Tanbark Trail & Tin House
Hike through a magical redwood canyon to historic Tin House ruins with breathtaking Big Sur coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, softer light
Tanbark Trail & Tin House
Best Time
Cooler temps, softer light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through a magical redwood canyon to historic Tin House ruins with breathtaking Big Sur coastal views.
"The hike was a definite aerobic workout and steep, but worth the view!"
Wear sturdy hiking boots
The trail can be steep and uneven. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Bring plenty of water & snacks
This is a strenuous hike, especially the uphill climb. Stay hydrated and fueled! :water_wave: :apple:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Redwood Canyon
Lower Tanbark Trail
Wander through a serene redwood forest with a refreshing creek and lush undergrowth.
The Tin House Ruins
Summit of the trail
Explore the intriguing, weathered remains of a historic house with stunning ocean vistas.
Panoramic Ocean Views
Upper Tanbark Trail & Highway 1 return
Be rewarded with breathtaking, expansive views of the Big Sur coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Tanbark Trail Loop
Timing is Key for the Tin House
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy hiking boots
The trail can be steep and uneven. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Bring plenty of water & snacks
This is a strenuous hike, especially the uphill climb. Stay hydrated and fueled! :water_wave: :apple:
Be cautious on Highway 1
The road section of the loop has traffic. Stay aware and use designated walking areas. :red_car:
Dog-friendly trail
Leashed dogs are welcome on the Tanbark Trail, making it a great option for pet owners. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy hiking boots
The trail can be steep and uneven. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Bring plenty of water & snacks
This is a strenuous hike, especially the uphill climb. Stay hydrated and fueled! :water_wave: :apple:
Be cautious on Highway 1
The road section of the loop has traffic. Stay aware and use designated walking areas. :red_car:
Dog-friendly trail
Leashed dogs are welcome on the Tanbark Trail, making it a great option for pet owners. :dog:
Sunscreen is a must
Parts of the trail are exposed, so protect yourself from the sun. :sunwithface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Tanbark Trail to the Tin House is a challenging but highly rewarding hike, praised for its stunning redwood forest and breathtaking coastal views. While the Tin House ruins are a unique point of interest, some find them less impressive than the journey itself. The return via Highway 1 requires caution.
"We took the Tanbark trail to the Tin House. It was about 7 miles, and took a little over 3 hours as we stopped to eat lunch. I loved the hike, and the views of the ocean are amazing. We did the loop, so there is a section where you have to walk on the road to get back to your car. I was only a little scared in one spot going around a curve, mainly because I was nervous of drivers not paying attention. But there are areas where you can walk on the dirt off of the road. Just pay attention to the cars and try not to get distracted by the views in that spot!!"
Pamela Ciaburri (Pamela Ciaburri)
"The higher I climbed the hotter it got, but the views were spectacular!
I visited the Tan Bark Trail and Tin House for the first time on July/11/2021.
The trailhead is located on the opposite side of Highway 1 at the same Unlabeled Gate as the starting point for the short Partington Cove Trail…
The total length is 8 miles out & back while the elevation gain was 2820 ft. It was a difficult hike, on mostly a dirt trail, single track, with around 95 percent shade. Access is cost-free, and all year round.
I started this hike going up a huge incline. I had to climb 4 miles up and up and up some more to finally get to the "Summit"...
For the first mile and a half, the Tan Bark Trail runs along the bottom of a Redwood-filled Canyon. Despite a plush carpet of "Redwood Sorrel" otherwise known as Oxalis Oregano or Woodland Sorrel, the canyon still had a somewhat disheveled look.
There are even small waterfalls along the hiking trail. I am not sure where their water source is yet, but it was So Refreshing to put my face in them. At the Tin House, I enjoyed the outstanding views of the ocean, as I took a small nap on the porch.
It helped me replenish my energy level.
I came back the same way I went up, so I avoided walking on Highway 1 for about 1.5 miles.
IMO, it's a great trail for workouts, incredible views of the ocean, enchanted redwoods, and of course my favorite part, the sounds of running water from the creek. That sound is a major characteristic of logged forests….
Wear good hiking boots, bring trekking poles, also a lot of water and snacks….
Enjoy the "Elegance of Highway 1"."
