Tomales Point Tule Elk Reserve

The Tomales Point Trailhead is at the end of Pierce Point Road, a 40 minute driving time from Bear Valley Visitor Center in Point Reyes National Seashore. Park your car at the ranch and head north along the trail. The first 2 miles to windy gap are maintained and relatively easy, but the remaining trail to Tomales Point is a little rougher. This is an open trail through the Tule Elk Reserve. It offers spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. the Tule Elk are enclosed in the area so it's basically guaranteed you will see the animals.

The tule elk herds were hunted to near extinction by 1860. In the spring of 1978, two bulls and eight cows were brought in from the San Luis Island Wildlife Refuge near Los Banos. That summer, 6 of the cows bore calves. In the fall, 17 elk were released from the enclosure on Tomales Point. By the summer of 1988, the population was at 93 animals. The population in 2000 was over 400 elk. In 2009, over 440 were counted at Tomales Point.

Remember to keep your distance and pack your longest lens. These are wild animal and should not be approached. Enjoy the unparalleled views of the Pacific, the hike, and the large herds of elk on this great day trip from San Francisco.