Below are brief descriptions of the most popular hikes found at Point Reyes National Seashore. With close to 240 kilometers (150 miles) of hiking trails, these are just a few of the routes visitors can follow while visiting the park. Feel free to use the trail maps on our Maps page to plot your own course.

For directions to trailheads, visit our Directions to Park Destinations page. All listed distances are round trip. Hiking Tips may be found toward the bottom of this page. Trail closures are also posted below.

Bolinas Ridge Trail Advisory

Less than one-hour hikes:
EARTHQUAKE TRAIL (1 km / 0.6 mi.)
A short paved loop explores the San Andreas Fault Zone. Interpretive signs describe the geology of the area. This trail begins at the southeast corner of the Bear Valley Picnic Area, just across the street from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.

KULE LOKLO TRAIL (1.3 km / 0.8 mi.)
A short path leads up to a replica of a Coast Miwok Indian village. Interpretive signs briefly describe Coast Miwok culture and history and the structures in the village. From Kule Loklo, return on the same trail, or continue around the horse pasture to return via the Morgan Horse Ranch. This trail begins at the north end of the Bear Valley Parking Lot, about 100 meters (100 yards) from the the Bear Valley Visitor Center.

WOODPECKER TRAIL (1.1 km / 0.7 mi.)
This loop trail explores the beautiful local forest and meadow ecosystems of Bear Valley, with interpretive signs describing some plants and animals you may see. This trail begins at the Bear Valley Trailhead, at the south end of the Bear Valley Parking Lot.

LIMANTOUR SPIT TRAIL (3.2 km / 2 mi.)
Carry binoculars and a field guide to birds as you walk along the crest of Limantour Spit. Many species of birds may be found on the mudflats of Limantour Estero to the north and on the sandy beach of Drakes Bay to the south. Harbor seals are frequently seen poking their heads up out of the water beyond the breakers.  Start this hike at the Limantour Beach parking lot, a 20 minute drive from Bear Valley. From the parking lot, walk about 100 meters (100 yards) toward the beach. The Limantour Spit Trail branches off to the west just before you get to the sand dunes.

CHIMNEY ROCK TRAIL (2.5 km / 1.6 mi.)
A spectacular hike with views of Drakes Bay and the Pacific Ocean and renowned for great spring wildflowers. Rocky cliffs drop off steeply to the water, so there is no beach access. From January through May, look for migrating whales from the point. Fog and wind can make this hike challenging. Start this hike at the Chimney Rock Trailhead, near the Lighthouse, a 45-minute drive from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.

KEHOE BEACH TRAIL (1.9 km / 1.2 mi.)
A flat trail through Kehoe Marsh and out to Kehoe Beach. The only trail at Point Reyes where dogs are permitted. Keep dogs on leash at all times. (See our Pets page for more information.) You may encounter cows on this trail. Also look for elusive brush rabbits, bobcats and mountain lions which are occasionally sighted in this area. The trailhead for this hike is located along the Pierce Point Road, a 30-minute drive from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.

McCLURES BEACH TRAIL (1.3 km / 0.8 mi.)
A rugged trail descends moderately steeply down a ravine to the ocean. McClures Beach is contained within a beautiful cove backed by rocky cliffs, but watch out for tidal fluctuations and dangerous surf. This hike's trailhead is located at the end of the Pierce Point Road, below Pierce Point Ranch, a 40-minute drive from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.

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One-to three-hour hikes:
DIVIDE MEADOW via BEAR VALLEY TRAIL (5.1 km / 3.2 mi.)
A casual stroll through mixed Douglas fir forest and along Bear Valley Creek to an open grassy meadow. Several benches along the way offer great resting spots in the shade, and Divide Meadow is a nice place to picnic in the sun. Begins at the Bear Valley Trailhead, at the south end of the Bear Valley Parking Lot.

MT. WITTENBERG LOOP (approx. 8 km / 5 mi.)
A steep 400 meter (1300 feet) climb to the highest point in the park (426 m / 1407 ft), with views of the Seashore and Olema Valley. The loop passes through a mixed Douglas fir and oak forest and several open meadows. Start at the Bear Valley Trailhead and follow the Bear Valley Trail south for 0.3 km (0.2 mi.).  Turn right on to the Mt. Wittenberg Trail and climb all the way to the top. Continue to the junction with the Meadow and Sky trails, then return to Bear Valley Trail via Meadow Trail.

MT. WITTENBERG and SKY CAMP FROM LIMANTOUR ROAD (6.9 km / 4.3 mi.)
An easier access to the highest point on the Point Reyes Peninsula with 225 meter (750 feet) elevation gain. Climb the Sky Trail with views of the ocean and continue through meadows and woods to the Horse Trail. Follow the Horse Trail to Z Ranch Trail and turn right.  The Z Ranch Trail brings you to the heavily eroded trail which leads to the summit of Mt. Wittenberg. From near the summit, enjoy views of the Seashore and Olema Valley. Then continue to the junction of Sky and Meadow Trails and turn north on to Sky Trail, which leads past Sky Camp before returning to the trailhead. The Sky Trailhead is located on Limantour Road about 10 minutes driving time from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.

COAST - LAGUNA LOOP (8 km / 5 mi.)
An easy walk through coastal scrub and grassland, exposed to sun, fog and/or wind. Breath-taking ocean-views. Keep your eyes open for hawks and shorebirds. Begin on Laguna Trail with a slight climb, then descend to Coast Camp on Fire Lane Trail. Turn left on Coast Trail for beach access at Coast Camp or complete the loop by following Coast Trail northwest.  A flat, open stretch of trail leads along coastal bluffs and then through a riparian zone, and back to the trailhead near the Youth Hostel. The Laguna Trailhead is 15 minutes driving time from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.  Follow Limantour Road west. Turn left at the junction signed for the Hostel and Education Center. Continue past the Hostel to the Laguna Parking Lot, located on the right.

