New Year's Day Hike on Mt. Tam
Start the year on top of Mt. Tam with a paved, stroller-friendly summit loop and views to the Farallones, then redwoods or the beach on the way down.
1 hr drive · 1 day · Best for all ages · Dec–Feb
Day 1: Summit loop, then redwoods
- 9:00 Drive from SF over the Golden Gate up to East Peak (about 1 hr)
- 10:00 Verna Dunshee loop: 0.7 mile, paved, benches and big views
- 10:45 Older kids: steep Plank Trail to Gardner Lookout on the summit
- 11:30 Peek into the Gravity Car Barn if open, snack at the picnic tables
- 12:30 Lunch in downtown Mill Valley by Lytton Square
- 2:30 Muir Woods on your reserved parking slot: Redwood Creek loop and Junior Ranger booklet
- 4:15 No reservation? Swap in Muir Beach to run on the sand before sunset
- 5:00 Drive home (about 45 min)
From parents who have been
- Bring exact change for the $8 East Peak fee. It goes in an envelope, there's no change and no ATM up top. AllTrails reviews
- Verna Dunshee has a guardrail but a real drop-off on one side, so keep toddlers in the stroller or holding hands on that stretch. Marin Mommies
- The Plank Trail to the lookout is short but steep, then stairs and narrow rocky switchbacks. Save it for older kids; little ones are happier on the paved loop. Marin Mommies
- At Muir Woods, stick to the paved and boardwalk Redwood Creek loop with a stroller. Side trails have stairs and climbs. Snap a photo of the posted trail map since the paper one is thin. 510 Families
- Ask a ranger near the Muir Woods entrance for the free Junior Ranger booklet. It's meant for 4 and up, but younger siblings join in. 510 Families
- Muir Woods can close suddenly when storms bring trees down, so check NPS conditions the morning of, and don't count on getting an Uber back out. 510 Families
Good to know
- California State Parks' First Day Hikes for Jan 1, 2027 are not posted yet. Last year (Jan 1, 2026) Mt. Tam's hike met at Rock Spring at 9:00 and was cancelled for weather
- The Mt. Tam First Day Hike routes run from Rock Spring to East Peak and are at least 7 miles round trip, with the easiest rated moderate; that's too long for most young kids
- East Peak, Pantoll and Bootjack parking is $8 ($7 seniors). Only Pantoll takes cards (generally 9 to 4); elsewhere pay by QR code or exact cash
- Mt. Tamalpais State Park day-use areas are open 7 to sunset
- The East Peak Visitor Center and Gravity Car Barn are volunteer-run, generally weekends 12 to 4. Jan 1, 2027 is a Friday
- Verna Dunshee is a 0.71-mile asphalt loop, mostly under 5% grade with one short 9% stretch; restrooms and water at the trailhead
- Muir Woods: $15 per person 16+, kids under 16 free; a parking reservation ($10 standard car) is required at GoMuirWoods.com, and it often sells out on holidays
- The Muir Woods shuttle only runs through October, so in winter you need a parking reservation (or walk or ride-share in)
- No cell service at Muir Woods: download your reservation before you leave Mill Valley
Sources: First Day Hike 2026 listing (Friends of Mt Tam) · First Day Hikes (CA State Parks) · Mt Tam info sheet (CA State Parks) · Accessible features, Mt Tam (CA State Parks) · Planning your visit (Friends of Mt Tam) · Muir Woods fees (NPS) · Muir Woods know before you go (NPS) · Muir Woods parking (GoMuirWoods) · Muir Woods shuttle 2026 (Golden Gate Transit)