The Chimney Rock Trailhead sits at the east end of Chimney Rock Road on the Point Reyes Headlands, about 45 minutes by car from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. Short trails from here reach views over Drakes Bay, the Elephant Seal Overlook, and the Chimney Rock point.
Details
- Type
- Trailhead
- Accessibility
- Limited accessibility
Trails From Here
Two easy trails start at the trailhead. The Elephant Seal Overlook Trail runs 0.5 miles round trip to a platform above Drakes Bay, the best place in the seashore to see large numbers of northern elephant seals; the Drakes Beach colony can exceed 600 animals by early February. The Chimney Rock Trail runs 1.8 miles round trip with ocean and Drakes Bay views.
What to See
Spring wildflowers along the trail are diverse and abundant. The headlands here are a gray whale watching site, with viewing strongest in March and April. Chimney Rock is often passed over in favor of the Point Reyes Lighthouse despite comparable views.
Know Before You Go
Allow about 45 minutes to drive from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. Parking at the trailhead is limited to roughly twenty vehicles and fills quickly on weekend afternoons.