ABBOTTS LAGOON (5 km / 3 mi.)
An easy stroll through open and coastal scrub, with good spring wildflowers and excellent birdwatching, especially in the fall and winter. If you wish, you can continue out to the Great Beach, an extra 0.9 km (0.5 mi.), before returning via the same trail. (The Abbotts Lagoon Trailhead is 25 minutes driving time from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. Follow Sir Francis Drake Blvd. north and west to the Pierce Point Road. Turn right and continue north. Abbotts Lagoon Trailhead is clearly marked on the left.

BOLINAS RIDGE TRAIL (3 to 35 km / 2 to 22 mi.)
The best trail in the area for walking a dog, with views of Olema Valley. On a sunny day or a moonlit night, enjoy the expansive feeling of this open space. If you choose to continue beyond the first few kilometers, you will enter the redwood forest and eventually the chaparral. Turn around and retrace your steps whenever you are ready. You may hike with your dog on this trail. Dogs must be leashed at all times. (See our Pets page for more information.) The Bolinas Ridge Trailhead is east of Olema on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, about 5 minutes driving time from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.

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Three-to six-hour hikes:
SKY - BEAR VALLEY LOOP (17 km / 10.5 mi.)
A nice varied hike, through mixed Douglas fir forest, meadows and chaparral and also open grass with coastal views and beach access. Begin by climbing the Mt. Wittenberg Trail (400 m / 1300 ft. elevation in 2.9 km / 1.8 mi.) and then continue through the forest all the way out Sky Trail to Coast Trail. Then continue south on Coast Trail to Arch Rock. Enjoy your last coastal view here, before returning via Bear Valley Trail through beautiful buckeyes and mixed Douglas forest and along Coast Creek. Begin at the Bear Valley Trailhead, at the south end of the Bear Valley Parking Lot.

ARCH ROCK via BEAR VALLEY (13.1 km / 8.2 mi.)
Probably the single most popular trail in the park, the Bear Valley Trail is the most direct walk to the ocean from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. This pleasant stroll through mixed Douglas fir forest and along Bear Valley Creek is sheltered from sun, wind and coastal fog. Arch Rock is an overlook point with no beach access. Begin at the Bear Valley Trailhead, at the south end of the Bear Valley Parking Lot.

WOODWARD VALLEY LOOP (approx. 21 km / 13 mi.)
This trail includes beautiful forest and spectacular coastal hiking. Begin at the Bear Valley Trailhead, climbing either Mt. Wittenberg or Meadow Trail to Sky Trail. Continue to Woodward Valley, one of the lushest, greenest trails in the park. Follow this all the way down to Coast Trail where you'll enjoy open ocean views as you head south to Arch Rock. Beach access is marked along your way at Sculptured Beach, a beautiful and remote beach. From Arch Rock, follow Bear Valley Trail, a gentle grade through beautiful buckeyes, oaks, and Douglas firs, back to the Bear Valley Visitor Center.

ESTERO TRAIL TO DRAKES HEAD (15 km / 9.4 mi.)
This trail through open grassland offers outstanding views of Drakes and Limantour Esteros, and of the locally rich bird life. The last section of the trail seems more like a cattle trail than a human trail, but persevere. Many visitors enjoy having a picnic on Drakes Head. The view down into the Estero on a clear day is spectacular with the possibility of seeing bat rays and leopard sharks swimming just below the water's surface. This hike begins at the Estero Trailhead, which is located a short distance off of Sir Francis Drake Blvd. on the way to the Lighthouse. Allow 25 minutes driving time from Bear Valley.

TOMALES POINT TRAIL (15 km / 9.5 mi.)
This open trail through the Tule Elk Reserve offers spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It is also a prime wildlife viewing trail, as it is remote and the tule elk are enclosed in this reserve. The first 5 kilometers (3 mi.) to Lower Pierce Point Ranch are well marked and maintained, but the last stretch can be overgrown with bush lupine and other shrubs, so long pants and long sleeves are a good idea. The journey all the way to the Point is worth it, for the view is unparalleled. Fog and wind can limit visibility and make this hike more challenging. The Tomales Point Trailhead is at the end of Pierce Point Road, 40 minute driving time from Bear Valley.

BASS LAKE (10 km / 6 mi.) and WILDCAT BEACH (17.6 km / 11 mi.)
The south end of Coast Trail begins with spectacular ocean views from far above the surf. It can be windy and exposed, with only occasional canopy overhead. In the summer, look for salmonberries and thimbleberries. Bass Lake is unofficially the best swimming at Point Reyes, but access can be challenging and there are no lifeguards - swim at your own risk. If you choose to continue to Wildcat you'll be rewarded with ocean and lake views and a beautiful beach. From either destination, one returns via Coast Trail. Start this hike at the Palomarin Trailhead at the end of Mesa Road, a 35-minute drive south of the Bear Valley Visitor Center.

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Hiking Tips:

• Check for current trail closures.
• Allow a 3-kilometer-per-hour (2-mile-per-hour) pace for an average hiker, not including stops.
• Don't forget to carry water and tell a friend where you are going if you travel alone.
• Bring appropriate clothes for sudden weather changes.
• For tide and weather information along the coast, inquire at any visitor center.