China Camp represents a unique partnership between the State of California and a local nonprofit organization, Friends of China Camp (FOCC) who took over operations of the park in 2012 to save it from being closed due to budgetary issues. The park consists of a campground, beach, multiple day-use areas, a multi-use trail system, and the historic site of the shrimping village which serves as a museum today. It’s really amazing how much there is to explore within the park given its relatively small size. 

Maps and Planning

Please feel free to use this interactive map of the China Camp area, including the adjacent San Pedro Mountain Preserve and Harry Barbier Memorial Park. 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 China Camp are great hiking and running routes as long as you don’t mind sharing with mountain bikers. Although these trails are also open to equestrians, it’s rare to encounter horses, probably due to the amount of bike traffic the trails are known for. Please respect the rules so everyone can recreate safely. Dogs are not allowed on any single track trails in the area, although leashed dogs are allowed on the fire roads adjacent to China Camp and in day use areas. The chances of seeing wildlife, including deer, turkeys, coyotes, bobcats, snakes, lizards, and newts (etc) is very high, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon. It’s not a bad idea to layer up for the coastal weather, but don’t expect it to be perpetually cool like SF; summer time temps are commonly in the 80s and can be even higher.

Parking and Trail-Use Fees

There is plenty of free parking near the campground entrance alongside San Pedro Road. There are also a few turnouts around Turtle Hill and Bullet Hill that offer  free parking. All of the day use areas are paid parking (via kiosk). If you plan to use the trails, there is an additional fee (a few dollars) which can be paid at any of the kiosks. Season passes are also available. It’s very unlikely anyone will bother about your trail pass, but please do the right thing by paying the reasonable fee to help with the costs of maintaining and managing the park.

Mountain Biking

China Camp is one of a small number of spots in Marin where there are single track trails that bikes are allowed on. A popular forested loop of about 10 miles can be put together using Shoreline Trail, Bayview Trail, Oak Ridge, and Shoreline again, riding counter-clockwise. This is easy to access from the campground entrance, where there is also a kiosk to pick up a day use pass.

These trails are rated “green” (for beginners) on TrailForks but there are a couple of things to note. First there is a decent amount of climbing, so bring your climbing legs and lungs. Although the trails start out very mellow and relatively smooth, but they do feature some small rock gardens — combined with some exposure to a steep drop off, the upper part of the Bayview may make newer riders a little nervous. Having said that, my son learned to ride here when he was 10; he just walked any sections that he didn’t feel confident on.

Taking the detour up Echo Trail (and then following the fire road uphill) will take you to the top of China Camp. There are still remnants of the WWII missile site up here. There are also nice views of Mt. Tam. From here, riders can access “the backside,” which is not technically part of China Camp, or follow the paved access road down to Ridge Fire Trail to connect back up to Bayview. The top part of this descent is rough and steeper — it might be a bit much for beginners, but intermediate and advanced riders will enjoy picking lines and catching some air over what would best be described as a “bad jeep road!” All in all, this is a fun ride full of nice views.

Hiking and Running

China Camp is a great spot for hiking and running, even with the popularity of biking; I have never had an issue (I run and bike there). It offers everything from a wheelchair accessible trail, to longer routes over rougher terrain. Pack a lunch and visit the beach or eat at any of the day use areas!

Accessible Option (No Spice)

• 2.2 miles (loop)
• 120 feet of climbing
• Water at the campground, no water on trail
• Restrooms at the campground and portables at Miwok Meadows

These trails have recently been graded and widened to meet standards for accessibility. They can be done as an out-and-back, or as a loop, using the dirt shoulder of San Pedro Road to return (which is wide and has relatively light traffic but may not work for individuals in wheelchairs). From the Turtleback Hill turn out, hop onto Shoreline Trail and follow it to the large group day-use area known as Miwok Meadows. Double back from there — or continue down the fire road to reach San Pedro Road, then follow it back. An optional add-on is the Turtleback Hill Loop, which is also an accessible trail on the north side of San Pedro road across from the turnout. This is a great path for an easier run or hike with nice views through the forest.

Bayview + Shoreline Trails (Mild Spice)

• 3.4 miles (loop)
• 250 feet of climbing
• Water at the campground, no water on trail
• Restrooms at the campground and portables at Miwok Meadows

Starting on San Pedro road, near the campground entrance, you can hop onto Shoreline and then Bayview Trail. It will fork early on, take the lower fork to the left, cross the group camping area, then follow the trail as it switchbacks up the forested hillside. This will skirt around and above the campground, through the Madrones and Bay Laurel trees, eventually connecting to Shoreline Trail, which is an accessible trail that continues winding through the forest. Follow Shoreline past Miwok Meadows, down to San Pedro road, then back along the road to the campground entrance.

