East Peak Summit Trail

The East Peak Summit Trail climbs to the 2,572-foot summit of Mount Tamalpais, offering some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the San Francisco Bay Area. On clear days, hikers are rewarded with sweeping vistas encompassing the Marin Headlands, the Golden Gate Bridge, the entire Bay, and the distant Sierra Nevada snowpack. The trail winds through a mosaic of chaparral and oak woodland, with patches of exposed serpentine rock supporting rare endemic plant communities. Spring brings a riot of wildflowers along the slopes, while coastal fog adds a dramatic atmosphere in summer months. The East Peak area features a historic fire lookout tower dating to the 1930s, and interpretive panels explain the mountain's ecological and cultural significance. This out-and-back route demands sustained effort on its upper sections, but the summit rewards every step. Wildlife sightings including mule deer, coyotes, and red-tailed hawks are common. Parking at the East Peak lot is limited, so arrive early on weekends. The trail is part of a vast network allowing extensions toward Pantoll and the Coastal Trail.