Only traveled on the floor level but it is beautiful, historic and calming park. Next to hwy 101,…read morethe freeway really doesn't affect the park settings that much. Plenty of trees for shade, picnic tables, a large fountain (unfortunately not operating) Some buildings & farm houses. Also easy access to restrooms. Will definitely go on the upper paths and hopefully see a view. Take a hike !!!

Hello everyone! Well this state park has quite a bit of history to be honest but unfortunately, it…read moreis really very rundown. This property at one point was owned by a family that actually played a key role in developing this area of California and they ran cattle amongst other agricultural initiatives on the property. The Grateful Dead actually lived here for a bit in the 60's and held a number of rock rule festivals in the property as well but none of that is evident at this point. The original mansion suffered fire damage and is pretty much condemned. An original Adobe house belonging to a prior Mexican owner is pretty much a ruin at this point but it is protected. There is also a re-creation of an Indian village in the property which is not much to see but it's there. Something that was pretty cool was checking out some of the fountains and remnants of non native flowers and trees that are still on the property in the garden related areas. A shame that the State of California has not properly maintained this park. Not saying you should not check it out. Plan for a cool day so you don't have any issues hiking the trails, which are not bad. Hydrate as well whenever possible and don't leave anything behind except your footprints. Hope you all enjoy your visit!

Pinnacle Gulch is our hiking spot whenever we vacation in Bodega Bay…read more This year March 2026 is our 12th year vacationing and numerous times hiking the trail. It's my favorite trail because of the flowers, trees, creek and beautiful nature. I prefer hiking during the week because it's very quiet and less people. At the end of the trail you get a nice ocean view and met by the beach and ocean. There's much ocean life on the shore such as crabs, star fish, anemone, clams, birds and many other ocean life. FYI next to Punnacle Gulch there's a couple new hiking trails but much longer called Bluff Trail & Ridge Trail. I highly suggest if you're in the area to hike these trails. 5 Stars all around

One of my favorite trails Just the best way to experience…read morenature Love it and great workout

AWESOME. Hiked a 5…read moremile night hike to arrive around 3am with 7 people. We had two sites and it was great. Clean bathrooms, and running water which we purified and cleaned. This place is tucked deep away and its really nice. We hiked in from the south and then used bear valley trail to leave towards the coast.

Point Reyes national seashore is a day hikers and beachcombers paradise, with nearly all of its…read morescenic treasures accessible from a drive-in trailhead or beach parking area. If you have the time and money, you can B&B it in style at Osprey Peak and enjoy oysters and wine at Saltwater in Inverness while hiking during the day. But there's more to Point Reyes than meets the eye. There's also the wilderness. The wilderness? The Phillip Burton Wilderness, actually. And wilderness areas are special - the most protected areas within the National Parks and National Forests in the US with the strictest rules regarding land use and recreation. You traverse the wilderness area on many hikes, but there are only 4 places (and about 50 sites) where you can overnight. Of the four, Glen Camp is to my mind the most secluded and therefore also the most "wildernessy" of the bunch. Wildcat and Coast camps are beach sites, extremely pretty but very popular and rather unprotected from the elements. Sky is closest to the road and the Bear Valley visitor center, which makes it good for folks w/ kids or tons of gear. It has sheltering trees but isn't as deep into the woods as Glen and further away from some of the scenic wonders: the lakes and Alamere falls and wildflower-covered ridges. And of the sites in Glen Camp, 005 and 006 are the most secluded, located up a hillside and under gorgeous tree canopies. Importantly, the toilets and water pump are out of sight up here, so you'll feel more in the woods than on the flat (and dusty) section below. It's not as OutThere! as Montana's Bob Marshall wilderness, but it's secluded and fun and full of forest sounds and sensations, which is all you really need, unless grizzly scat, snowmelt, and sage grouse are what you're after. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/glen-camp-point-reyes-station?select=gqO8uxAcbaNpw1BH3_iNUw#gqO8uxAcbaNpw1BH3_iNUw http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/glen-camp-point-reyes-station?select=gqO8uxAcbaNpw1BH3_iNUw#6DTO7sDytgZWZjrpbpt7nA http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/glen-camp-point-reyes-station?select=gqO8uxAcbaNpw1BH3_iNUw#uMfDaekmvtCXFMjYAVjC2w http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/glen-camp-point-reyes-station?select=gqO8uxAcbaNpw1BH3_iNUw#QaLBtYeVRcDzAtHqIX28Vg From Glen Camp, you are perfectly positioned for a half-day loop hike to Wildcat Beach and back, using part of the epically scenic Lakes trail and getting a full-on forest meets the sea experience: the best Point Reyes wilderness experience you'll find. Lots of microclimates and intimate as well as expansive views. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/glen-camp-point-reyes-station?select=gqO8uxAcbaNpw1BH3_iNUw#5IMcDlW-oQ6fTTb218z6zw http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/glen-camp-point-reyes-station?select=gqO8uxAcbaNpw1BH3_iNUw#MzaY0PU4X300QfK9T1R4UA http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/glen-camp-point-reyes-station?select=gqO8uxAcbaNpw1BH3_iNUw#KkiBU7OVZQN1q6kJ3vwjNg http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/glen-camp-point-reyes-station?select=gqO8uxAcbaNpw1BH3_iNUw#jHDmbp8uydgCTnq3_utLEw http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/glen-camp-point-reyes-station?select=gqO8uxAcbaNpw1BH3_iNUw#j8kxoOJliLa9mpv5BkbRyA http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/glen-camp-point-reyes-station?select=gqO8uxAcbaNpw1BH3_iNUw#aqfLOMz8P0RTFPZH7DVmYw Remember that you'll be one of 50-100 people around, probably less, once the evening sets in. Because you can't camp anywhere but the four designated spaces. And Glen gets fewer reservation requests than Wildcat or Coast. On the return to Bear Valley, don't take the shortest route to your car. Instead, set out on the Coast Trail to Arch Rock, then return to Bear Valley. You'll be rewarded with wonderful coastal views and - if you get an early start - you'll have the trails to yourself. Solitude is part of what Point Reyes' wilderness experience is all about. Glen Camp gives you a convenient base from which to explore the inner recesses during times of the day when the masses are still asleep or on the road. That's what makes it so special.

Half these reviews are of the wrong place. There's the Tomales Bay Trail and the Tomales Point…read moreTrail which sound very similar so it's easy to get them mixed up but they are completely different places. The Tomales Point Trail is much farther out and the hike is in view of the ocean and features Tule Elk. That place is: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tomales-point-trail-tule-elk-preserve-inverness?osq=tomales+trail The Tomales Bay Trail is right outside of Point Reyes Station off the Shoreline freeway. The trail is about 2.5 miles and takes a little over an hour. Since it's so close to Point Reyes Station it's nice to go here if you are looking for a shorter hike and not wanting to go all the way out to the seashore or do a long Bear Valley trail. The trail is easy passing by two lagoons or ponds and views of the Inverness mountain in the background. Lots of wildflowers in the spring! Lots of birds, not always in eyesight but I could hear them everywhere. I kept seeing a black bird with a bright red markings, not sure what type of bird this is but it was pretty. There is no shade, most of the time this isn't an issue since Point Reyes is naturally cool or foggy but on a sunny day this can really creep up on you.

For years now I've driven by the Tomales Bay Trailhead and been consistent in remarking that "I…read morewant to hike that". I finally did, and when I'd almost fully back-tracked to my car I said "Well, done that. Don't need to do that again". I got home and told my son I'd hiked this nothing-burger trail. At first he didn't know which trail I was talking about then he was struck with a sudden recognition. "You're right" he said, "that's a nothing-burger". There's nothing wrong with his trail aside from there not being much to it. Parking at the trailhead is easy and free in a small lot. After going through numerous gates designed, I believe, to keep the cows in, hikers are presented with attractive views of Tomales Bay and the surrounding wetlands. The trail is neither challenging, steep, nor long but if you want to make it as long as possible head out to the end of the peninsula. Reach the end of that and return the way you came and you'll log a bit under 3.5 miles total. There's no looping here so backtracking is your sole option. Dogs aren't permitted though nobody appears to be checking. If you've also been driving by this trailhead for a long time know that crossing it off your own bucket list won't eat up too much of your day so you might as well. Pretty, easy, and short make this a worthy place to work off a few calories before heading further north for, perhaps, that platter of Hog Island oysters that's got you on this road in the first place.

