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Mount Tamalpais State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,124 Google reviews · Running trail in Mill Valley, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Mount Tamalpais State Park'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.
What runners say about Mount Tamalpais State Park
“Apart from the great view it was also a good workout and a great way to exert kids energy so they can get a good nights rest afterwards.”
If you haven’t watched the sun set from Mount Tam, you’re seriously missing out. This place doesn’t just give you views—it gives you drama. I came up right before golden hour, and what I saw felt like something out of a dream.
Went to Mount Tamalpais for the first time with my wife and we loved it. The views and sunset were amazing. The only downside is parking — if you’re not there early, it can be hard to find a spot and you might have to walk a bit. It also gets pretty cold and windy around sunset, so bring something warm.
You can drive all the way to the top visitor center. Parking is $6.50 for whole day. Cute visitor center (only open in weekends 10a-4p) with snacks/ drinks and gifts. There is Gravity Car Barn (open weekends 10a-4p). There are three short trails, worth exploring.
Upon exploring where to do a family of 6 hike in the bay area, I stumbled on Mount Tamalpais on Google. I read the previous reviews and absolutely agreed with those that said the drive to the parking lot was an adventure. Long winding roads and views along the way. It was great!
Trail conditions & character
“Mount Tamalpais is truly a dream backdrop for photos — golden light, sweeping mountain views, and that signature coastal haze that makes everything feel cinematic.”
“The only downside is parking — if you’re not there early, it can be hard to find a spot and you might have to walk a bit.”
“Got really lucky today that visibility was exceptionally far, we could see SF and Oakland from the hill top, air was nice, the trails were easy to walk.”
“I love the West Ridge Loop because it gives me a perspective of the whole Bay Area without the noise of the city.”
“Mount Tamalpais is truly a dream backdrop for photos — golden light, sweeping mountain views, and that signature coastal haze that makes everything feel cinematic.”
“one bad thing about that place is that is not restrooms, it was only two portable ones and was really nasty to go in them.”
“we took our dog and was only a few spots where they could walk.”
Plan your run at Mount Tamalpais State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparks.ca.gov
- Phone+1 415-388-2070
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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.
Muir Woods National Monument
4.8 ★★★★★ 20,544 reviews
Scenic, forested park featuring giant redwood trees, long hiking trails, a visitor center & more.
Cascade Falls Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 420 reviews
Short walk through redwood trees along a creek to a cascading waterfall.
