Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes Itinerary

The Point Reyes Lighthouse is still undergoing restoration and is now scheduled to re-open December 2019. That completion date has slipped 3 times already and may slip again. That is why a stop at the Lighthouse and Leaning Tree is not on this itinerary. Keep in mind that because of last year's storms and repair work being done, sudden road closures are possible and we may not be able to get to all stops on the itenerary.

1. 8:30am Inverness Park Market for breakfast and orientation.
   12301 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
   Inverness Park, CA 94937
   415-663-1491
   https://invernessparkmarket.com

2. 9:00am Inverness Shipwreck. (1st Photo Op.)
   12781 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
   Inverness, CA 94937
   (Behind Inverness Store. Parking on right side of store.)

3. 10:00am Cypress Tree Tunnel. (2nd Photo Op.)
   17400 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
   Inverness, CA 94937

4. 11:30am Chimney Rock Trailhead. (3rd Photo Op.)
   Chimney Rock is located at the eastern-most end of the Point Reyes Headlands. Drive west ~19 miles (~30 km) on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. After passing through the "A" Ranch, turn left at the Y signed for Chimney Rock and follow Chimney Rock Road ~0.9 miles (~1.5 km) to the Chimney Rock parking lot. Chimney Rock Road is only about ten feet (3 meters) wide, but serves as a two-way road. Please observe the speed limit and look ahead to keep watch for oncoming traffic. If you do notice a vehicle heading your way, pull into the next turnout until the other vehicle has had a chance to pass.

5. 12:30pm Elephant Seal Overlook. (4th Photo Op.)
   This short, flat trail leads you to stunning views of Drake’s Bay and a vista where you can see a beach lined with sunbathing elephant seals. When visiting Point Reyes National Seashore, Elephant Seal Overlook is a great spot to take in the views and see wildlife. The vista is short walk from the Chimney Rock Parking lot, so it is great to combine with other adventures on your trip. The trailhead is located down the driveway in the north end of the parking lot. From there, it is just a short walk to the overlook, about 850ft. The best time of the year to visit is the winter when numerous seals are on the beach giving birth and mating, though you are likely to see a few out any time of year.

6. 1:30pm Pierce Point Ranch. (5th Photo Op.)
   Established in 1858, the renovated Pierce Point Ranch is one of the oldest ranches on the Point Reyes Peninsula and was one of the most successful dairy ranches of its time. It is representative of the agricultural heritage of this area. A short, self-guided path guides visitors through the historic complex. Allow 30 minutes to tour the ranch. The ranch is located at the north end of the Pierce Point Road.

7. 3:00pm McClure’s Beach & Tule Elk Reserve. (6th Photo Op.)
   The road out to McClure’s beach collapsed last year. It may still be impossible to get to this next stop on the itinerary. I will call the visitor’s center ahead of time and ask if there is a hiking trail we can take from Pierce Ranch to see the elk herd.

8. 4:00pm Bodega Bay. (optional 7th Photo Op.)
   Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” schoolhouse and Ansel Adam’s famous Bodega church titled “Church and Road” are both located in Bodega. Bodega Bay is about a one hour drive north of Point Reyes on Highway 1. Before getting all the way to Bodega Bay watch for the signs that say town of Bodega. You’ll make a right turn onto Bodega Hwy. Follow the maps and materials that have been provided to get to Potter School House and St. Teresa of Avilla Church.

9. 5:00pm Bodega Bay. (optional 8th Photo Op.)
   Continue back south on Bodega Hwy. To Ca 1 and take a right turn to Bodega Bay for free shooting around the bay. Many opportunities are available to capture crab fishing activity. Before heading home I always grab a crab sandwich and chowder early dinner at Spud Point Crab Company. Fabulous food at a reasonable price.