where can you hike in point reyes

The 14 Best Hikes at Point Reyes National Seashore

• Tomales Point Trail. Why you should go: Hike through the Tule Elk Reserve to views of Tomales Bay and Bodega Bay. ...
• Chimney Rock Trail. ...
• Point Reyes Lighthouse. ...
• Bear Valley Trail. ...
• Mount Wittenberg Loop. ...
• Muddy Hollow Trail. ...
• Laguna-Coast Loop. ...
• Abbotts Lagoon. ...
• Woodpecker Trail. ...
• Earthquake Trail. ...

More items...

Full Answer

Is there a hiking trail to Point Reyes National Seashore?

Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Point Reyes National Seashore. Point Reyes is a few miles north of San Francisco and offers a number of great hiking options. There are short hikes to the beach from several entrances, as well as longer backpacking options.

What is the highest peak in Point Reyes?

Why you should go: Mount Wittenberg is the highest peak in Point Reyes at 1,407 feet. Snag a view atop the highest peak in Point Reyes along the Mount Wittenberg Trail. Mount Wittenberg rises to 1,407 feet where it offers hikers coastal views through pockets of Douglas fir. “On the way down take the Meadow Trail.

Why is Point Reyes National Seashore important?

“To cross this valley to the peninsula (Point Reyes) is to leave modern California and enter an island of wilderness, forgotten by progress, a quiet land misplaced in a noisy world.” – author Stephen Trimble. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy officially created Point Reyes National Seashore, preserving the peninsula for generations to come.

Are Dogs Allowed at Point Reyes National Seashore?

The trailhead for this hike is located along the Pierce Point Road. A flat trail through Kehoe Marsh and out to Kehoe Beach. This is the only trail within Point Reyes National Seashore where dogs are permitted. Keep dogs on leash at all times. (See our Pets page for more information.)

Is Bear Valley Trail Open at Point Reyes?

The Bear Valley Trail opened on April 30, 2021 for the first time since the Woodward Fire closed access in August.

How long is the hike to Chimney Rock Point Reyes?

Chimney Rock Trail This spectacular 1.75-mile (2.8 km) hike offers views of Drakes Bay and the Pacific Ocean and is renowned for great spring wildflowers. Rocky cliffs drop off steeply to the water, so there is no beach access.

Is Point Reyes still closed?

All campgrounds within Point Reyes National Seashore are currently open.

How long is Bear Valley Trail Point Reyes?

The Bear Valley Trail runs 4.4 miles south from Bear Valley Visitor Center through diverse forests and coastal chaparral to a scenic bluff with panoramic views of Drakes Bay. Be the first to review this trail.

Is Tomales Point Trail open?

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail. The Tomales Point Trail offers spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.

Where is Chimney Rock Oregon trail?

The Oregon Trail: Chimney Rock. Located some twelve miles west of Courthouse and Jailhouse Rock, Chimney Rock was one of the most picturesque landmarks along the Oregon Trail. It signaled the end of the prairies as the trail became more steep and rugged heading west towards the Rocky Mountains.

Where do you park at Point Reyes?

Overnight parking is in the upper lot, to the right as you pull in. TOMALES BAY STATE PARK - (415) 669-1140The state park provides two access areas to Tomales Bay, Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, three miles north of Point Reyes Station.

Is Tomales Bay part of Point Reyes?

Tomales Bay is a long, narrow inlet of the Pacific Ocean in Marin County in northern California in the United States. It is approximately 15 mi (24 km) long and averages nearly 1.0 mi (1.6 km) wide, effectively separating the Point Reyes Peninsula from the mainland of Marin County....Tomales BayReference no.121517 more rows

Is Point Reyes crowded?

Though the park is heavily visited, crowds are a problem only at a few places and during certain times. If you visit the lighthouse on a weekend or holiday during whale season (Dec-Mar), be prepared for crowds and a wait for the shuttle that operates from Drakes Beach to the lighthouse area.

Is Point Reyes a hike?

The Point Reyes trails span 150 miles, so you can spend endless hours exploring all the beauty California has to offer. The Point Reyes hiking trails will take you through the forest near Olema House, along the seaside cliffs, and down to the sandy beaches.

Is Bear Valley trail closed?

The Bear Valley Trail and the Coast Trail in this area remain open.

What is the shortest hike to alamere Falls?

The Upper Alamere Falls at track number 3, the shortest trail of all. Starting point Bear Valley Information Center; the hike is 15 miles/ 24 km long, and low tide is essential to walk along Wildcat Beach to get to the falls and back.

