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Point Reyes National SeashoreSunset Beach at low tide
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Point Reyes National Seashore
Hiking at Point Reyes National Seashore
 

The National Seashore has about 240 kilometers (150 miles) of hiking trails to explore. Trail maps for the north district trails (911 KB PDF) and south district trails (1,368 KB PDF) are available at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. There are many ways to customize your hike to accommodate your physical and time limitations. Stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center for current trail information and suggested hikes.

To keep your adventure safe and enjoyable, and to protect park resources, please observe the following:

Observe trails: Stay on trails to prevent erosion as well as to avoid poison oak, stinging nettles and ticks. Do not shortcut on switchbacks. Please do not enter closed areas. They are closed for your safety and resource protection.

Caution along cliffs: Stay away from cliff edges. Loose soil can give way suddenly and you may fall. Do not climb cliffs.

Clothing: Dress appropriately. Wear layered clothing and be prepared for changing conditions.

Food & water: Always carry food and water for longer hikes. Dehydration is a common cause of exhaustion, fatigue and headaches. Raccoons and other animals can quickly find and ransack unattended food and daypacks.

Drinking water: The protozoan Giardia lamblia may be present in natural sources of water and can cause severe illness. Do not drink water from streams and all other natural sources without treating. Water may be treated by boiling, filtering, or using iodine or other chemical water purifiers. Potable drinking water is available at visitor centers and in campgrounds.

Horses: If horses are passing on the trail, step to the downhill side and greet the rider so the horse knows you are there; do not touch the animals.

Trail information: There may be trail closures in effect. Please check at the visitor center before heading out on the trails.
Bolinas Ridge Trail Advisory

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Park Map
Maps
Find the park map, trail maps and other useful maps here
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Bear Valley Visitor Center
Bear Valley
Visitor Center
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Visitor setting up camp
Backcountry Camping
Information on camping at Point Reyes
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Tule Elk  

Did You Know?
In the mid-1800s, the tule elk was hunted to the brink of extinction. The last surviving tule elk were discovered and protected in the southern San Joaquin Valley in 1874. In 1978, ten tule elk were reintroduced to Point Reyes, which now has one of California's largest populations, numbering ~400.

Last Updated: July 22, 2008 at 12:30 EST