Event Date
Join Active Aggies and the UC Davis Hiking Group for a refreshing day along California’s wild coast! Point Reyes offers sweeping cliffs, rolling coastal trails, and the iconic lighthouse standing strong against the Pacific — the perfect place to breathe deeply, connect with nature, and share the joy of hiking together. We will be taking several smaller hikes this outing to see many of the wonderful sights Point Reyes has to offer!
Please arrive by 9:30 am, we will begin the hike at 10 am. Parking is free at the Bear Valley Visitor Center Parking Lot. Mornings can be chilly, bring a light jacket, a bag lunch, and adequate trail shoes. If you have any questions, please contact our hike leader, Al Lavassani at 650-444-4403.
Meeting Point: Bear Valley Visitor Center, 1 Bear Valley Rd, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
Level: Easy to Moderate (See Itinerary Below)
Total Distance: 4 miles round-trip
Elevation Change: ~500 to 600 feet
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water bottle
- Packed lunch
- Sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Completed waiver (Instructions sent upon registration)
Looking to carpool? Sign up below.
*Note: Carpooling (both driving and riding) is all voluntary and the driver and riders assume all responsibility. If you've signed up for a carpool, please contact your driver with any questions regarding your pick-up point.
🥾 Planned Hikes
Trail | Distance (RT) | Elevation Gain | Difficulty | Highlights & Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Point Reyes Lighthouse Trail | 1.3 mi | ~308 ft (includes 313 stairs) | Moderate | Iconic lighthouse, sweeping Pacific views. Starts at Lighthouse parking lot. |
| Chimney Rock Trail | 1.75 mi | ~100–160 ft | Easy–Moderate | Wild coastal cliffs, wildflowers (spring), Drakes Bay views. Trailhead at Chimney Rock parking (turnoff before lighthouse). |
| Elephant Seal Overlook | 0.3–0.5 mi | ~40–50 ft | Easy | Quick detour to see elephant seals. Starts at Chimney Rock lot. |
- Meet at Bear Valley → We will caravan toward the coast.
- Warm-up: Chimney Rock + Elephant Seal Overlook.
- Main stop: Point Reyes Lighthouse (descend steps).
- Drive back to Point Reyes Station and have lunch there. (On our way, we can optionally stop by the KPH Maritime Radio Receiving Station for 5-10 min)