OUR HIKES
Blithedale Ridge
Tennessee Valley
Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Fire Road
Matt Davis to West Point Inn
Hikes with Fido
Elinor Fire Road to Blithedale Ridge
Dipsea Stairs to Tenderfoot Trail
Bald Hill
Muir Beach
Special Request Tours
Tam & Ride
Surf & Turf Package
Turf & Turf Package
Singles Tour
Rock Walks with Ross
Reflector Art Hike
Mill Valley Events
Hiking Tours
How do I reserve my hike?
Tam Hiking Tours offers featured hikes on Mt Tamalpais (and surrounding areas) 4 days a week.
Dates and times are subject to change depending on the season. See our calendar for this month’s fixed schedule. Don't like booking online?
to schedule your hike. 415.279.1280.
Tam Hiking Tours offers personalized tours for individuals, groups, and schools 7 days a week.
Personalized tours on Mt. Tamalpais (and around) are booked on an individual basis and created especially for your interests, abilities, and time frame.
to learn more. 415.279.1280.
Tips are always appreciated!
Blithedale Ridge
Cost: $65 per person
Hiking time: ~ 3 hours
Skill level: Moderate. Should be comfortable on steep singletrack trails with occasional stream crossings, weather and water flow permitting. Trail/hiking shoes recommended.
Special considerations: Dogs must be leashed for segments of this tour.
Blithedale Ridge
From the West Blithedale Gate in Mill Valley, we meander along picturesque Old Railroad Grade Fire Road to Corte Madera Creek Trail - a singletrack trail resplendent with canopies of tall Redwoods, Oak and Bay trees, and elegant ferns settled near the creek’s edge. Corte Madera Trail provides us with the elevation gain needed to make our way to the ridge top. At the end of Corte Madera Creek Trail we select either Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Road or Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Trail (which features Echo Rock) to complete the last leg up to Blithedale Ridge Fire Road, commonly referred to as the Roller Coaster. We continue eastward to enjoy spectacular panoramas in all directions.
Blithedale Ridge offers what many consider to be the most spectacular views of Mount Tamalpais, as well as fabulous vistas of Mill Valley and Richardson Bay, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Ross, San Anselmo and Bald Hill, Mount Diablo and the East Bay, and San Francisco, which when viewed from this perspective brings to mind the Emerald City in the movie classic, The Wizard of Oz.
If desired this hike can be extended or modified to avoid difficult terrain. (Hiking time alterations are subject to price change.)
Tennessee Valley
1) Main road ~ 1.5 hours (~ 3.4 miles) Easy-moderate
A lovely walk to Tennessee Valley Beach along a level road flanked by rolling hills and ocean bluffs clothed in a changing variety of hues, depending on the season; shimmering emerald green in the winter, lush green native grasses with blue lupine, orange poppy, yellow buttercup, pink checker bloom, blue eyed grass and other bright wildflowers in the spring, and in the summer and fall, muted blends of brown, gold and green mixed with monkey flower, fennel and sagebrush.
Fresh ocean breezes, and often coastal fog, spill into Tennessee Valley pulled by warm inland air. This combination of ocean brine mixed with eucalyptus and sage is both intoxicating and invigorating.
2) Fox Trail ~ 3 hours Moderate - strenuous
This tour is for those who desire a more vigorous hike. The payoff is well worth the effort. Spectacular ocean and city panoramas emerge almost immediately as we hike to the top of Fox Trail where it intersects with the Coastal Trail. On clear days the Farallon Islands are clearly visible 30 miles off shore, while Mt. Tamalpais and Pt. Reyes Peninsula reside to the North. Prepare to see wildlife of many kinds, hear the faraway sounds of ships and foghorns, and breath in the heavenly scent of cool ocean air and coastal sage. No day is the same on this spectacular trail.
Hoo-Koo-E-Koo
Fire Road
Cost: $75 per person
Hiking time: ~ 3.5 - 4 hours
Skill level: Moderate –strenuous. Should be comfortable on steep singletrack trails with occasional stream crossings, weather and water flow permitting. Trail/hiking shoes recommended.
