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Point Reyes - Bear Valley Trail to Kelham Beach


Highlights:

Redwoods, white mule deer, forested glen, pristine beach, arch rock
Near:Olema, CA
Scenery:
Distance:5 miles
Elevation Gain:400 ft
Hike Time:2.5 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:Fire road/pavement
HikeType:Point to Point


Summary: This is a beautiful hike to some of the most pristine coastline in California. The hike takes you through a deep wooded forest near a stream, it is stunning.

This is a very easy trail, with very little uphill, just remember that in and back is 10 miles, and that does not include time spent walking on the beach.

In order to get to the beach, you have to take a path that is not well maintained, next to a big eucalyptus tree. yours may very well be the only footprints on the sand.

There are caves to explore, and of course Arch Rock, just don't get trapped by the tide, and bring clothes in case of wintry-like wind and weather.

Trailhead: From the Golden Gate Bridge - take the 1 North. Follow its bends and turns until you reach Bear Valley Road and the sign for the visitor center at Point Reyes.

Or you can take the 101 (Why? Aren't you here for scenery?) to Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Drive around 20 Miles to the 1, turn right and make the left onto Bear Valley Road - follow it to the parking lot.

The trail is impossible to miss. It is a perfectly graded wide road that runs by a creek, through a forest past Divide Meadow, where you are sure to see tons of creatures.

You can even take a bike about halfway, but not into the wilderness. (Lat:38.03974 Lon:-122.79976)

Trail Guides for Point Reyes - Bear Valley Trail to Kelham Beach:
California Hiking
by Tom Sinestra and Ann Marie Brown (Avalon Travel)

Walking the California Coast
by John McKinney (Harper Collins)

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers, Bikes, Horses,
Ranger Contact: Bear Valley Visitor Center (415)464-5100
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted  123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here.
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by Dawn on 9/7/2009
I have taking this hike several times including the one that heads up over the mountain out to the ocean and then you come out the paved road. It is totally beautiful. If you plan to hike the long one (aprox 18 miles) you need a jacket, food and lots of water. It is well worth it if your in great shape. It a steep climb up a twisted dirt trail. I hope you dont mind huge Banana Slugs and Millipedes. Expect several hours for this one. Have fun.

Reviewed by A.N. on 5/7/2009
This is one of those hikes that never gets tiresome, including from an exertion standpoint, assuming you're in OK shape. You travel through semi-rainforest with open meadow breaks, then you approach the ocean as the first explorers must have seen it. Much more interesting than rounding a curve in a car. Climbing down to (and through) Arch Rock can be tricky, depending on tides. Use math to allow for at least an hour at the beach instead of chasing daylight to get back. The round trip can take longer than some people account for.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Marin County Hiking, Marin County Trails, Marin County Hikes

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