Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour from Sausalito

Ancient redwoods, quiet trails, and a canyon walk without the crowds

A 3.5-hour guided walking tour departing from downtown Sausalito that takes small groups into the redwood forests of Mill Valley and along the fern-lined canyons at the base of Mt. Tamalpais. A local guide leads the hike through cathedral-like ancient trees in a creek-side setting, starting with a shuttle from near the ferry landing and a stroll through Old Mill Park before entering the forest trails. Bottled water is included. Bring your own lunch and wear comfortable walking shoes. Children from age 8 are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

Step-by-step itinerary

Redwoods and Mill Valley walking tour

• Meet near Sausalito ferry landing
• Shuttle to Mill Valley
• Walk through Old Mill Park
• Stroll downtown Mill Valley
• Hike shaded canyon trails
• Explore ancient redwood forest

The experience

How do you see Marin's famous redwoods without fighting the crowds at the most-visited groves? This tour solves that by taking small groups into the quieter forests of Mill Valley on foot, led by someone who knows the trails and the canyon system. The walk covers about two and a half hours in the actual forest, moving through fern-lined canyons and past ancient trees that tower over the creek bed below. The day starts with a shuttle pickup from a meeting place near the ferry landing in downtown Sausalito, then a stroll through Mill Valley's historic Old Mill Park before the trail narrows into the redwood groves.

The hike is moderately strenuous and takes 3.5 hours total, including the shuttle and the walk through town. You'll navigate quiet trails at the base of Mt. Tamalpais, moving through the primeval forest setting where the trees create a cathedral-like canopy overhead. The guide points out the canyon ecology and the old-growth forest structure as you walk. Bottled water is provided. Bring your own pack lunch if you want to eat during the day, and wear comfortable walking or running shoes with good traction on the forest floor.

The tour runs year-round and works best for anyone comfortable with a moderate pace over uneven terrain for several hours. Children from age 8 can join when accompanied by an adult. Public transportation options are available near the meeting point if you're not driving, and the ferry landing itself is just a short walk away.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• local guide leading the small group through the redwood forests and canyons.
• shuttle from the meeting point near the ferry landing to the trailhead in Mill Valley.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (17 to 80 years) · Child (8 to 16 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Coastal Walkers

Is this one for you?Small groups keep the forest quiet and the pace manageable for anyone with moderate fitness who wants to walk among ancient redwoods without the congestion of the most-visited groves.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 16 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How strenuous is the walk through the redwood forest?

The tour is moderately strenuous and covers about two and a half hours of actual hiking on quiet trails through the forest. You'll be walking on uneven terrain in the canyons at the base of Mt. Tamalpais, so comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential. The full tour, including the shuttle and the stroll through Mill Valley, takes 3.5 hours.

What's included in the tour and what should I bring?

Bottled water and a local guide are included. You'll need to bring your own pack lunch, wear walking or running shoes, and dress in hiking attire suitable for the forest. The ferry ticket to Sausalito is not included if you're arriving by water.

Where does the tour meet and how do I get there?

The meeting point is near the ferry landing in downtown Sausalito. A shuttle then takes the group to the trailhead in Mill Valley, where you'll walk through Old Mill Park before heading into the redwood forests. Public transportation options are available near the meeting place.