Is Point Reyes Lighthouse trail open?

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Moderate hike over paved trail to 300 steps to Point Reyes Lighthouse.

How long is Limantour Beach?

four milesLimantour Beach stretches for over four miles from the west end of Limantour Spit to Santa Maria Beach to the southeast. It is a popular beach among families.

What type of feature is Chimney Rock in Point Reyes?

prominent sea stackChimney Rock is a prominent sea stack at the south end of the point.

Are dogs allowed on Tomales Point trail?

Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on any of the beaches or trails at Tomales Bay State Park.

What is the point of Reyes?

If you’re traveling, be sure to check local COVID-19 guidelines ahead of time. “To cross this valley to the peninsula (Point Reyes) is to leave modern California and enter an island of wilderness, forgotten by progress, a quiet land misplaced in a noisy world.” – author Stephen Trimble.

How many steps does it take to get to Point Reyes Lighthouse?

To reach the Point Reyes Lighthouse, you’ll hoof it up a paved path, then descend down a flight of 308 steps. Of course, what goes down must come back up. This being the reason we rated this hike as moderate. Don’t forget your camera.

Where to see tule elk in Tomales Point?

If Tomales Point is too far of a stretch to get a glimpse of tule elk, hike the Muddy Hollow Trail. A few years ago, a number of tule elk from Tomales Point were relocated to this section of the national seashore so you’re odds are pretty good.

What is Laguna Coast Loop?

Hiking the Laguna-Coast Loop is a terrific way to get a glimpse into the diverse habitats that are protected within the boundaries of Point Reyes National Seashore. The trail takes you through open grassland, vegetated dunes, sensitive coastal bluffs, a lush valley, and a riparian zone.

How far is the Bear Valley Trail?

Bear Valley Trail. Why you should go: A very popular hike through forest, meadow, and grassland. Distance: 8.2 miles. Elevation gain: 734 feet. Difficulty: Moderate. When you arrive at the Bear Valley Trailhead, expect the place to be buzzing with hikers.

Where is the Chimney Rock Trail?

Beginning at the Elephant Seal Overlook, the Chimney Rock Trail travels above rocky cliffs out to the edge of a scenic peninsula. The ocean views and short mileage make Chimney Rock a very popular hike among the weekend crowd.

When was Point Reyes created?

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy officially created Point Reyes National Seashore, preserving the peninsula for generations to come. As a child growing up in the Bay Area, my family and I often sought to escape the mundane world of the suburbs and made the trip to Point Reyes for some respite.

How fast can you hike in the backcountry?

Carry plenty of water. Potable water is usually available at the park's backcountry campgrounds. Allow a 3-kilometer-per-hour (2-mile-per-hour) pace for an average hiker, not including stops.

What happens if you don't close a trail?

Visitors who disregard trail closures may endanger themselves and any potential rescuers, harm threatened and endangered species, exacerbate erosion, or prevent new sections of trail from properly hardening, which results in the degradation of the trail surface, which in turn may require the closing of the trail for repair.

Best Hikes At Point Reyes National Seashore

Hiking is one of the main reasons to visit Point Reyes National Seashore. It has a total of 47 trails ranging from one kilometer to 20.8 kilometers. In total, the park hosts 150 miles of trails, each with different views waiting at the top. Below is the list of things to remember and some of the trails available at the park.

List Of Trails And Time It Takes To Hike Them

On these trails, travelers will explore the San Andreas Fault Line, wildflowers of the park, the replica of the Coast Miwok Indian Village, local forests, (local) exotic families of birds, open grasslands, and more.

How To Get To Point Reyes National Seashore

The park is located on the western coast of California, and there are numerous ways to get there. The most straightforward way is by exiting US 101 and driving through Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Another option is to continue to Point Reyes-Petaluma Road from US 101. The slowest route is through Marin City to CA1 to Point Reyes.

Planning Your Visit

This trip could be the next unforgettable adventure that a traveler would not want to miss. So, tedious planning must be done before heading on to the trip. It is important to identify beforehand how long the traveler will spend at Point Reyes. This will help identify how much should be spent on lodging, food, tours, and other activity fees.

Lodging

There are different kinds of lodging to choose from. There are choices within the area and in the nearby areas from a serene bungalow to a hostel. Lodging fees can range from $135 to over $1000.