Special considerations: Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Fire Road is utilized by mountain biking enthusiasts and has many blind curves. Dogs must be leashed during segments of this tour.
Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Fire Road
From the West Blithedale Gate in Mill Valley we follow the Old Railroad Grade Fire Road up steep Corte Madera Creek Trail to Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Road. We turn south onto relatively level Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Road for approximately 1.5 miles to enjoy absolutely breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding Bay Area including beautiful Sausalito, San Francisco, Mt. Diablo and the East Bay, and the east peak of Mt.Tamalpais. As we make our way back we either continue on the Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Road to where it feeds into Fern Canyon Road or step down Temelpa stairs to a singletrack trail to that feeds into Fern Canyon Road. There we select either the Old Railroad Grade or choose from a variety of quaint Mill Valley residential streets all of which bring us back to W. Blithedale Gate.
This hike is particularly beautiful during late afternoon when wind currents are shifting from warm to cool - as often occurs in the summer, or when ocean fog is spilling over nearby ridges. Hiking time can be modified if desired. (Hiking-time alterations are subject to price change.)
Matt Davis Trail
to the West Point Inn
Cost: $65 per person
Hiking time: ~ 3 hours
Skill level: Mostly moderate to mild, with a short segment of more strenuous elevation gain. Should be comfortable on steep single-track trails. Hiking or trail shoes recommended.
Special considerations: Dogs must be leashed for segments of this tour.
Matt Davis Trail
to the West Point Inn
Does meandering through a redwood, bay and alder forest, crossing bubbling creeks and streams on rustic wooden bridges, while making your way toward a classic old hiking lodge sound good to you? If so, you’ll love our Matt Davis Trail to the West Point Inn Tour.
On this tour we experience many of Mt Tam’s microclimates as we scale along the southwestern side of Mt. Tam with the nearby Pacific Ocean as our constant companion.
Midway we stop to refresh and explore the historic West Point Inn while soaking in some of the most fulfilling views Mt. Tam has to offer. We make our way back along the very same route traveled by the old Scenic Railroad during the turn of the 20th century.
What makes this hiking tour especially pleasant is the mostly moderate elevation gain and a nicely varied landscape. You don’t have to be a marathoner to enjoy a truly spectacular experience.
Please note: On this tour we meet near the trailhead so personal transportation is required. Please contact us for special arrangements.
Hikes with Fido
It’s awesome to see a great big happy smile on the mug of your “best friend” and a mountain walk is just the place to assure that happens. For this reason we invite dog lovers to enjoy our dog focused hiking tour where pups can sniff and romp to their hearts content.
Leashing may be required at times. Contact Tam Hiking Tours to learn more about our dog-friendly hiking tours.
Elinor Fire Road to Blithedale Ridge
Elinor Fire Road is a dog walker’s dream and one of my favorite hikes. On this tour we meander through Warner Canyon, along softly padded paths of pine needles under canopies of Redwood trees, as we make our way up to Blithedale Ridge. There we are welcomed by truly spectacular vistas of Mount Tamalpais and the Bay Area. On the east end of Blithedale Ridge we make use of a singletrack trail as we head back down to our starting point.
Dipsea Stairs to
Tenderfoot Trail
Cost: $65 per person
Hiking time: ~ 2.5 - 3 hours
Skill level: Moderate-strenuous
Special considerations: This hike includes steep uneven stairs with significant elevation gain up to Tenderfoot Trail, where narrow and uneven terrain is expected in some areas. Trail/hiking shoes recommended. Dogs must be leashed at times.
