Last updated: April 5, 2024
Thing to Do
Bike the Bear Valley Trail to the Glen Trail Junction
NPS / A. Kopshever
Distance: 6.2 miles (10 km) round trip, easy
The first 3.1 miles (5 km) of the Bear Valley Trail to the trail's junction with the Glen and Baldy trails (aka the Glen Trail Junction) is open to bikes. Beginning at the Bear Valley Trailhead, this wide gravel trail through Douglas fir forest is great for a family cruise, a mellow ride, or the start of a multi-sport adventure! There is a bike rack available at the Glen Trail Junction, beyond which the trails enter the Phillip Burton Wilderness and bikes are prohibited. (Please note that none of the trails that branch off from the Bear Valley Trail are open to bicycles.) Some visitors choose to lock up their bikes at the Glen Trail Junction and continue their journey to Kelham Beach or other places on foot. To return to the Bear Valley Trailhead, retrace your ride back along the Bear Valley Trail.
Visit the park's Bicycle Riding at Point Reyes National Seashore page for specific regulations pertaining to bicycles and tips and information about trail etiquette and safety.
- Bicyclists must yield to all other users, especially horse riders.
- Class I e-bikes under 750 watts (1 h.p.) are allowed on the northern 2.8 miles (4.5 km) of the Coast Trail.
- The speed limit for all bikes is 15 mph (24 km/h).
- Please ride respectfully.
This route description alone is not a substitute for a trail map. Print out the park's South District trail map (3,422 KB PDF) before your visit, or pick one up at a visitor center on your way.
Always check current conditions before heading out into the park and familiarize yourself with park regulations. Please practice Leave No Trace principles.
Visit the park's Trail Advisories and Closures page for current information about closed trails, trails blocked by trees, or other temporary hazards or advisories.
Details
Duration
1-3 Hours
Allow one hour to ride from the Bear Valley Trailhead to the Glen Trail Junction and back. Allow an additional two hours to hike roundtrip from the Glen Trail Junction to Kelham Beach and back to your bikes.
Activity
Biking
Age(s)
All ages.
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are prohibited on the Bear Valley Trail, as well as the other trails in this area. Visit the park's Pets page to learn more about where pets are welcome at Point Reyes National Seashore.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Bear Valley Trailhead, Point Reyes National Seashore
The Bear Valley Trailhead is located at the southwest corner of the Trailhead and Picnic Area parking area at Bear Valley in Point Reyes National Seashore.
Directions to Bear Valley
To help reduce traffic congestion in the paved parking lot adjacent to the Bear Valley Visitor Center, please park your vehicle(s) in the gravel, trailhead/picnic area parking lot on the left (east) side of the access road close to the Bear Valley Trailhead. Parking is free. Download the Bear Valley Area Map (427 KB PDF), which shows the location of the trailhead parking lot relative to the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Winter
The heaviest rainfall occurs in the winter months. Come prepared for rain and drizzle to possibly last for several days. In between winter rains, it is often sunny, calm, and cool.
Spring
Most spring days are windy and this area frequently experiences fresh to strong breezes. Expect cool temperatures in March. By late May and early June, temperatures can be quite pleasant, even warm.
Summer
Although there is very little rain during summer months, there is often dense fog throughout the day in July, August and September with temperatures often 20 degrees cooler than at Bear Valley.
Fall
The coastal areas of Point Reyes experience some of the clearest days in late September, October and early November. The occasional storm will start rolling through in late October, bringing clouds, wind, and rain. The strongest winds occur in November and December during occasional southerly gales.
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Point Reyes National Seashore is open for day use from 6 am to midnight. Camping and overnight parking is only permitted with a valid camping permit.
Accessibility Information
The Bear Valley Trail from its trailhead to the Glen Trail Junction doubles as an eight-foot-wide (2.4-meter-wide) service/fire road that is composed of compacted dirt and gravel (and potholes and washboarding). The trail has a flat or mild grade (<5% slope) for most of its duration, although there are a few uphill (>5% slope) and somewhat rocky sections. The vault toilets at Divide Meadow are not accessible.