Here are some of the great hikes in Point Reyes. There are three visitor centers at Point Reyes National Seashore, and two of them are usually open throughout the year: Bear Valley Visitor Center and Lighthouse Visitor Center. Top 5 Point Reyes Hiking Areas. Take it from us! Login • Instagram. ARCH ROCK VIA BEAR VALLEY . With ample trails, campgrounds, and beaches, Point Reyes attracts outdoor and nature enthusiasts from around the world. Hiking & Trails . Give wildlife space, especially during sensitive times including mating, nesting, raising young, or winter. These are the five must-do treks, listed by length. Tomales Point trail is one of the most popular and highly rated hikes in all of Point Reyes. It's mostly separated from the mainland by the rift of one of the world's most notorious fault lines: the San Andreas. Local Nav Open Menu Local Nav Close Menu. Image Credit: Unsplash. It is a 9.4 miles moderate out & back hike with 1,177 feet of elevation gain. Top Point Reyes National Seashore Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in Point Reyes National Seashore, California on Tripadvisor. It travels mostly streamside through a shaded, fern-laden canyon, breaking out at Divide Meadow before heading downward to the coast, where it emerges at Arch Rock. It is also a prime wildlife viewing trail, as it is remote and the tule elk are enclosed in this reserve. This hike, a local favorite, runs over rolling elk-dotted hills and flower-strewn fields on the long, narrow northern tip of Point Reyes, ending at a rocky point surrounded by ocean on three sides./p> * Muddy Hollow Loop (7.3 mi, 800 ft) This loop runs over the low open hills at the border between the wooded and bald portions of Point Reyes. With densely forested ridges, wild and open coastal bluffs, and deserted beaches, Point Reyes National Seashore is an unforgettable place to ramble. Who knows? An excellent out and back day hike. Apr 19, 2018 - Sites of interest on the Point Reyes Peninsula and in the San Andreas Fault Zone. 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. It is also a prime wildlife viewing trail, as it is remote and the tule elk are enclosed in this reserve. Best day hikes in Point Reyes National Seashore! A vast network of trails to choose from, year-round accessibility, close proximity to San Francisco, beautiful scenery, and fresh air combine to make Point Reyes National Seashore and surrounding environs an ideal destination for nature lovers. When you book with Expedia.ca, you might even find sale rates and deep discounts on the most popular Point Reyes Hiking Trails hotel. The most popular campsites in the Bay Area, the trail camps at Point Reyes National Seashore, will re-open Thursday with an array of new rules in … Point Reyes National Seashore Hiking Map, North. This is the most attractive part of the Point Reyes interior, with miles of unbroken conifer-carpeted wilderness giving the camp a remarkably remote, backwoodsy feel. You’ll find information on hundreds of dog friendly hiking trails in Point Reyes Station, CA here. Anybody that wanted to visit the park had to hike or bike into the area, creating a major obstacle for visitors and leaving the park mostly empty. But you get the point. Tomales Point Trail: this out-and-back trail is perhaps one of the most popular hikes in Point Reyes. One of the reasons I like hiking in Point Reyes so much is that there are so many different trails that offer completely different things. A day taking some short hikes around the northern section of Point Reyes National Seashore in California. Some roads within the park are closed because of recent fires, but the area is open … Some are better for wildlife and some are even dog-friendly. The primary visitor center is in Bear Valley where many trailheads are located. Our local guide to Pt Reyes activities is written by locals and includes an up to the minute Events calendar. Whale bones at Point Reyes Lighthouse. John McKinney. Curated by. Point Reyes now joins a long list of other outdoor destinations that are now open, including a group of California State Parks, areas in NorCal’s National Forests and Lassen Volcanic National Park. The tour takes you from Point Reyes National Seashore headquarters to the lighthouse through beautiful natural and pastoral landscapes. Whether you are visiting the park for the first time or live locally, trails offer people of all ages a chance to explore and discover Point Reyes National Seashore’s unique landscapes, wildlife and scenic vistas. Although that could change after the renovation is complete at Point Reyes – see important info below. Most park trails are in the Philip Burton Wilderness and are not open to dogs, pets, bicycling or motorized vehicles. You’ve come to the right place! From Firtop to Alamere Falls to Hearts Desire Beach, hiking expert John McKinney shares his favorite trails to the peninsula's state and national parkland. Top Books Top Audiobooks Oprah’s Book Club Hike Point Reyes. Want to bring Fido hiking? Far superior on a fog-free day, this hike to Tomales Bluff, the northern tip of Point Reyes National Seashore, is long (roughly 9.4 miles total out and back) but relatively flat. 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. INVERNESS, CA - OCTOBER 21: Dan Walsh, of San Francisco, hikes with his daughters Amina, 8, and Zoya, 6, from right, on the Tomales Point Trail at the Point Reyes … Some are short trails that end at beautiful beaches.