Tina Nguyen
"Not much to see at the tin house but an old rusty beat up structure. The Tan Bark trail was nice at times. The first stretch of trail is underneath tall burnt but still green redwoods. Alongside the trees is a beautiful relaxing creek. Once you get past this it's pretty dry with a lot of weeds along the path. We went of a unusually hot day, so that made it a little more interesting. All in all it was good exercise and some pretty sights."
Cristo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tanbark Trailhead is located on the opposite side of Highway 1 from the Partington Cove Trailhead. Look for an unlabeled gate. Parking can be limited, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, there is parking available at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Consider carpooling or arriving early.
While you can walk along Highway 1 to connect to the trail, the primary access to the Tin House is via the Tanbark Trail itself.
Navigate to the Big Sur area along Highway 1. The trailhead is often described as being near the Partington Cove Trailhead. GPS coordinates can be helpful.
Public transport options are very limited in Big Sur. Driving your own vehicle or using a ride-sharing service (if available and reliable in the area) is generally the most practical approach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the Tanbark Trail and the Tin House is free of charge. It's a cost-free access point for enjoying Big Sur's natural beauty.
The trail is accessible year-round, and there are no set operating hours. However, it's advisable to hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
No advance booking is required for the Tanbark Trail. It's a public access trail, so you can visit anytime during daylight hours.
No special permits are required for hiking the Tanbark Trail. Standard hiking etiquette and Leave No Trace principles apply.
Yes, the Tanbark Trail is open year-round, offering a beautiful hiking experience in any season. However, check local conditions for any temporary closures due to weather.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to the Tin House can vary depending on the route. An out-and-back hike is approximately 8 miles with significant elevation gain, taking around 3-4 hours. A loop including Highway 1 is similar in length.
The Tanbark Trail is considered a difficult hike due to its steep inclines and elevation gain. It's a definite aerobic workout.
You'll experience a redwood canyon with a creek, followed by increasingly exposed sections with spectacular ocean views as you ascend towards the Tin House ruins.
Many visitors find the Tin House ruins intriguing and the panoramic ocean views from the summit absolutely spectacular, making the challenging hike worthwhile.
Restroom facilities are generally not available along the Tanbark Trail itself. It's best to use facilities at your starting point or nearby visitor areas before beginning your hike.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the ethereal beauty of the redwood forest, the unique architecture of the Tin House ruins, and the dramatic Big Sur coastline. Golden hour offers stunning light. 
Absolutely! The trail offers diverse landscapes, from intimate forest scenes to sweeping coastal panoramas, perfect for landscape photographers.
Late afternoon or early morning provides the best light for photography at the Tin House, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the coastal views.
Drone usage regulations can vary and are often restricted in state parks and sensitive ecological areas. It's crucial to check current regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for the redwoods and coastal views, while a telephoto can capture details of the Tin House or distant ocean features. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the loop with caution, or opt for an out-and-back hike to the redwood canyon and back if you have younger children. Ensure everyone has plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate footwear. The unique Tin House ruins can also spark imagination, making the effort feel worthwhile for adventurous families.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to bring extra water for your dog, especially on warmer days, and be mindful of the trail's difficulty. The Highway 1 section of the loop also requires extra vigilance with dogs due to traffic. Overall, it's a rewarding hike for you and your well-behaved canine friend.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey Through the Redwoods
Many hikers find this part of the trail particularly enchanting. The cool, shaded environment is a welcome respite, especially on warmer days. The sheer scale of the redwoods is awe-inspiring, and the vibrant green undergrowth adds to the feeling of being in a pristine natural sanctuary. It's a sensory experience that prepares you for the dramatic shift in scenery as you ascend.
The Intriguing Tin House Ruins
The Tin House provides a fascinating glimpse into history and offers a unique backdrop for photos. The panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from its vantage point are truly spectacular. It's a place where you can imagine what life might have been like for those who once inhabited this remote dwelling, surrounded by the raw beauty of the Big Sur coast.
Navigating the Highway 1 Return
Travelers advise staying aware of traffic and utilizing the dirt shoulders or off-road areas where available for safety. It's a stark reminder of the wildness of Big Sur, where the natural landscape often intersects with the infrastructure of human travel. Planning your return route and being mindful of your surroundings is crucial for a safe experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit