Northern elephant seals have returned to Drakes Beach and given birth close to beach access points. To better protect the pups during this important time, this area will only be open when park staff and volunteers are present. The beach itself is closed. More
The Bear Valley Trailhead is a popular place to start a hiking or biking adventure in Point Reyes National Seashore. The Bear Valley, Rift Zone, Morgan, and Woodpecker trails all depart from the Bear Valley Trailhead and connect with many other trails, offering dozens of possible routes. Many of these routes pass through the Phillip Burton Wilderness. This trailhead is about an hour by car from San Francisco, the East Bay, and Santa Rosa, and about two hours from Sacramento.
The Earthquake Trailhead is located at the northeast end of the Bear Valley Trailhead parking lot. The Earthquake Trail is a 0.6-mile-long (1-kilometer-long) nature trail with exhibits about the San Andreas Fault Zone and the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake.
The Kule Loklo Trailhead is located at the north end of the Bear Valley Visitor Center's parking lot. The Kule Loklo Trail leads to a replica Coast Miwok Indian village.
From the Sky trail, many routes and loops are available leading into the Phillip Burton Wilderness along the spine of Inverness Ridge, downhill to the coast, or downhill to the Bear Valley area. The habitat changes from forest to coastal scrub and mixed woodland depending on your route. The trailhead is located along Limantour Road, approximately 10 minutes by car from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
Multiple trail options begin at the Bayview Trailhead, leading either down to the coast, along the Inverness Ridge, or through the Phillip Burton Wilderness. The Vision Fire burned through this area in October 1995. The trailhead is located along Limantour Road, approximately 10 minutes by car from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
The Coast trailhead is a popular place to start an easy hike, bike, or horseback ride to the beach. It meanders through creek-side habitat before going by wetlands as you approach the ocean. The trailhead is located along Laguna Road, approximately 15 minutes by car from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
The most popular hikes from the Laguna Trailhead will take you down to the coast, but you can also connect to multiple trails that will climb through the forest towards Inverness Ridge. Many of the routes that depart from this trailhead are within the Phillip Burton Wilderness. The trailhead is located near the east end of Laguna Road, approximately 15 minutes by car from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
The Muddy Hollow Trailhead is the gateway to several often overlooked coastal hiking trails, from which you can enjoy ocean views and an occasional tule elk sighting! Many of the routes that depart from this trailhead are within the Phillip Burton Wilderness. The trailhead is located at the west end of Muddy Hollow Road, approximately 15 minutes by car from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
Leading west and then north from the Limantour Beach Trailhead, the Muddy Hollow Trail offers birders great opportunities to see a variety of water fowl and shorebirds in the Estero de Limantour and along Muddy Hollow Creek. The Muddy Hollow Trails is very flat and easy to walk. The trailhead is located at the west end of Limantour Road, approximately 20 minutes by car from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
The Point Reyes Hill Trailhead is located at the south end of the Mount Vision Road and the north end of the Inverness Ridge Trail. The Inverness Ridge Trail follows the ridge crest south to Limantour Road and intersects with the Bucklin, Drakes View, & Bayview trails, all of which lead into the Phillip Burton Wilderness. Mount Vision Road is a single-lane, two-way road with many sharp switchbacks; vehicles longer than 24 feet in length and/or pulling trailers are prohibited.
415-464-5100
This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (e.g., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; fire danger information; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc.), or speak with a ranger. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call.
