Field guide
Planning a Mount Tamalpais hike or trail run
Find official information for your Mount Tamalpais hike. Learn about trail rules for dogs and bikes, park hours, parking fees, and trail closures.
Mount Tamalpais State Park is located in Marin County, just north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. The park provides a network of trails for runners and hikers.
This guide contains official information about park operations. It covers hours, fees, facilities, and rules to help you prepare for a visit.
Official facts at a glance
- Type of place
- State Park
- Location
- Just north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, in Marin County
- Verna Dunshee Trail length
- 0.75-mile
- Old Mine Trail accessible portion length
- 0.4-mile
- Park hours
- Daily: 7:00 a.m. to Sunset, year round
- Parking fees
- Parking fees at East Peak, Pantoll, and Bootjack parking areas.
- Parking payment methods
- Credit cards at Pantoll (during business hours); cash or check self-registration at East Peak and Bootjack.
- Transit access
- West Marin Stage Coach
- Restrooms
- Available
- Drinking water
- Available
- Dog rules
- Allowed only on paved roads, Old Stage Fire Rd, Verna Dunshee Trail, in developed areas, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Must be on leash.
- Bike rules
- Allowed only on fire roads and Coast View Trail.
- Matt Davis Spur Trail closure
- Permanently closed from State Park boundary to its junction with Matt Davis Trail.
Source: Mount Tamalpais State Park (parks.ca.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Park hours and access
The park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to sunset, year round. Since the closing time varies with the season, it is important to check the sunset time before starting a late afternoon activity.
For those using public transportation, the park can be reached via the West Marin Stage Coach service.
Parking information and facilities
Parking fees are charged at the East Peak, Pantoll, and Bootjack parking areas. The payment method depends on the location.
Credit cards are accepted at the Pantoll lot during business hours. The East Peak and Bootjack lots require self-registration with cash or check. Restrooms and drinking water are available within the park.
Trail details and closures
The park contains trails of different lengths. The Verna Dunshee Trail is a 0.75-mile loop, and an accessible portion of the Old Mine Trail is 0.4-mile long.
One permanent closure affects route planning. The Matt Davis Spur Trail is closed from the State Park boundary to its junction with the Matt Davis Trail.
Rules for dogs and bikes on trails
Dogs must be on a leash and are only allowed in specific areas. These include paved roads, Old Stage Fire Rd, the Verna Dunshee Trail, campgrounds, and picnic areas.
Bicycles are also restricted to designated routes. They are permitted only on fire roads and the Coast View Trail.
Before you go
- Check the current sunset time, as the park closes at sunset.
- If driving, bring cash or a check for parking fees at the East Peak and Bootjack lots.
- Confirm trail access rules if you plan to visit with a dog or a bicycle.
- Note the permanent closure of the Matt Davis Spur Trail when planning your route.
- Plan your water needs for your time on the trails, though drinking water is available in the park.
Nearby options: running and active spots in San Francisco. All cities: City running and hiking guides.