Bayview + Oak Ridge + Shoreline Trails (Medium Spice)

• 8.2 miles (loop)
• 850 feet of climbing
• Water at the campground, no water on trail
• Restrooms at the campground and portables at Miwok Meadows.

This is the classic loop that a lot of locals refer to as the “frontside” loop. While it offers a beginner to intermediate mountain biking experience, it presents a challenging run with a long, steady climb, then fast downhill sections that give way to gently rolling trails at the bottom — a good route to test your fitness on, to be sure! For hiking, it’s a great choice as long as you’re up for the mileage, you can carry enough water for the journey. Regardless of your mode of travel, this is one of the classic routes in Marin that everyone should do at least once. Spring is the best time of the year, but it can work in any season. Be aware that it can be a hot one in Summer.

Frontside + Backside Loop (Spicy)

• 12.3 miles (loop)
• 1750 feet of climbing
• Water at the campground, no water on trail
• Restrooms at the campground and portables at Miwok Meadows.

This is a great loop for people who are in excellent shape and looking for more distance and challenge. It’s one of my favorites to run during or after the rain. It’s also good riding; however, the backside trails are narrow and all have some degree of exposure, so do your homework. I’m not going to give much of a play by play; there’s a lot going on here. Do prepare for a lot of climbing! You will be reward with views of the bay and Mt. Tam, as well as lots of forest time, including a short stretch through some redwoods. I strongly recommend taking some sort of map and/or navigation aid. The backside trail network can be very confusing and is unsigned outside of the China Camp boundary.

The Beach and Museum

The compact nature of China Camp means you can come for the trails, beach, or to learn about the cultural history of the area — or do all of the above. The beach is a cool area to kick back with picnic tables, a snack shop (open weekends only), some shade, and of course, access to the water. There are no strong currents or surf here, so it’s a great swimming and paddling spot. The beach is made of fine pebbles; sandals are advisable. There is a small fee for parking with limited spots available directly at the beach and more in the parking lot above it.

This area was once home to the Coast Miwok people, and later, Chinese Immigrants who relocated to the area for cultural connectedness. They created a shrimping industry on this very spot. You can visit the on-site museum to learn the lore of area that Huell Howser once featured on California’s Gold (RIP, Huell). Frank Quan was the last person to have been part of the China Camp shrimping village who still lived on site, up until his death in 2016 (RIP, Frank). I was fortunate to have met him and talked to him on a couple of occasions when I visited the beach during my runs.

That’s a Lot to Do!

Yep! China Camp offers something for everyone. It’s a fantastic resource for locals and a great spot to visit for a change of scenery with easy access, accessible trails, and reasonable fees. Give it a chance and see for yourself!

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Maps and Planning

Please feel free to use this interactive map of the Southern Point Reyes 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.

Planning to Visit Alamere Falls?

If so, there are a few things I really want to stress. First, the trail to the upper viewing area can be pretty overgrown, but it’s passable. Second, do NOT attempt to scramble from the top of the falls to the beach… the sandstone is unstable and it’s a good way to take a short trip to the afterlife. Lastly, if you’re going to travel from Wildcat Camp along the beach to the falls, check the tides and plan accordingly. If you can’t reach Wildcat Camp more than 3 hours before the next high tide, you should not attempt to hike to the falls. Even that might not be enough time if the high tide is going to be +4 or +5 feet. Be safe out there, the ocean is no joke.

My Favorite Run

• Map
• 14.7 miles
• 2600 feet of climbing
• Water at Wildcat Camp (a short detour)
• Restrooms at start/finish and at Wildcat Camp

Out of the hundreds of miles of trails that weave through the most beautiful coastal forests and coastal views, this is my favorite route to run. Although it’s a challenging one, it’s my favorite run of all the different possibilities at Point Reyes. Having said that, I clearly have a lot of Point Reyes recommendations for running and hiking and you can’t go wrong with any of them!

This loop starts and ends at Five Brooks Trailhead. There’s an optional detour to Alamere Falls and to Wildcat Camp which has water and restrooms — and some great views of the beach (as well as access to it  at Wildcat).

Begin by heading around the South side of Mill Pond, then head South on Olema Valley Trail.  When you reach Bolema Trail, take that junction and begin a more serious climb. You’ll arrive at a multi-way trail junction, find Lake Ranch Trail heading South. Enjoy the forested views as you gradually descend to Coast Trail. Take a right to head Northward on Coast Trail; you’ll pass by Bass Lake and you may see a lot more people in this area due to the Palomarin trailhead being nearby. Once you pass Alamere Falls, they’ll disappear again. Eventually, you’ll come to a fork. To the left is Ocean Lake Loop, which is the more direct and scenic way to Wildcat Camp if you’re in need of water or some more awesome views. Otherwise, take the right fork.

