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

The post Point Reyes – Southern Zone appeared first on KUSALA ENDURANCE.

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

The post Point Reyes – Bear Valley Area appeared first on KUSALA ENDURANCE.