Food And Tours

Food is essential in supplying the extra energy necessary for the adventures travelers will experience. There are numerous food stations at Point Reyes, including:

What to see in Point Reyes?

In Point Reyes, you are certain to see rolling hills, foggy forests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife – and all in one hike! Pick from a short stroll to an overnight backpacking trip. Hiking in Point Reyes offers something for everyone!

Where is Point Reyes National Seashore?

Point Reyes National Seashore has it all, and then some! A triangular peninsula that hangs off the California coast, Point Reyes is a natural gem a mere hour away from the bustling metropolis of San Francisco. In Point Reyes, you are certain to see rolling hills, foggy forests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife – and all in one hike!

How long is the Chimney Rock Trail?

While you’re there, hike the 1.75 mile out-and-back Chimney Rock Trail for stunning ocean views and spectacular fields of wildflowers. At the end of the trail is Chimney Rock, a boulder in the ocean, as well as a rock with a sea-carved arch through the middle.

How far is the Meadow Trail in San Diego?

Starting from the Bear Valley Trailhead, climb up the aptly-named Meadow Trail (off of the Bear Valley Trail) until it hits Sky Trail at about 2.3 miles. Turn left into the tall trees on the Sky Trail and continue for about a half mile until you hit the Woodward Trail.

Where to camp in Palomarin?

The Palomarin Trailhead is often crowded, so make sure to get there early. Take the Coast Trail through forests and fields to Pelican Lake. Continue on the Coast Trail to Wildcat Camp, a backcountry campground on the beach that is well worth an overnight (call ahead for camping reservations).

Where to see whales in the Pacific Ocean?

Follow the Woodward Trail through a long tunnel of trees and out onto a grassy cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This is a great whale-spotting location and is one of the best views in the park! Whales are usually seen migrating from January to May, but you may spot them in the summer as well.

Is Point Reyes a good hike?

This easy Point Reyes hike is great to do with kids because it is short and ends in sand dunes! There are also multiple benches to rest along the way. This hike is not recommended on very hot days, however, because there is very little shade. Shortly after starting out, you’ll pass over a bridge.

Where to hike in Point Reyes?

Hike to the Wildcat Campground from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. Explore the beauty that Point Reyes has to offer. The Palomarin entrance is more popular and thus more crowded, especially on the weekends. The Bear Valley side affords more solitude and opportunity for running into wildlife.

How many miles of trails are there in Point Reyes?

There are 46 moderate trails in Point Reyes National Seashore ranging from 1.3 to 18.6 miles and from 36 to 1,473 feet above sea level. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time!

How far to hike to Sunset Beach?

Start at Estero trailhead and hike 2.5 miles until you come to a fork. Follow the sign to the right to the Sunset Beach trail. At this point, you'll have 1.5 more miles until the beach. This trail is a little deceiving in that most places will say it's a 3 mile in and out trail.

What is the Tomales Point Trail?

This Tomales Point Trail offers spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. Travelling to the end of the Point Reyes Peninsula, this hike is a bay area favorite! The peninsula is home to a tule elk reserve making it a prime for wildlife viewing.

Where to see elephant seals in Drakes Bay?

Spring wildflowers are diverse and abundant along the trail. Listen for elephant seals at the isolated colonies below the trail. However, the best place to see them is from the Elephant Seal Overlook.

Where to see gray whales in Baja California?

However, the best place to see them is from the Elephant Seal Overlook. Gray whales can be observed from the point, especially in March and April when cow and calf pairs migrate north from Baja California. There is no beach access. Show more. Sunset Beach Trail. #8 - Sunset Beach Trail. Point Reyes National Seashore.

How many miles is the sunset trail?

So you can't actually start your hike at the beginning of the Sunset trail. Therefore, it's technically 7.6 miles in and back out (this milage may very depending on the time of day due to the tides). Show more. Abbotts Lagoon Trail. #9 - Abbotts Lagoon Trail. Point Reyes National Seashore.

Where to walk in Point Reyes?

This is one of the most spectacular trails in Point Reyes. If you are hiking the whole trail, begin at the Laguna trailhead near the hostel and walk to the Palomarin trailhead to take advantage of the north to south slope.

What is the Point Reyes National Seashore Association?

The Point Reyes National Seashore Association needs assistants for their Field Institute classes. You will spend a day training with PRNSA staff, then a couple of times a year you'll select the classes you'd like to help with. Shortly afterwards, you'll receive a confirmation of which ones you've been assigned.