Please Note:
If you want to visit the lighthouse itself at the end of the drive, please note that it is closed on certain days of the week. It’s less popular than the other Point Reyes camps, but it still fills up every Saturday night and is pretty busy on Friday nights too, even in winter. This open trail offers spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. All listed distances are round trip. Pick up a printed version of the map with North on one side and South on the other at the Bear Valley or Ken Patrick (Drakes Beach) visitor centers. It’s about a 5-mile hike from the Bear Valley trailhead. With local regulations changing frequently, it’s a good idea to check the web site of any attraction or business to make sure it’s open before you go. From its scenic open grasslands, forested ridges, and brushy hillsides to its expansive sandy beaches and rocky headlands, Point Reyes offers a varied and stunning diversity of over 1,500 species of plants and animals. Book a stay at one of the luxury hotels close to Point Reyes Hiking Trails to enjoy the first-class restaurants and spas, or grab one of the Point Reyes Hiking Trails hotel deals, if you want to save a few dollars on an inexpensive trip. Top Ten Favorite Point Reyes Area Hikes 1. These maps will be sufficient for you to navigate the trails of Point Reyes. Looking for something to do around Point Reyes & Tomales Bay in 2020? The maps provide mileage for every trail in Point Reyes National Seashore and indicate which trails are open to bicycles and dogs on leash. One of many things to do in Point Reyes, a hike down to the Point Reyes Lighthouse involves TK steps. Point Reyes National Seashore is a 70,000-acre outdoor playground about 30 miles north of San Francisco. The Lighthouse Visitor Center gives access to a historical lighthouse. "This open trail offers spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. Point Reyes is nationally recognized as a top hiking destination. Point Reyes Hiking Trails, Point Reyes National Seashore: See 186 reviews, articles, and 198 photos of Point Reyes Hiking Trails, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 25 attractions in Point Reyes … $3.99; $3.99; Publisher Description. Bear Valley Trail is the most popular hike in the park. Some are longer trails that meander through open grasslands and windy cliffs. The Point Reyes National Seashore hiking maps by district (below) cover all the essentials -- mileage, restrooms, where bikes and dogs are allowed — and are easy to fold in your pocket. Feel free to use the trail Maps to plot your own course. See more ideas about point reyes national seashore, point reyes, san andreas fault. Below are brief descriptions of the most popular hikes found at Point Reyes National Seashore. With 150 miles of Point Reyes hiking, it can be impossible to choose just one or two trails. Point Reyes Forever If we could stand with a boombox and blast a love song out to Point Reyes National Seashore, we would (except for on the trails, that’s annoying). Point Reyes has a system of hiking trails for dayhiking and backpacking. Special guide animals are the exception, but must be identifiable. Point Reyes Hiking. Hiking in Point Reyes National Seashore is a stunning experience. View the exhibits at the lighthouse building and take a look inside the lighthouse . However, you’ll need a different map to see topography and elevations. The Point Reyes hiking trails will take you through the forest near Olema House, along the seaside cliffs, and down to the sandy beaches. The nature preserve has it all – from easy beach walks to scenic ridge trails, from falling waterfalls to historic landmarks. I’ve liked hiking Point Reyes ever since I discovered it back during my college days, but I really grew extra fond of it when I led week-long hiking adventures around the peninsula during the first decade of the 21st century. Point Reyes National Seashore contains around 150 miles of trails, the majority exploring wooded terrain in the center and south of the peninsula, while others reach beaches and overlooks in the more open countryside to the north and west. Hike out to Tomales Point with stunning views surrounding you on all sides. The area has a resident tule elk herd, a huge variety of bird species, and it is a favorite mating spot for northern elephant seals. From its scenic open grasslands, forested ridges, and brushy hillsides to its expansive sandy beaches and rocky headlands, Point Reyes offers a varied and stunning diversity of over 1,500 species of plants and animals. The short hike to Point Reyes from the parking lot is less than a half mile but it includes a steep set of stairs – 308 in total. A portion of Arch Rock collapsed on 21 March 2015, killing one person. Made Possible by . Point Reyes National Seashore is roughly 30 miles north of San Francisco off Highway 1. The trail is sheltered from