ACCESSING JEWELL TRAIL. On two occasions in February 2021, I hiked the loop trail consisting of…read moreBolinas Ridge Trail, Jewell Trail, and Cross Marin Trail. My hike was in the counterclockwise direction around this loop trail. The final stretch of this loop hike requires hiking within the narrow space between the Francis Drake Blvd. and a steep downhill slope covered with trees and with lichens called "old man's beard." Jewell Trail has two trailheads. One is located on Bolinas Ridge Trail and the other is on Cross Marin Trail. The trailhead for Bolinas Ridge Trail is next to Francis Drake Blvd., one mile east of Olema. The trailhead on Cross Marin Trail, is situated one mile to the northwest of the Camp Taylor campground. Regarding the Bolinas Ridge trailhead a mile east of Olema, typically between five and ten automobiles are parked here. They're parked on the south shoulder of Francis Drake Blvd., but additional parking places are available on a wide dirt shoulder, across the street and 50 feet to the west. The segment of Bolinas Ridge Trail leading to the Jewell Trail Trailhead provides scenery of amazing beauty. The photographs in the following list describe, by way of pictures, everything that I could possibly describe with words about Bolinas Ridge Trail and Jewell Trail: (1) Photo of wooden maze that allows passage of people, but prevents cows from passing through. The body of the cow is not flexible in the same way that snakes are flexible. If cows were flexible, they could be taught to dance the hula. But cows are unable to do hula dancing. Because cows are not flexible, they cannot pass through the wooden maze. (2) On the left side of Bolinas Ridge Trail, you can see a cluster of trees sitting on a hillock, with a row of stones embedded in the hillock. This hillock occurs about 100 feet down a grassy slope. (3) Same cluster of trees sitting on a hillock, where photo shows a tree coated with "Old Man's Beard" lichens. (4) To the right of Bolinas Ridge Trail is a deep valley. The boulder at the far left has lichen clinging to it. (5) On the right side of Bolinas Ridge Trail is a tall boulder with a stone shelf on it. On this stone shelf, I posed my mountain goat. While taking this photograph, a man and woman, in their 20's, were hiking by. I turned to them and said, "Don't worry, my permit for keeping the mountain goat is all paid up." They responded with a flurry of laughs. (6) Same boulder, with both Strawberry Shortcake and the goat. (7) Photo of deep valley to left of Bolinas Ridge Trail. Jewell Trail is just beyond this valley. (8) Photo of the sign at the trailhead for Jewell Trail. Two men were approaching, riding their mountain bikes. I was impressed by their ability to ride up the steep hill and I said, "You are certainly strong and powerful, but I know you are vulnerable to KRYPTONITE." They understood my joke and laughed. (9) After a minute of hiking down Jewell Trail there's a huge boulder to the right. Photo of the goat, California quail, and northern flicker sitting on this boulder. (10) Further down Jewell Trail, view looking uphill at the beautiful upper part of the valley. (11) Same location by Jewell Trail, with view looking downhill. Francis Drake Blvd. can be seen in the distance. (12) Further down Jewell Trail, the forest begins. Goat and Strawberry Shortcake stand near a zig-zag in the trail. (13) Further on down, the trail enters a shady area, covered with a tunnel of trees. I arranged a fallen white-colored branch, possibly from a birch tree, so that it would show up in the photograph. (14) Photo of a mossy tree covered with a few tiny ferns, located next to Jewell Trail. LICHENS. In many areas of your hike, you will find lichens hanging from trees and lichens growing on rocks. The kind of lichen that hangs from trees is "old man's beard," also called beard lichens of the genus Usnea. Photographs of beard lichens are available from, "pointreyesnature dot com/alamea-trail" and also from Kundsen and Carlberg (2005). Other kinds of lichen at Bolinas Ridge include Rimularia insularis and Rinodina falvosoralifera. Colorful lichens that grow on rocks include, Xanthoria elegans, Rhizoplaca melanopthalma, and Saxicolous lichens. REFERENCES. ( 1 ) K. Knudsen and T. Carlberg (2005) Bulletin of the California Lichen Society. Vol. 12, No. 2, page 36. ( 2 ) Tom Carlberg (2012) Bulletin of the California Lichen Society. Vol. 19. See, page 27. ( 3 ) Larry St. Clair (1999) Bulletin of the California Lichen Society. Vol. 6, No. 2. ( 4 ) Kocourkova (2012) A Checklist of the Lichenicolous Biota of California Opuscula Philolichenum. 11:64-103. ( 5 ) Lichens, surprising pioneering organisms (2019) Encyclopedia of the Environment. ( 6 ) Article by Sheela McLean, available from: "methownet dot com/grist/features/lichens.html

The trail is around a 2-mile loop nestled in Samuel P. Taylor Park…read more Parking is $8 so I think this hike is better if you are already at Samuel P. Taylor Park. Not that many people are here on the weekdays so it might be worth the parking fee for some extreme calm because the trail doesn't get as busy as some other trails in Marin. I felt it was very serene, and you were really away from it all here with just the sounds of the running creek and woodpeckers. Visually it's very shaded with lots of greenery and ferns. I always get a sandwich at Lagunitas Grocery store beforehand and eat it in the park.

