Only 1.5 hours from San Francisco, this coastal trail is the only place in a national park where you can hike alongside California’s wild tule elk

Dana Flynn

 –  Staff Writer

 ·  June 19, 2026

The Bay Area is known for its stunning hikes. With scenic trails through rolling hills or perched on coastal bluffs just a short drive from the city, it’s easy to escape to nature. One unique hike offers not only beautiful views, but the chance to hike among wild elk.

Tomales Point Trail

Approximately 1.5 hours north of San Francisco sits Tomales Point, the northern edge of a narrow peninsula that is part of the Point Reyes National Seashore. The point is just one part of the stunning national seashore, which boasts a historic lighthouse and many incredible hikes, including the Tomales Point Trail.

The trail starts near a historic ranch that dates back to 1858, before veering towards the coastal bluffs. The trail offers views of the point and the ocean, and is noted for its many wildflowers. The main attraction, though, is the chance to see the tule elk that roam the area.

It’s not unusual to spot the elk while hiking the trail, and it often doesn’t require a long journey. The trail offers three variations at 2, 6, and 9.5 miles each. If you aren’t up for a major hike, officials recommend hiking to Windy Gap, which is approximately 1 mile into the trail, and has very little elevation change. The area often offers a good view of the elk, and is best for those looking for a less intense hike.

The tule elk of Tomales Point

Tule elk are native and endemic to California, meaning they can only be found here. Due to hunting and increased emphasis on cattle ranches in California in the mid-1800s, the elk population significantly decreased to the point where they were thought to be extinct.

That was until a local cattle rancher, Henry Miller, found a small herd in 1874 on his property in Bakersfield. Today, there are over 5,000 tule elk in California, which all descend from that small herd in 1874. Conservation efforts for the elk have continued for over 100 years, and in 1978, a small number were reintroduced to Tomales Point in a 2,600-acre fenced area. There are three herds in the park today, two of which are free range and one that is fenced at Tomales Point. Notably, Point Reyes National Seashore is the only National Park where you can find tule elk.