramatic valley views, plus picnic tables, restrooms & drinking fountains.
What runners say about Mount Tamalpais East Peak
“This is a fun and short hike around the peak, offering stunning views of San Francisco and the bay.”
Amazing views, history and great accessibility! Our first time visiting Mt. Tamalpais was a very misty/rainy afternoon. It was so much fun and wonder exploring the trails that we came back the next day to appreciate the beauty with clearer sky. The road up to the peak is fun, with plenty of pullouts and rest stops.
Not my first BUT hiking up the .3 miles to the summit with my two friends with our bicycles made it epic..check the pictures out...my friend Terry was going for Husband of the Year!!! I think he has it in the bag!!! Tam is hands down the best ride of the 4 rideable Peaks of the Bay Area!!!! I have ridden them all...
This is a fun and short hike around the peak, offering stunning views of San Francisco and the bay. We visited on a weekday, and it was pleasantly uncrowded. Parking is $8, and the trail is accessible to people with various mobility levels. Highly recommend!
Was a beautiful Sunday afternoon when we arrived. The ride up was windy and fun. There was plenty of parking available. Parking is self managed and only $4, don't be cheap, just pay it. The Gravity Car Barn was open and the docents were super friendly and knowledgeable.
Trail conditions & character
“This is a fun and short hike around the peak, offering stunning views of San Francisco and the bay.”
“, there is plenty of parking ($8 cash), and a bathroom did the hike up to top last year so this time just the walk around”
“It starts out on flat wooden planks with a gradual incline, but then it’s entirely a rocky path.”
“It's uphill and the first portion is paved then wood planks then steps, but after that it's dirt and rocks.”
“There’s a hidden museum that lots of people have no idea exist on that top of hill; see pictures and enjoy!”
“Parking is $8, and the trail is accessible to people with various mobility levels.”
“We hiked the Verna Dunshee loop (very mellow hike with gorgeous views), and hiked up to the fire lookout (a little taxing, but ok for an out of shape 50+ year old.”
“, there is plenty of parking ($8 cash), and a bathroom did the hike up to top last year so this time just the walk around”
Plan your run at Mount Tamalpais East Peak
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Phone(415) 388-2070
Running trails near Mill Valley
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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