The Point Reyes Bear Valley area is a great place to start a running or hiking adventure. In fact, I LOVE POINT REYES! I’ve run all the trails in the park, several times over and I know them better than anywhere else I spend time outside. In this post, I’ll cover a few running/hiking loops located in the Bear Valley area, which is where the Point Reyes visitor center is located. This is a great jumping off point for exploring the area. Don’t forget to check out the visitor center too!
Maps and Planning
Please feel free to use this interactive map of the Bear Valley area. If you use your smart phone, GPS, or GPS watch for navigation, the map will allow you to download these routes. If you’d like to know more about doing that, check out this post on mapping and navigation. By the way, I’m not affiliated with Caltopo, but I’ve used their products and services for years. I trust and recommend them.
Things to Know
The trails at Point Reyes are great hiking and running routes, but they’re largely closed to biking. Many of the trails are open to equestrians, so please respect the rules so everyone can recreate safely. The regulations are also quite limiting when it comes to where dogs are and aren’t allowed. Please do your homework on that and as a rule of thumb, consider the area non-dog friendly. You should also check for any water service and outage alerts (via the website or speak to the rangers) before embarking on your outing; the pipes can be unreliable out there.
Family (kid) Friendly Hikes
- Map
- About 1 mile each
- Minimal vertical gain or loss
- NO water on the trails
- Restrooms at the start / finish
Two family friendly trails in the Point Reyes Bear Valley area are the Earthquake Trail and/or the Woodpecker Trail. The former is a paved path, the later is a natural trail. Both are short and sweet and both have some interpretive signs so you and your little ones can learn about the area and its wildlife. Speaking of which, keep your eyes open for wildlife! I have spotted weasels, badgers, bobcats, and all sorts of birds along these beginner friendly trails!
Bear Valley to Wittenberg – Into the Forest!
- Map
- 7 miles
- 1400 feet of climbing
- NO water on the trails
- Restrooms at the start / finish
The trail leading around the pasture at the North side of the visitor center may be closed. If so, you can either use Morgan Trail, or sneak onto it (I didn’t say that) briefly before catching Horse Trail. Once you begin climbing, you’ll immediately find yourself on beautiful forested single track. It’s possible to reach Mt. Wittenberg via Z-Ranch Trail (my preference) or Sky Trail. Sky Trail has more up and down and more hikers; Z-Ranch Trail is a little more direct and should be less busy. From Wittenberg, double back and instead of using the over-crowded Mt. Wittenberg Trail to return to the valley, use Meadow Trail — it’s more scenic and much less crowded. Or make the loop longer by following Sky Trail South to Old Pine Trail (also very pretty scenery). Once you have returned to Bear Valley Road, take a left and follow it back to the visitor center.
To the Coast, then to the Sky!
- Map
- 13.7 miles
- 1700 feet of climbing
- Water available via short detour to Coast Camp (mile 8.5)
- Restrooms at start/finish and at Coast Camp
This route is great for running and hiking in Point Reyes when you’re up for a longer outing. It will also satisfy your craving for coastal views without sacrificing any of the amazing forest scenery. You’ll head out Bear Valley Road (which is among the most beautiful fire roads in Marin) heading Southwest and eventually taking the Coastal Trail junction to the North. Runners who have extra time and provisions might consider a small detour to Kelham Beach. Enjoy the views along Coastal Trail, and if you need water or a restroom, pass Woodward Valley Trail and follow signs to Coast Camp, then double back. Climb Woodward Valley and stop to catch your breath and enjoy the views of Point Reyes proper. When you reach Sky Trail, take a left to head North. Run through the forest on Sky Trail for a ways, before descending Meadow Trail back to the Valley – or continue on Sky to Z-Ranch Trail, then to Horse Trail for a longer run if you’re enjoying the forest bathing!
Through the Meadows and Forest to Glen Camp
- Map
- 14.6 miles
- 2100 feet of climbing
- Water available at Glen Camp (mile 9.6)
- Restrooms available at start/finish and at Glen Camp
This is something a little different that’s better done in the dry season. You’ll head South from Bear Valley, then take a left onto Rift Zone Trail. You will follow this trail across some meadows and pastures. There may be cows around, close the gates behind you. This is also a good place to spot bobcats and badgers! Eventually you’ll reach Stewart Trail (actually a fire road), where you will hang a right and start climbing. Look for the junction to your right for Greenpicker Trail, which is a beautiful single track through the forest. Greenpicker trail is the star of the show here, enjoy it! Stay on Greenpicker, taking junctions to the right signed for Glen Camp. At the camp, you’ll find water and restrooms. Leave Glen Camp toward Bear Valley (indicated by the trail signs); when you reach Bear Valley Road, follow it back to the visitor center.
Other Nearby Areas
- Point Reyes Northern Zone
- Point Reyes Southern Zone
- Tomales Bay and Tomales Point