Location: Point Reyes, CA
Miles: 8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3 hours
Users: Hikers, mountain bikes, fisherman, and birdwatchers permitted. No wheelchair access.
Features: Aerial views of the Pacific Ocean, caves, bird watching (swallows, falcons, eagles, vultures), forests, waterfall, wildflowers and plenty of wildlife.
Bear Valley Trail To Arch Rock Hike
Trail: This is a large, mostly dirt trail that is mostly shaded with a thick green canopy and runs along a creek nearly the entire hike. There’s not much elevation gain as it’s a mostly flat and smooth trail.
The high point of the trip is hiking out to the coast and having lunch on Arch Rock – a cliff overlooking the ocean. It does get windy on the cliff. I’ve noticed over the past 10 years that the trail going down the beach has eroded and isn’t as secure these days.
If you decide to head down, once at the bottom you’ll cross a creek that goes out to the ocean and do a little rock climbing (the average person with no climbing experience can do it) to get to the sand.
You’ll see the arch through the clip that goes into the ocean. Heads, during high tide the waves can crash through the arch in the rock so don’t get swept away. This is a very peaceful and beautiful place. Going down to the beach adds to the hike and everyone I know that has experienced Arch Rock is in love with it.
Top 3 Adventure Hacks
1) Go Camping!
Bring an ultralight tent to set up camp. It’s always handy to bring things that are not heavy!
2) Pack a Power Bank
If you decide to go camping, make sure you bring a power bank to charge your gadgets. It’s always safe to keep your phone on while camping in case of emergencies. Better have a water proof solar-powered power bank so you can charge it even without electricity!
3) Bring Water and Snacks
Make sure to have water and snacks ready when you take this trail. You can enjoy the ocean view while munching on some snacks you’ve prepared for yourself!