When my son suggested I hike the Pioneer Tree Trail he described it as easy and empty; he had never…read morebefore seen anyone on the trail and surmised that bringing my dog, whether permitted or not (he was unsure) would thus be no problem. He had obviously never been on the Pioneer Tree Trail on a summer weekend during a pandemic. Pioneer Tree Trail is a 2.1 mile loop trail that isn't flat but neither is there any significant elevation. It winds around and back and forth through beautiful Redwood groves and it's got a lot of charm. The fact that most people enter the trail from Samuel P. Taylor Park probably accounted for its popularity during my weekend, summertime visit. Children and families and groups who I'll assume were in some sort of Covid-bubble all seemed to be enjoying this hike on a sunny day. And even though she wasn't technically allowed, my dog enjoyed the easy to follow trail as well. If all you're looking for is a mellow stroll, go ahead and enter from the park. If you want more of a challenge though still no elevation, park on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. at Inkwells, cross the bridge on the north side of the road, and follow the flat, bike-friendly Cross Marin Trail to your left. When you cross the second bridge, do a u-turn and you'll encounter the entrance to the Pioneer Tree Trail. I have it on good authority that you can have this trail to yourself at most times, but I'd not rely on it during a summer weekend when people are itching to break out of their homes after months of sheltering in place.

Cool trail I found just above the main town square of Sonoma. Like less than a half mile going…read moretowards the hills. I actually found where to park from now on if trying to roam this touristy part of town, instead of trying to find a space near the park and all the retail businesses. Much more room back there without the traffic due to parking sharks stalling traffic. This is pretty much an up and back so not a loop. It goes about a little over a mile up in a gradual fashion about 600 feet in elevation gain. Nothing strenuous but will get your cardio revving. About 50/50 shade/sun ratio but once up top it is all exposed. Up top there is a great view of the valley below. It is worth the trek. Went on a Sunday afternoon and it was pretty popular. Probably saw over 30 peeps either coming or going. I bet it is much more relaxed on the weekdays, which will be my next op. Trust. Great workout, picturesque views, clean air, and lots of entertainment just minutes below this trailhead. So glad I found this, only took me 20 years of visiting this town to find it. As they say 'better late than never'.

One of the best hikes for me. I respect and admire historical cemeteries and I was able to…read morebeautifully and admirably mix the two. Instead of entering the trailhead parking entrance, I entered through the sleek veterans memorial and entered the meandering cemetery way. The more higher one got, the more historical it got. Follow the arrows to continue to the trailhead. No I returned where the arrows lead you back and then continued up and right. What another beautiful hike and view passing even older markers. I enjoyed this part the best. I will definitely want to visit and admire the history of it's families, again.

Some friends recently proposed a hike in a place that I'd never heard of. It turned out to be a…read morefirst visit for several of us; and I noted later that the preserve did not appear on Yelp. (Time to fix that.) The Gary Giacomini Preserve offers 1500 acres of rugged terrain between the town of San Geronimo (to the north) and the Marin Municipal Water District (to the south). And since the water district is open to visitors, that means there is even more adjacent terrain to explore, including the shores of nearby Kent Lake. The primary trail in the park is the San Geronimo Ridge Rd. which takes a mostly East-West route along the ridgeline. (It turns out to form a portion of the Bay Area Ridge Trail). Multiple, single track trails and lesser fire roads drop down at various points from this road. Our hike here was tough but glorious; it was just over 9 miles with plenty of climbs and descents. It was also one of the loveliest hikes I've been on this year, and we enjoyed our lunches on the shores of the enormous Kent Lake (the largest reservoir in the Marin Water District). Yet apart from one angler in the distance, we were the only visitors in view. Despite the beauty of GG Open Space, I can't award a full five stars due to amenities. As in: there aren't any at all. It's very tight street parking only; plus you'll need to bring your own maps and use the forest as your restroom. But if you are well-prepared for all this you will be just as well-rewarded. My Hiking Spot Checklist: -- Parking: Street parking only; near multiple possible trailhead starts -- Bathrooms: None -- Potable water provided: No -- Maps provided: No -- Highlights: Mostly-forested, rugged terrain. Secluded and a bit wild.