Tomales Point Trail @ Point Reyes National Seashore

 Wow, we had a great day trip today out to the Tomales Point trail in Point Reyes National Seashore. Although I have been to Pt. Reyes many times, I have never been on this trail, and I was super excited to do it!  I was waiting until the girls had their winter break, so we could go as a family.  Its a 52 mile, scenic drive to get there (even though its not very far as the crow flies).  You have to go all the way south around Tomales Bay to get there... but... boy is it a beautiful drive.   World class if you ask me.



The trail itself is an out and back trail, which at its full length is 9 miles.  I knew the girls wouldn't go for that, so we went about 2 1/4 miles in then back - for a total of 4 1/2 miles -- it seemed like this is what most people were doing as well.  Let me tell you about all the ways this hike was incredible:

1.  We pulled into the parking lot, and and BOOM we have an expansive, gorgeous view of Tomales Bay as well as tule elk grazing.   This trail goes through a tule elk reserve.  Tule elk were re-introduced to this area in the early 1970's after being wiped out by humans in the 1850s.  Their population has grown quite a bit since then -- there are about 300 as of 2017.

2. We set off on the trail, and its just epic view after epic view!   The trail is well maintained, and it was a good workout - some uphills, some downhills  - nothing steep.   We hiked to the highest point on trail, so we could see the views of the Pacific Ocean, Tomales Bay and Bodega Bay.  Here are some photos:

The girls... walking and talking:


Pacific Ocean:


Tomales Bay:




More uphill - they've got this:


South along the coast:


Enjoying the view of elk down below and American kites up above:


Bodega Bay and Bodega Head:


3.  The wildlife was spectacular!  We saw the elk many times and seals. We saw lots of birds: Kites, hawks, ravens, bluebirds, herons, egrets and many others.





4: As we were hiking back down, the sun was lowering and the moon was rising. The golden afternoon sun just made everything even more gorgeous!



5.  The whole family came:


No matter where you are coming from, its a long drive to get here, but it was so worth it!  We had a great day, great workout, and so, so good for the soul.  I highly recommend!


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