Dipsea Stairs to Tenderfoot Trail
This tour starts and stops at the foot of the infamous Dipsea Stairs, near Mill Valley library. We make our way up circuitous stairways nestled in Redwood groves, passing terraced vintage homes and secret gardens. We take a few deep breaths on top of the ridge while also savoring the view. We press on to the elusive Tenderfoot Trail with an ambience of forest woodlands, filled with coastal mists, mountain springs, and softly chirping birds. Canopies of trees provide delicious shade during warm summer months. Cascade Creek greets us at the bottom of Tenderfoot Trail and leads us back to where we began, on a wavering path through the fern-lined streets of lushly verdant Cascade Canyon, with a brief stop at Cascade Falls.
Bald Hill
Cost: $65 per person
Hiking time: ~ 2.5 hours
Skill level: Moderate to strenuous. There is an elevation gain of 1,141 ft. on dirt road or wide trail.
Special considerations: Dogs must be leashed at times. Coyotes and other wild life abound. Trail/hiking shoes recommended. Directions to Bald Hill will be provided.
Bald Hill
Most of our tours focus on the southeastern side of Mt. Tam’s East peak.
Bald Hill is located directly north of East Peak, (near the city of Ross) and offers a different terrain from the heavily wooded regions near Mill Valley. We amble past Phoenix Lake’s shimmering waters as we make our way up to grass-covered hills featuring expansive vistas in all directions. Coyotes and deer are often spotted on this tour.
Muir Beach
Cost: $65 per person
Hiking time: ~ 3 - 3.5 hours
Skill level: Single track and Fire Road. Moderate elevation gain with short sections of strenuous hiking and long sections of easy. Total elevation gain ~1000ft.
Special considerations: Trail/hiking shoes recommended. Dogs are not allowed on this tour. Ocean breezes can be “refreshing” even on warm days. Come prepared with extra clothing.
Muir Beach
The Muir Beach tour offers panoramas of the tiny hamlet town of Muir Beach, the Pacific Ocean, Farallon Islands, and Mt. Tamalpais.
We begin at Muir Beach parking lot, located ~ 7.5 miles from Mill Valley. From the main lot we follow the Coastal Trail up to Coyote Ridge, where it intersects with Fox Trail, overlooking beautiful Tennessee Valley. We return on the Coastal Fire Road to enjoy expansive views of the coastline in both directions.
This tour has truly spectacular vistas of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding bluffs covered in native lupine, sage, Manzanita and other coastal chaparral, and an ever changing variety of wildflowers.
The particular fragrance of sage and other coastal flora blending with briny ocean air creates an olfactory experience that will haunt you long after the tour is completed. Faraway foghorns and the chirping of birds nested close to the trail produce outdoor music, both moving and soothing.
Special Request Tours
Please contact us directly for special request or personalized tours.
Tam & Tide: Hiking and Water Taxi Package
Cost:
Package #1: 20 people
Total cost with picnic -
$180 per person
Total without picnic -
$160 per person
Package #2: 30 people
Total cost with picnic -
$170 per person
Total without picnic -
$150 per person
Package #3: 40 people
Total cost with picnic -
$160 per person
Total without picnic -
$140 per person
Tam & Tide:
Hiking and Water Taxi Package
This unique package includes water taxi pickup at many piers (both public and private) in the San Francisco, Marin and East Bay area followed by a 2 – 2.5 hour historical hike and delicious picnic on Angel Island.
Return water transport includes a viewing of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
Total time – 4 hours.
Call Tam Hiking Tours (415.279.1280) for more information and to book.
2 weeks advance notice is required for this event
(Groups of less than 20 people subject to price change.)
Surf & Turf: Hiking and Sailing Package
Cost:
$100.00 per person (includes 1 Bay Cruise on Adventure cat and your choice of 1 Hiking Tour)
$145.00 per person (includes 1 Bay Cruise and 2 hikes (one from each company)
Sailing Times: ~ Choose from 11am*, 1pm or 3pm Adventure Cat Sails run at 11am*, 1pm, or 3pm. (*11am only available during June, July and August.)
Hiking Time: ~ Hiking times vary. Please contact TAM Hiking Tours (415.279.1280) and Urban Hiker SF (415.669.4453) to choose a time.
