Hiking Gardner Fire Lookout: A Complete Visitor’s Guide

Looking for the best 360° view in the Bay Area without a 10-mile trek? The Gardner Fire Lookout via the East Peak Summit Trail is your answer. Located just 45 minutes from San Francisco, this 0.6-mile hike is short, steep, and serves up panoramic views of the Pacific, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the East Bay hills. Whether you’re a local needing a quick sunset fix or a visitor planning a Muir Woods day trip, here is everything you need to know about parking, fees, and finding the trailhead in 2026.

Last updated February 2026

Getting to the Trail Head

The trailhead is located on the East Peak of Mount Tamalpais State Park, about 45 minutes from the Bay Area, making it a perfect option for a quick day trip. As you get closer to the park and the trail, the roads become very windy, so take your time and drive carefully. The route is incredibly scenic, with a few pull-offs where you can stop to enjoy the views along the way.

There’s a large parking lot at the trailhead, so finding a spot shouldn’t be a problem. Parking costs $8 and is paid via a self-service envelope system, so be sure to bring cash.

Near the lot, you’ll find a small visitor center (though it was closed during my visit) and plenty of picnic tables, which make a great spot for lunch before starting your hike.

Check the summit webcam 30 minutes before you leave the Bay Area. If the summit is ‘socked in,’ you might want to wait for the afternoon when the marine layer usually burns off.

Hiking to the Gardner Fire Lookout Tower

The path to the tower is officially called the Verna Dunshee Trail Connector (also known as the East Peak Summit Trail). From the visitor center and bathrooms, head left and follow the signs pointing toward the Tower/Summit.

The trail to the lookout is short but involves a steady uphill climb. It begins on wooden planks, transitions to a series of stone steps, and then winds through a few switchbacks. Look to the left and you’ll start getting incredible views of the landscape below. The trail can be rocky in spots, so take your time navigating the terrain, pause to catch your breath, and enjoy the scenery as you make your way to the top.

After the switchbacks, you’ll reach the base of the Gardner Fire Lookout Tower. The tower itself is off-limits, as it’s an active fire lookout managed by the Tamalpais Fire Crew. You can still continue around it for sweeping views of the Bay Area.

From here, you’ll be treated to 360° panoramic views! You’ll be able to see the Farallon Islands, the San Francisco skyline with the Golden Gate Bridge, the East Bay Hills, and Mount Diablo to the east.

Take some time to wander over the rocks and explore a side trail that offers another great vantage point. When you’re ready to head back, simply retrace your steps down the trail.

Verna Dunshee Trail

If you prefer a more leisurely hike, consider exploring the Verna Dunshee loop, a scenic 0.7 mile. This trail is ADA accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the breathtaking views of the bay.

Follow the signs to the left of the bathroom to access the Verna Dunshee trail. This trail takes you around the mountain, ending near the right picnic area.

The Ultimate Muir Woods & Mt. Tam Day Trip

Since these trails are relatively short, I highly recommend combining them into one epic nature day. Here is the perfect 2026 itinerary:

1. Morning: Muir Beach Overlook. Start early to beat the crowds (and catch the morning fog!). The 0.1-mile path to the overlook offers some of the best coastal views in Northern California.
2. Mid-Day: Muir Woods National Monument. Just 10 minutes from the overlook, immerse yourself in the redwoods. Reminder: You must have a parking or shuttle reservation booked in advance!
3. Lunch: Mt. Tamalpais Picnic. Drive up to the East Peak of Mt. Tam (about 45 mins from the woods). There are plenty of picnic tables with world-class views where you can refuel.
4. Afternoon: Gardner Fire Lookout. Finish your day with the 0.6-mile hike to the summit for a 360-degree view of the entire Bay Area.

For the full breakdown of how to snag those “mandatory” Muir Woods reservations and where to find the best redwood loops, check out my One Day in Muir Woods Visitor’s Guide!

Gardner Fire Lookout

Which trail should you choose? If you’re short on time or have a stroller, the Verna Dunshee Loop is the way to go—it’s paved, flat, and the views of the city are unbeatable. But if you have an extra 20 minutes and don’t mind a few rocky steps, hiking to the Gardner Fire Lookout is a must-experience “top of the world” moment. You really can’t go wrong with either!

Heading to the Bay Area? Check out this article for the top 20 things to do in the area!