Accessible Trail: Yes (asphalt path)
Mileage: 0.75 mile loop
Mt. Tamalpais is Marin County's most recognizable peak and is often considered to be the symbolic heart of the county. East Peak rises more that 2,500 feet, standing guard along the northern end of the Golden Gate. The mountain is home to a great range of biological diversity, with ecosystems that include oak woodlands, redwood forests and coastal chaparral. Great views can be found all over the park, but few come close to the stunning 360 degree views from atop East Peak along the Verna Dunshee Trail.
As you arrive in the parking area atop East Peak, you're at the terminus of an old rail line that brought people to the top of the mountain from 1896 to 1925. The trip along the Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway started in Mill Valley and zig-zagged its way up the mountain. The railway had 281 curves, enough to complete 42 circles, and earned its nickname as "The World's Crookedest Railroad." You can learn much more about this interesting rail line at the nearby Visitors Center, located on the north end of the parking area.
Once you've had a chance to view the exhibits, head east toward the Verna Dunshee Trail. Almost immediately you're met with a spectacular view of San Francisco and the East Bay. In the distance, Mount Diablo can be found peeking over the East Bay hills. The views keep getting better as you circle the mountain in a counterclockwise fashion, with an observation deck about 1/4 mile from the start of the trail.
As you make your way north along the trail, the view turns to the hills of the Coast Range and the lakes of the Marin County Municipal Water District. The deep blues of Bon Tempe Lake, Alpine Lake and Lake Lagunitas are a beautiful contrast to the gold and green of the rolling hills.
The trail takes you west, opening to wide views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. On clear days, the Farallon Islands are visible 30 miles from the Golden Gate. As you near the completion of the loop tail an exhibit showing a "gravity car" can be found. The gravity cars were an open-air rail car that transported people to nearby Muir Woods, and needed only gravity and a brake to operate.
Once you've completed the loop, accessible picnic areas offer great views while you enjoy a snack. A fitting end to a trail filled with great views..
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