TOP 10 FAVORITE HIKES
1. ARCH ROCK VIA BEAR VALLEY.
A popular trail in Point Reyes National Seashore, it is the most
direct route to the ocean from the Bear Valley Visitor Center and
an excellent trail for beginners and children. The trail is sheltered
from sun, wind and coastal fog as it meanders through mixed Douglas
fir forest and along Bear Valley Creek. Arch Rock is an overlook
point. (Distance — 8.2 miles; Time — 4 hours; Level
of Difficulty — Moderate)
2. TOMALES POINT TRAIL. Open trail
through the Tule Elk Range offers spectacular views of Tomales Bay,
Bodega Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It is also a prime wildlife viewing
trail. Fog and wind can limit visibility and make this hike more
challenging. Trailhead is at the end of Pierce Point Road, about
40 minutes driving time from Bear Valley. (Distance — 9.5
miles; Time — 4 to 5 hours; Level of Difficulty — Moderate)
3. SKY — BEAR VALLEY LOOP.
A varied hike that features mixed Douglas fir forest, open grassland,
coastal views, and beach access. Climb Mt. Wittenberg Trail (1350’
elevation gain in l.4 miles) and then continue out Sky Trail to
Coast Trail. 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 fir forest and along
Coast Creek. (Distance — 10.5 miles; Time — 5 hours;
Level of Difficulty — Moderate/Strenuous)
4. COAST — LAGUNA LOOP.
An easy walk through coastal scrub and grassland offers breathtaking
ocean views. Begin on Laguna Trail, a slight climb, then descend
to Coast Camp on Fir Lane Trail (turn left on Coast Trail for beach
access at Coast Camp). Complete the loop by following Coast Trail
northwest, a flat, open stretch of trail along coastal bluffs and
then through a riparian zone, and back to the Youth Hostel. (Distance
— 5 miles; Time — 2 to 3 hours; Level of Difficulty
— Easy)
5. MT. WITTENBERG AND SKY CAMP FROM LIMANTOUR
ROAD. This route provides an easy access to the highest
point on the Point Reyes Peninsula, with a 750-foot elevation gain.
Climb Sky Trail, with views of the ocean, and continue through meadows
and woods to Horse Trail. Follow Horse Trail to Z Ranch Trail, which
brings you to the trail to the summit of Mt. Wittenberg. Views from
the summit are limited due to thick regrowth of trees after the
Mt. Vision Fire in l995. Continue to the junction of Sky and Meadow
Trails, and then back through Sky Camp. Begin with l0 minute drive
from Bear Valley Visitor Center, at Sky Trailhead on Limantour Road.
(Distance — 4.3 miles; Time — 3 hours; Level of Difficulty
— Moderate)
6. BOLINAS RIDGE TRAIL. The best
trail with views of Olema Valley, especially on a sunny day or a
night with a full moon. Enjoy the expansive feeling of this open
space. If you choose to continue beyond the first few miles, you
will enter a redwood forest and eventually chaparral. Trail begins
after a 5 minute drive from the Bear Valley Visitor Center, above
Olema on Sir Francis Drake Highway. (Distance — 2 to 22 miles;
Time — 1 to 4 hours; Level of Difficulty — Moderate)
7. ABBOTTS LAGOON. The Abbotts
Lagoon Trail, an easy stroll through open grasslands and coastal
scrub, features a colorful display of spring wildflowers and excellent
bird watching, especially in fall and winter. Continue on to the
Great Beach, an additional .5 miles, before returning via the same
trail. The trek begins with a 25 minute drive from the Bear Valley
Visitor Center. Take Bear Valley Road, left from the visitor center,
turn left on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, and then right at Pierce
Point Road. Abbotts Lagoon Trailhead is clearly marked on the left.
(Distance — 3 miles; Time — 2 to 3 hours; Level of Difficulty
— Easy)
8. MT. WITTENBERG LOOP. The loop
features a steep l,300-foot climb to the highest point in the park
(l,407-feet), with panoramic views of the seashore and Olema Valley.
The loop passes through mixed Douglas fir, oak forest and several
open meadows. Climb Mt. Wittenberg Trail all the way to the top,
then return to Bear Valley via Z Ranch and Horse Trails, or via
Meadow Trail. The Mt. Wittenberg Loop begins 0.2 mi. up the Bear
Valley Trail, from the end of Bear Valley parking Lot. (Distance
— 5 miles; Time — 2 to 3 hours; Level of difficulty
— Strenuous)
9. CHIMNEY ROCK TRAIL. A spectacular
hike with views of Drakes Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Great for spring
wildflowers. Rocky cliffs drop off steeply to the water and there
is no beach access. From December through April, look for migrating
gray whales from the point, and elephant seals from a spur trail
and lookout point near the parking lot. Fog and winds can make this
hike challenging. For tide pooling, at a minus low tide, walk down
the paved road to the right past the parking lot, past the Life
Boat Station, and continue along the rocky beach. Tide pools are
inaccessible from December through April, while elephant seals are
in the area. Trail begins at the Chimney Rock Trailhead, near the
Lighthouse, a 40 minute drive from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
(Distance — 1.6 miles; Time — 1 hour; Level of Difficulty
— Moderate)
10. LIMANTOUR SPIT — BEACH TRAIL.
This hike provides spectacular views and lots of birds. Start at
Limantour parking area and head down toward the ocean. Just after
passing the marsh area, turn right and head north along the trail
in the dunes. Look for egrets, herons, willets, and plovers especially
in the winter. At the end of the road head across the dunes to the
beach, then to left again. Option: To add to the hike, continue
northwest l.8 miles to the end of the spit, where you will find
colonies of harbor seal. Return via the same trail or along the
beach. (Distance 2 - 4 miles; Time - 2 - 3 hours; Level - Moderate)
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