The Rift Zone Trail follows the floor of the San Andreas Fault valley between Bear Valley and Five Brooks, covering up to 8.6 miles round trip on nearly flat terrain through meadows and mixed forest. The fault line is legible in the landscape throughout — offset streams, sag ponds, and shutter ridges mark where the Pacific and North American plates grind past each other.
Overview
The Olema Valley between Bear Valley and Five Brooks is one of the most geologically readable sections of the San Andreas Fault accessible on foot. The low, straight valley is the fault's trace; the terrain shows the classic features of strike-slip faulting. The trail itself is easy — flat, mixed forest and meadow, with Lagunitas Creek paralleling the route in sections.
What to Expect
The trail can be started from either the Bear Valley Trailhead or the Five Brooks Trailhead, about 10 minutes apart by car. Walking one-way and shuttling a car back is a good option for a 4-mile one-way trip. The southern portion near Five Brooks has a section closed due to trail washout — a posted detour is in place.
Tips & Logistics
Dogs are not allowed. No permit required. Year-round accessible. The Vedanta Society property allows trail access between 8am and 2 hours before sunset only — the trail continues through private land south of the access road.