Surf & Turf:
Hiking and Sailing Package
Enjoy San Francisco by sea and by land! With the Surf & Turf package you get a Bay Cruise with Adventure Cat Sailing Charters, and then a choice of two unique local guided hikes. Choose from hiking the quiet and view-filled natural landscapes of Mt. Tamalpais, with TAM Hiking Tours. Alternatively, you can explore the urban landscape with Urban Hiker SF, discovering sights and scenes that the average tour never reaches. By the time it’s all over you’ll know more about SF than a local! Call Tam Hiking Tours (415.279.1280) for more information and to book.
Turf & Turf
Hike the best trails on both sides of the Golden Gate Bridge! With our Turf & Turf package, you get a hike in Marin County with Tam Hiking Tours and a hike in the city with Urban Hiker SF.
Information
- Choose a hiking tour from Tam Hiking Tours (hiking schedule is posted on our calendar)
- Choose a hike from Urban Hiker SF
- To book: Book your Tam Hiking Tours hike and choose the Urban Hiker SF add on. You can also , or call 415.279.1280. We'll connect you with Urban Hiker SF to arrange your tour.
Singles Tour
For this tour we rotate our featured hikes providing clients the opportunity to become better acquainted with Mt. Tamalpais, while also becoming acquainted with other singles - in a wholesome outdoor environment. Historical and geological information is not provided during this tour.
Rock Walks
with Ross
Cost: $65 per person
Directions and other info will be provided prior to tour.
Hiking time: All walks are ~ 2 miles roundtrip.
Special considerations: Trail/hiking shoes recommended. Each rock walk is a specialized adventure. Contact us to create the perfect geology walk just for you.
Rock Walks with Ross
Ever wondered why rocks in the Bay Area look the way they do? Or how they got here and where they’re heading? We certainly do!
Marin County is home to some of the most unique and beautiful rock formations in the world. For this reason, and on special request, Ross MacLeod hosts his very popular Rock Walks With Ross Tour, which feature his favorite sites on and around Mount Tamalpais.
To participate in a fantastic journey into the Bay Area’s geological past, all one needs is a good pair of walking shoes and an insatiable interest in the story of our planet - as told by the book of rocks - interpreted with great skill and enthusiasm by our favorite rock-head, Ross MacLeod.
- Ring Mountain: See blueschists, serpentine, thrust faulting, and Native American petroglyphs.
- Pantoll Ranger Station: Visit the Denos gold mine claim, and the fault that defines Steep Ravine.
- Tennessee Valley: Visit the fault at the base of the Southern Marin Block, discuss Franciscan sandstone, greenstone, Franciscan melange and intact seafloor cherts and basalts.
Reflector Art Hike
Fun walks along the streets, alleyways, and hidden stairs of charming Mill Valley, where street reflectors are placed in sometimes bizarre and unusual places. Enjoy the search for silly and fun ways to “artistically” capture your image in street mirrors located at the foot of Mt.Tamalpais. Photographers should be on alert for traveling vehicles, flocks of bicyclists and hikers, forging deer, wild turkey, skunk, fox, and the occasional rock and roll star driving past in a fancy sports car. This hike can be extended to include pit stops in local pubs and cafes.
Mill Valley Events
Walking groups and Tours
Learn about the streets and neighborhoods of Mill Valley.
Locals are invited to join weekly walking groups, or tours, at a special monthly rate. Please contact us for more information.
Illumigarden Talks
Tam Hiking Tours invites environmentalists, historians, poets, photographers, scientists, teachers, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts, to share their knowledge and experiences with the community.
Join us for monthly gatherings at Illumigarden in Mill Valley, on a donation basis only. Tam Hiking Tours is interested in new guest speakers, (please contact us to discuss future presentations).
Special Tours
Please join us for special hikes. See our calendar for upcoming events.
Walking Groups & Local Tour Packages
Join walking groups and hiking tours at a monthly rate. Please contact us for details.
