Point Reyes juts into the Pacific like a geological afterthought—a fragment of land slowly drifting north along the San Andreas Fault. This isolation has created something special: 71,000 acres of wilderness just 30 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge, home to elk herds, migrating whales, and over 150 miles of trails.
The hiking here is remarkably varied. You can walk through bishop pine forests, climb to coastal ridges, descend to empty beaches, or stand on cliffs watching for whales. The landscape feels wilder than its proximity to San Francisco would suggest—a reminder that California's coast still holds places where nature runs the show.
Best Hikes
Tomales Point Trail
- Distance: 9.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 800 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Walk through the tule elk reserve on this spectacular coastal trail. The path follows the ridgeline north, with views of Tomales Bay on one side and the Pacific on the other. Elk are commonly spotted grazing the grasslands. Continue to the very tip for dramatic cliff views.
Alamere Falls
- Distance: 8.5 miles round trip (from Palomarin)
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
A tidefall—one of only two in California where a waterfall drops directly onto a beach. The hike passes Bass Lake and beautiful coastal terrain. Note: The falls require a short, steep scramble to access safely. Check tide tables and never climb the cliffs.
Bear Valley to Arch Rock
- Distance: 8.2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 600 feet
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
A classic Point Reyes hike through mixed forest to a dramatic coastal overlook. The trail is well-graded and popular. At Arch Rock, sea stacks and offshore rocks frame the Pacific vista.
Chimney Rock Trail
- Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
A short walk to excellent whale-watching territory. During winter gray whale migration (January-April), this is one of the best viewing spots on the coast. Harbor seals also frequent the beaches below.
More Great Trails
Point Reyes Lighthouse
- Distance: 0.8 miles round trip (from parking)
- Elevation: 300+ stairs
Descend to the historic lighthouse at the windiest point on the Pacific Coast. The stairs are the challenge—coming back up tests your legs. Views of the coast and (in season) migrating whales make it worthwhile.
Estero Trail to Sunset Beach
- Distance: 8.0 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Traverse coastal grasslands to a beautiful secluded beach on Drake's Estero. Good for birding and quiet contemplation.
Sky Trail to Mount Wittenberg
- Distance: 4.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
Climb to Point Reyes' highest point (1,407 feet) for panoramic views of the peninsula, Drake's Bay, and the Farallon Islands on clear days.
Wildlife
Tule Elk
A herd of tule elk roams the Tomales Point area. Once nearly extinct, they've been successfully reintroduced. The elk are wild—keep at least 75 feet away and never approach.
Whales
Gray whales migrate past Point Reyes from December through April, heading to and from Mexican breeding grounds. Chimney Rock and the Lighthouse are prime viewing spots.
Elephant Seals
A growing colony of elephant seals inhabits beaches in the Drake's Beach area. Winter and spring offer the most activity as seals breed and birth pups.
Birds
Over 490 bird species have been recorded at Point Reyes—one of the highest counts in North America. Bring binoculars.
Practical Information
Getting There
Point Reyes is about 1 hour north of San Francisco via Highway 1. The Bear Valley Visitor Center is a good starting point for information and maps.
Fees and Permits
No entrance fee for Point Reyes National Seashore. Backcountry camping requires permits (reserve through Recreation.gov).
Weather
Coastal fog is common, especially in summer. Layers are essential—it can be 40°F at the lighthouse when it's 80°F in the interior. The clearest weather is typically September-November.
When to Visit
- Winter: Whale watching, elephant seal pupping, dramatic storms
- Spring: Wildflowers, whale watching continues, milder weather
- Summer: Foggy coast but warm interior, busy weekends
- Fall: Clearest skies, pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Camping
Four backcountry camps offer overnight options:
- Coast Camp: Near the beach, 2.8 miles from trailhead
- Sky Camp: On Mount Wittenberg's slopes, 1.4 miles
- Glen Camp: Forested setting, 4.6 miles
- Wildcat Camp: Beachfront, 5.5+ miles
Reservations are required year-round. Weekend dates book up quickly, especially in spring and fall.
Quick Reference: Point Reyes Hikes
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomales Point | 9.4 mi | Moderate | Elk, views |
| Alamere Falls | 8.5 mi | Moderate | Tidefall |
| Bear Valley | 8.2 mi | Easy-Mod | Classic hike |
| Chimney Rock | 1.8 mi | Easy | Whales |
Point Reyes offers wilderness hiking within reach of a major city—elk herds, empty beaches, migrating whales, and trails through forest, grassland, and coastal bluff. It's a reminder that California's wild coast still exists, accessible to anyone willing to walk.
