Walk the Elephant Seal Overlook Trail

Elephant seals are visible in the distance from where the trail branches off from the driveway.

NPS Photo

Distance to the Elephant Seal Overlook: 0.5 mi. (800 m) roundtrip

From the Chimney Rock parking lot/trailhead, follow the driveway downhill (on foot; the driveway is closed to visitors' vehicles) and to the left. After 400 feet (120 meters), turn off of the paved driveway onto the relatively level gravel path. The path travels along the bluff top with views of Drakes Bay and Drakes Beach before terminating at the Elephant Seal Overlook. Visit our Elephant Seals and Viewing Elephant Seals for more information.

This route description alone is not a substitute for a trail map. Print out the park's Chimney Rock Area Map (125 KB PDF) before your visit, or pick up a park map or hiking map 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

15-60 Minutes

Allow 15 to 20 minutes to walk to and from the Elephant Seal Overlook. Allow for more time to watch the elephant seals and other wildlife.

Activity

Hiking

Age(s)

All ages.

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are prohibited on the Elephant Seal Overlook Trail. 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

Chimney Rock Parking Lot, Point Reyes National Seashore

The Elephant Seal Overlook is a short walk from the Chimney Rock Trailhead, which is located at the eastern end of the Point Reyes Headlands. Allow 45 minutes drive time from Bear Valley to the Chimney Rock parking lot.
Directions to Bear Valley
Directions from Bear Valley to Chimney Rock Parking Lot

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

h2>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 Chimney Rock 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

To reach the Elephant Seal Overlook, park in the Chimney Rock Trailhead parking lot and follow the path/driveway from the parking lot northeast toward the bay as it descends about 50 feet (15 meters) over a distance of about 500 feet (150 meters). (This driveway is closed to privately-owned vehicles.) The driveway is composed of asphalt, which has degraded and has become potholed in places. The actual Elephant Seal Overlook Trail is mostly flat and about 4 feet wide (1.2 meters wide) with a crushed rock surface.