Mount Tamalpais Trail Running: The Run With Everything

Mount Tamalpais — "Mt. Tam" to locals — rises 2,574 feet above the Pacific Ocean just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, and its trail network is one of the most varied and beautiful in California. A run here transitions between redwood canyons, open chaparral, coastal fog, and panoramic ridge views in rapid succession. It's the kind of run that makes you feel like you've been transported to multiple landscapes in the span of a single morning.

The Classic Loop: Pantoll to East Peak

The Matt Davis–Ridgecrest–Northside Loop from Pantoll Trailhead (elevation 1,500 ft) covers about 7.4 miles with 1,600 feet of climbing — a satisfying workout without being a sufferfest.

From Pantoll, take the Old Mine Trail east, climbing through mixed forest and chaparral to the ridgeline. Join Ridgecrest Boulevard briefly, then branch onto the trail toward East Peak (2,571 ft) — the summit has a fire lookout tower and 360-degree views that encompass the Bay, the Pacific, and on clear days, the Sierra Nevada.

Descend via the Northside Trail — a beautiful, shaded descent through Douglas fir and bay laurel — then cut back to Pantoll via the Matt Davis Trail, which contours along the south face of the mountain with open coastal views all the way back.

What Makes Mt. Tam Special

Variety. In 7 miles you'll run through at least four distinct ecosystems. The Matt Davis Trail segment has ocean views on clear mornings that feel surreal. The Northside Trail is cool even on hot summer days. And the summit views are legitimately world-class.

Tips

• Start early to beat both crowds and afternoon fog that rolls in off the Pacific and can drop visibility on the ridge to near zero.
• Coastal Trail extension: Add 2 miles by descending to Stinson Beach via the Coastal Trail, then climbing back. Worth it on a clear day.
• Mountain lions are present — make noise on narrow trail sections with limited visibility.
• Parking fee: $8/day at Pantoll Ranger Station. Arrive early on weekends — the lot fills by 9 AM.
• No water on the upper mountain — carry at least 1.5L from the car.

Gear Picks

• Grippy trail shoes — trails can be slick with morning dew
• Lightweight windshell — the ridge can be windy and foggy
• Soft-flask vest or handheld

Getting There

Pantoll Ranger Station is on Panoramic Highway, approximately 25 minutes from Mill Valley or 40 minutes from San Francisco via US-101 north to the Stinson Beach/Mount Tamalpais exit. Golden Gate Transit buses serve the area on weekends.

The Verdict

Mt. Tam is the Bay Area's best trail run, and it's not particularly close. If you're visiting the Bay and have one morning free for trail running, this is where to go. If you live within an hour's drive, you already know.