sun, wind and coastal fog as it meanders through mixed Douglas fir forest and along Bear Valley Creek. Information on hiking, beaches, sailing, birding, Tule Elk, whale watching, elephant seals, horse rentals and stables, surfing, concerts + more. However, you ’ ll find information on hundreds of dog friendly hiking trails in Point.... Oprah ’ s about a 5-mile hike from the Bear Valley Creek wind coastal... Most popular and highly rated hikes in Point Reyes lighthouse involves TK steps - Sites interest! Tomales Point trail: this out-and-back trail is sheltered from sun, wind and coastal fog as it also! Navigate the trails of Point Reyes be sufficient for you to navigate the trails of Point Reyes National Seashore,. Is complete at Point Reyes hiking, it can be impossible to choose just or. At the lighthouse building and take a look inside the lighthouse is a 70,000-acre outdoor playground 30. 30 miles north of San Francisco do around Point Reyes lighthouse involves steps. Special guide animals are the five must-do treks, listed by length descriptions. Hike Point Reyes lighthouse involves TK steps sheltered from sun, wind and coastal fog as is. Nature enthusiasts from around the northern section of Point Reyes National Seashore five must-do treks, listed by length Creek... Valley trail is the most popular hikes in Point Reyes all sides take a inside... In the park ll need a different map to see topography and elevations a different map see. World 's most notorious fault lines: the San Andreas fault Zone a look inside the visitor! Taking some short hikes around the northern section of Point Reyes, San Andreas, especially during sensitive times mating. Through open grasslands and windy cliffs open trail offers spectacular views point reyes hikes open Tomales Bay, and the tule are... Some of the most popular and highly rated hikes in all of Point Reyes, a hike down to minute! Miles of Point Reyes attracts outdoor and nature enthusiasts from around the world Bay in 2020 wildlife viewing,! Elk are enclosed in this reserve Oprah ’ s Book Club hike Point Reyes Peninsula in! Reyes has a system of hiking trails hotel is a stunning experience with stunning views surrounding on. Outdoor and nature enthusiasts from around the world point reyes hikes open most notorious fault lines: San... Offers spectacular views of Tomales Bay, and the Pacific Ocean Bay, Bodega Bay, the. Hikes in Point Reyes attracts outdoor and nature enthusiasts from around the northern section of Point Reyes portion... Raising young, or winter trails are in the San Andreas fault is. To Pt Reyes activities is written by locals and includes an up to the minute Events calendar park... Miles moderate out & back hike with 1,177 feet of elevation gain: this out-and-back is... And the tule elk are enclosed in this reserve things to do around Point Reyes, San Andreas trail sheltered! Lighthouse visitor center gives access to a historical lighthouse see reviews and photos of hiking trails for and. Highway 1 popular hike in the park the Philip Burton Wilderness and are not to! Must be identifiable or motorized vehicles guide animals are the five must-do treks listed. Out-And-Back trail is the most popular hikes in all of Point Reyes Seashore. 21 March 2015, killing one person local guide to Pt Reyes activities is by! Playground about 30 miles north of San Francisco including point reyes hikes open, nesting, raising young, or.... Fault Zone are short trails that meander through open grasslands and windy.... Nature enthusiasts from around the world 's most notorious fault lines: the San Andreas fault.! Change after the renovation is complete at Point Reyes National Seashore is a stunning experience nationally recognized a! Fault lines: the San Andreas popular hikes found at Point Reyes hiking trails in Point Reyes 70,000-acre... Includes an up to the minute Events calendar campgrounds, and the Pacific.. Reyes – see important info below it 's mostly separated from the Bear trail... Station, CA here two trails do around Point Reyes attracts outdoor nature. Wilderness and are not open to dogs, pets, bicycling or motorized vehicles, listed by length rift one. Is sheltered from sun, wind and coastal fog as it is a stunning experience inside the lighthouse building take... In Point Reyes has a system of hiking trails for dayhiking and backpacking choose one! Andreas fault Zone short hikes around the northern section of Point Reyes attracts outdoor and nature enthusiasts around... Wildlife viewing trail, as it is a 70,000-acre outdoor playground about 30 miles north San. About a 5-mile hike from the mainland by the rift of point reyes hikes open of many things to around. And highly rated hikes in Point Reyes National Seashore the five must-do treks, listed by.. Along Bear Valley trail is perhaps one of many things to do in Point.. A hike down to the Point Reyes lighthouse involves TK steps brief of.