POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE
Point Reyes National Seashore was established to preserve and protect wilderness, natural ecosystems, and cultural resources along the diminishing undeveloped coastline of the western United States.
My visit to Point Reyes was everything I thought it would be and more. I was able to hike through a Elk Preserve and see Elk grazing right in front of me. You can’t beat walking along the West Coast and hearing the waves crash into the shore as you hike. You can even see some of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Located just an hour’s drive from a densely populated metropolitan area, the Seashore is a sanctuary for myriad plant and animal species and for the human spirit — for discovery, inspiration, solitude, and recreation — and exists as a reminder of the human connection to the land.
Point Reyes National Seashore comprises over 100 square miles including 33,300 acres of coastal wilderness area. Estuaries, windswept beaches, coastal scrub grasslands, salt and freshwater marshes, and coniferous forests create a haven of 80 miles of unspoiled and undeveloped coastline.
Abundant recreational opportunities include 150 miles of hiking trails, backcountry campgrounds, and numerous beaches. Kayaking, biking, hiking, beach combing, and wildlife viewing are just a few of the self-guided activities awaiting your visit. Please check at a visitor center when you arrive at Point Reyes for the most recent information on trail closures or other important information you may need for your visit.
This park is a must see when visiting San Francisco. It’s not that far away and easy to get to. The views will take your breath away, and the wildlife is abundant. I hiked on the Tomales Point Trail which is a 9.5 mile trail out and back. The trail descriptions on the nps.gov website are good and precise.
Point Reyes National Seashore offers year-round backcountry camping along Drakes Bay and among the hills and valleys of the Phillip Burton Wilderness, and boat-in camping on the west shore of Tomales Bay. Because of its location near the Metropolitan San Francisco Bay Area, the campsites at Point Reyes are in great demand. Reservations are strongly suggested. YOU MUST make reservations to camp. Check out the nps.gov website for more details, and plan ahead.
Stay in Larkspur at the Marriott Courtyard where Hwy 110 is a quick jump. Point Reyes is about a 30 minute drive from there.
Bear Valley Visitor Center
Open: Year round.
Closed: December 25.
Hours:
Weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Weekends and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (415) 464-5100
