Hike the Kehoe Beach Trail

The Kehoe Beach Trail is relatively easy...until you have to climb over a sand dune.

NPS / A. Kopshever

Distance: 1.2 mi. (1.9 km) roundtrip

Follow this relatively flat and easy trail along the northern edge of Kehoe Marsh and out to Kehoe Beach. Look for elusive birds, brush rabbits, bobcats, and mountain lions, which are occasionally sighted in this area. The final stretch of the trail climbs up and over a sand dune, which isn't as easy as the rest of the trail.

This is the only trail within Point Reyes National Seashore where dogs are permitted. Keep dogs on-leash at all times. (See our Pets page for more information.)

Never turn your back to the ocean. Due to the frequently large surf, this is not a beach at which it is safe to play close to the water's edge, much less to go for a swim.

This route description alone is not a substitute for a trail map. Print out the park's North District trail map (3,409 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 Hiking at Point Reyes National Seashore page for hiking tips and information about trail etiquette and safety.

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

25-75 Minutes

Allow 25 to 40 minutes to hike to and from the beach. Allow for more time to explore or relax at the beach.

Activity

Hiking

Age(s)

All ages.

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets are permitted on the Kehoe Beach Trail and on the beach to the north of the trail (e.g., to the right as you face the ocean) year-round. Pets must be on a 6-foot-long (1.8-meter) or shorter leash at all times. Pets are not permitted south of the trail (e.g., to the left as you face the ocean) from March 1 through September 30 as this area is protected habitat for the threatened western snowy plover. Visit our Pets page for more information.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Kehoe Beach Trailhead along Pierce Point Road in Point Reyes National Seashore

Allow 30 minutes driving time from Bear Valley to the Kehoe Beach Trailhead. The trailhead for this hike is located along the Pierce Point Road.
Directions to Bear Valley
Directions from Bear Valley to Kehoe Beach Trailhead

Reservations

No

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 Kehoe Beach frequently experiences 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-hiking from 6 am to midnight.

Accessibility Information

A relatively flat narrow dirt trail leads toward an ocean beach. After 0.5 miles (800 meters), the trail widens but becomes sandy and climbs up and over a smallish sand dune before arriving at the sandy beach.