You’ll be looking to your right for Old Out Road, which was once a farm road. Now, it’s a trail with a legit climb that can also be bushy. If you haven’t got your first brush with stinging nettles yet, this could be it! When you come to the T-junction with Alamea Trail, take a right. After not too long, you’ll reach another T-junction with Ridge Trail, take a left toward Stewart Trail (the main fire road in this area). It’s funny that “roads” are trails and “trails” can be roads out here, that’s just how it is! Go directly across Stewart Trail to beautiful Greenpicker Trail, or follow Stewart for an almost-as-nice option. Keep straight/right at any junctions you come to. Eventually, you’ll pop back out on Stewart Trail, not far from Mill Pond. You can stay on the North Side of the pond this time to return to the parking area. Give it a shot, see if you love it as much as I do!

Five Brooks – Ridge Trail – Olema Valley

• Map
• 12 miles
• 2100 feet of climbing
• NO water
• Restrooms and start/finish

This is a very cool run that covers a few really awesome forested trails. Begin by heading around the South side of Mill Pond, then heading South on Olema Valley Trail.  When you reach Bolema Trail, take that junction and begin a more serious climb. You’ll arrive at a multi-way trail junction. Find Ridge Trail heading South and hop on that. This is another great forestry trail with large, branchy trees… they always make me think a witch would live out here, for some reason! Anyway, follow Ridge Trail until you reach the junction with Texiera Trail, take that to your left and enjoy the descent. When you reach Olema Valley Trail, turn left to head North. This trail has a lot of cool Bay Laurel trees along the creek. It’s very scenic in here and a nice way to finish out your run as you head all the way back to Five Brooks.

Other Nearby Areas

• Point Reyes Northern Zone
• Point Reyes Bear Valley Area
• Tomales Bay and Tomales Point

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Simply put, Point Reyes is awesome. In fact, I LOVE POINT REYES! I’ve run all the trails in the park, several times over by now and I know it probably 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 visitor center is. This is a great location to begin exploring the area and you can begin or end by stopping by the visitor center.

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 outages (via the website or speak to the rangers) before embarking on your outing; the pipes can be unreliable out there.

 

Family (kid) Friendly Hikes

• About 1 mile each
• Minimal vertical gain or loss
• NO water on the trails
• Restrooms at the start / finish

For family friendly options, check out the Earthquake Trail and/or the Woodpecker Trail. The former is a paved path, the later is an actual dirt trail. Both are short and sweet. 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!

• 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 will lead around the meadow before taking a sharp turn onto  Horse Trail, which you’ll want to take. Once you begin climbing Horse Trail, it immediately becomes a beautiful forested single track. You can reach Mt. Wittenberg via Z-Ranch Trail (my preference) or Sky Trail. Sky Trail has more up and down and more hikers. From the top of Wittenberg, double back and instead of using Mt. Wittenberg trail, use Meadow Trail — it’s more scenic and a much less crowded way of returning to the valley. Alternatively, 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!

• 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

For a bit of a longer run, try this lollipop loop. If you are craving some coastal views, this is the one for sure. 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

(pics)

• 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
• Point Reyes Bear Valley Area
• Tomales Bay and Tomales Point

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The Headlands

The Marin Headlands are one of the most popular public trail areas. Tennessee Valley is the central hub of this area. The parking lot is packed by mid-morning on weekends and busy just about every day – and for good reason. To the South, you can climb up Marincello or Old Springs Trail to SCA Trail and reach Slacker Hill and Hawk Hill for close up views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco, then head down into Rodeo Valley. To the North, you can climb up either Coastal Trail or Miwok and make a loop on the high ground, or head down to Muir Beach. To the West you can take an easy 3.5 mile (round trip) run to Tennessee Beach.

Capable long distance trail runners might choose to go further and either cross the Golden Gate Bridge, heading South, or push out to Stinson Beach or Mount Tam to the North. These are long runs with big climbs! That’s exactly why these trails are used by so many local races. Hike the big uphills and save your energy for the descents and the flat ground (which is a rare commodity).

Mt. Tam

Mt. Tamalpais, or Mt. Tam as everyone knows it by, is the most prominent and central running destination in all of Marin County. The East Peak of Tam is also the highest point in Marin County. There are trails leading to the summit from Mill Valley, Muir Beach, Stinson Beach, the Watershed in Ross, Fairfax, and Bolinas. A popular and relatively easy route up Tam starts at the Ross Post Office and proceeds to Phoenix Lake, then up Eldridge Grade, which is a very steady climb up the fire road. This won’t quite scratch the itch for single track, but it’s still scenic and much easier to follow. Temelpa Trail from Mill Valley is short, steep, and gnarly for a different experience!

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