Point Reyes – Northern Zone

If you LOVE running and hiking in Point Reyes like I do, I promise you will enjoy this part of the Seashore! While you can still find some forested hills in the Northern zone, wind-swept bluffs and open scenery are more prevalent. Drake’s Estero, Drake’s Beach, and Limantour Beach are all located in this area. It also tends to be a little on the cooler side and because of this, wild flowers will be blooming later in the year here. The North Zone of Point Reyes is quite special and has a really different landscape than other parts of the National Seashore. I recommend venturing out and seeing what it’s like!

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.

Muddy Hollow to Limantour Beach – Run the Dream!

Map
7 miles
300 feet of climbing
Water at the end of Limantour Road and Coast Camp
Restrooms at the end of Limantour Road and Coast Camp

This is a run or hike that anyone can do with just a little fitness. In terms of running and hiking in Point Reyes, this one is relatively short in distance, but it’s really unique and very dreamy. There aren’t too many places where you can emerge from the forest and run on a beach while the cool ocean breeze blows you along. It’s a Point Reyes Classic!

Drive to the end of Muddy Hollow Road (a graded dirt road) where you can park. Head directly West on Muddy Hollow Trail for a little over a mile of very nice forest sights and sounds. You’ll reach the end of Limantour Road, where restrooms and water are located. Follow the path toward the beach. As you crest the sand dunes, the Pacific Ocean will reveal itself! Make your way onto the firmer sand – it’s actually great running! Run south for about a mile, looking for the path up to Coast Camp.

From there, you can get water if you need it, use the toilets, or just take a short break. When you’re ready, leave Coast Camp using Coast Trail, which will twist and turn a little before it starts to parallel the beach. This will take you back to the road where the hostel is. Hang a left and follow the paved road to the intersection with Limantour road. Be careful crossing. Once you cross, you’ll be on your way back to where you parked.

Muddy Hollow to Drakes Head – Estero Views

Map
13.8 miles
1600 feet of climbing
NO water
NO restrooms

This is a pretty epic run, and something very different. The Northern zone of Point Reyes consists of more coastal bluffs and much less of the forest that covers much of the other zones. Drakes Head is the highest bluff overlooking Drake’s Estero. This is a great run for wildlife spotting, including coyotes, bobcats, birds, snakes, and other critters — including sharks and rays swimming in the estero which are common to see!

You’ll leave Muddy Hollow following Muddy Hollow Road (and old ranch road) heading North as it twists and winds through the open terrain. When you reach the intersection with White Gate Trail, take a left, heading due West. After passing the small dammed up reservoir, you’ll intersect Estero Trail. Take a right until you come to Drake’s Head Trail. By the way, you may encounter some cows here; give any momma cows some space as they can be protective of their calves. You’ll be heading due West to Drake’s Head now. You can go all the way to the “head” (the furthest, highest bluff). There’s actually a natural seating area carved out that you can climb into and have a snack while watching for sharks and rays in the estero below. Double back when you’re ready.

This time, when you reach the dammed up reservoir, cross the dam and continue on Estero Trail. It will eventually head due west again, before turning back towards Muddy Hollow. When you reach Muddy Hollow Road, turn left and you will be back at your car shortly after.

Muddy Hollow to Reyes Hill – Get High!

Map
8.7 miles
1800 feet of climbing
NO water
NO restrooms

This is a run I might do if I was interested in visiting Reyes Hill and seeing the view from up there. It’s probably not one I would make a special trip for otherwise, but nevertheless, I wanted to share it for anyone looking for something a little different at Point Reyes, with lots of solitude. These are very nice forested trails and there’s a sweet bench at the top, so consider packing a lunch and stopping to enjoy it!

You’ll leave Muddy Hollow following Muddy Hollow Road (and old ranch road) heading North as it twists and winds through the open terrain. Shortly, you’ll come to the intersection with Bucklin Trail, where you should turn right, heading East and climbing uphill. You will eventually summit Reyes Hill, take in the view, then carry one. Follow the road South for a short bit, onto Inverness Ridge Trail. You’ll descend to Limantour Road, where you should cross (carefully) and hop on Bayview Trail. Shortly, you’ll intersect Laguna Trail, take it and continue to descend. This will lead you to the Hostel. From there, follow the paved road back to the intersection with Limantour Road and carefully cross again to return to the Muddy Hollow parking area.

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