- 1). Go to the Point Reyes Peninsula and get on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, the main road into Point Reyes National Seashore. It will take you northeast along Tomales Bay and through the town of Inverness, then will climb up into the national seashore itself. Just after you see the sign identifying the border with the national seashore, look for Pierce Point Road on the right.
- 2). Turn right at the junction and follow Pierce Point Road until the pavement stops. The road ends at Pierce Point Ranch; leave your vehicle in the large parking area here, which also serves nearby McClures Beach. The Tomales Point trailhead is beside the ranch.
- 3). Start hiking. The trail is heavily traveled and well-maintained through much of its length. After about a mile, you will reach Windy Gap, where one of the inlets on Tomales Bay will come into view.
- 4). Watch out for elk at this point. When you left Pierce Point Ranch, you also entered a part of the national seashore called the Tule Elk Reserve. This subspecies of elk, once abundant in California, is now reduced in numbers and restricted to preserves. They are, however, plentiful here, and their numbers in the Tule Elk Reserve have increased to the point that hikers commonly see herds of 50 or more. Between July and September, on the weekends, look for park volunteers at the trailhead and on the trail. They are here to answer questions about the tule elk.
- 5). Continue toward Tomales Point; from here, the trail will climb and drop with some frequency. At about 3 miles, you will reach Lower Pierce Point Ranch, identifiable now only by the cluster of mature eucalyptus and cypress trees that grow here. At close to four miles, you will reach a sign directing you toward Tomales Point. The maintained trail ends here; after another mile through sand--a tough slog--you will reach the point. The trail ends at a cliff facing the sea. Be careful around the cliff.
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