Bike to Sky Campground

Sunlight illuminates the moist air along the Sky Trail on a winter morning.

NPS Photo

Distance: 2.8 miles (4.6 km) roundtrip, moderate

Ride your bike up a moderate incline along this multi-use trail through Douglas fir forest to Sky Campground, where you can enjoy a break with oceans views. Begin at the Sky Trailhead along Limantour Road and ride on the Sky Trail for 1.4 miles (2.3 km) to arrive at the campground. There are vault toilets and potable water at Sky Campground. Retrace your ride when you are ready to return to the trailhead.

Aside from public roads, bikes are only permitted on the northern 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers) of the Sky Trail in this area of the park. Bikes are prohibited on all other trails in the immediate area since the trails pass through the Phillip Burton Wilderness.

Visit the park's Bicycle Riding at Point Reyes National Seashore page for specific regulations pertaining to bicycles and tips and information about trail etiquette and safety.

• Bicyclists must yield to all other users, especially horse riders.
• Class I e-bikes under 750 watts (1 h.p.) are allowed on the northern 1.4 miles (2.3 km) of the Sky Trail.
• The speed limit for all bikes is 15 mph (24 km/h).
• Please ride respectfully.

This route description alone is not a substitute for a trail map. Print out the park's South District trail map (3,422 KB PDF) before your visit, or pick one up at a visitor center on your way.

Always check current conditions before heading out into the park and familiarize yourself with park regulations. Please practice Leave No Trace principles.

Visit the park's Trail Advisories and Closures page for current information about closed trails, trails blocked by trees, or other temporary hazards or advisories.

Details

Duration

30-60 Minutes

Allow 30 to 60 minutes to ride to Sky Campground and back.

Activity

Biking

Age(s)

All ages.

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are prohibited on the Sky Trail, as well as on the other trails in this area. Visit the park's Pets page to learn where pets are welcome at Point Reyes National Seashore.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Sky Trailhead along Limantour Road, Point Reyes National Seashore

After turning onto Limantour Road, look for the "Sky Trail" sign after driving 3.4 miles (5.4 km). Turn left and park in the small lot at the trailhead. If this parking lot is full, park on the shoulder on the north side of the road. Make sure that all tires are off the pavement and that no part of your vehicle is blocking the westbound lane of Limantour Road. Allow 10 minutes drive time from Bear Valley to the Sky Trailhead.
Directions to Bear Valley
Directions from Bear Valley to the Sky Trailhead

Reservations

Yes

Permits and reservations are not required for day use. However, permits are required for backcountry camping at Sky Campground. Details on how to reserve a permit are available on the park's backcountry camping page or under the "Where to Stay" tab in the app.

Season

Year Round

Winter

 

The heaviest rainfall occurs in the winter months. Come prepared for rain and drizzle to possibly last for several days. In between winter rains, it is often sunny, calm, and cool.

Spring

 

Most spring days are windy and this area frequently experiences fresh to strong breezes. Expect cool temperatures in March. By late May and early June, temperatures can be quite pleasant, even warm.

Summer

 

Although there is very little rain during summer months, there is often dense fog throughout the day in July, August and September with temperatures often 20 degrees cooler than at Bear Valley.

Fall

 

The coastal areas of Point Reyes experience some of the clearest days in late September, October and early November. The occasional storm will start rolling through in late October, bringing clouds, wind, and rain. The strongest winds occur in November and December during occasional southerly gales.

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Point Reyes National Seashore is open for day use from 6 am to midnight. Camping and overnight parking is only permitted with a valid camping permit.

Accessibility Information

The Sky Trail is an old ranch road and its northern 1.4 miles (2.2 km) is maintained as a service road for NPS vehicles to drive to Sky Campground. So, this section of the route tends to be at least 8 feet (2.4 meters) wide with a substrate of dirt and gravel. The Sky Trail from its trailhead to Sky Campground is open to bicycles, strollers, and other wheeled devices. But, since this section has a change in elevation of about 350 feet (106 meters), it may be challenging for someone in a wheelchair without assistance. Or anyone riding a bicycle without knobby tires.