In brief:
1.2 mile out and back hike to Point Reyes lighthouse.

Highlights:
Lighthouse, aerobic set of steps, views, whale spotting.

Distance, category, and difficulty:
This 1.2 mile out and back hike is moderate, with about 380 feet of elevation change. Obviously the distance isn't a challenge, but the steps are.

Exposure:
Full sun.

Trail traffic:
Moderate-heavy.

Trail surfaces:
Paved trail and 309 steps.

Hiking time:
About 1 hour.

Season:
Nice any time. Seems to always be windy (bring a jacket and hat). Good whale spotting in winter.

Getting there:

From US 101 in Marin County, exit San Anselmo (Sir Francis Drake). Drive about 20 miles west on Sir Francis Drake. Turn right onto CA 1, then make the first left onto Bear Valley Road. Drive about 2 miles to the junction with Sir Francis Drake, and turn left. Continue about 15 miles, and turn right at the Chimney Rock/Lighthouse junction. Drive slowly down this narrow road 1 mile, to the trailhead parking on the left.

GPS coordinates* for trailhead:
Latitude 37°59'52.01"N
Longitude 123° 0'43.38"W
(* based on Google Earth data, shown as degrees, minutes, seconds)

Gas, food, and lodging:
Gas, stores, and restaurants at Point Reyes Station. There are a few stores and restaurants in Inverness. Pay phones at the Bear Valley and Ken Patrick Visitor Centers. There are overnight accommodations available on the eastern fringes of the park, including a handful of motels in Inverness, and numerous bed and breakfasts just off Sir Francis Drake. Point Reyes has several hike-in campgrounds -- inquire at the Point Reyes Ranger Station in Bear Valley, or read more about the options here. No car camping in the park. Point Reyes Hostel, down Limantour Road, is an inexpensive lodging option. Read my page describing Point Reyes hikes, accommodations, food, and more.

Trailhead details:
Lighthouse is closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. No entrance or parking fees. Limited parking in a paved lot, with designated handicapped parking further up the road to the lighthouse. Pit toilets on site. There's a map under glass at the information signboard, but none to take with you. During some times of the year, vehicle access is restricted in this southwestern corner of the park, and visitors are bussed from the visitor center. You may check with a ranger at park headquarters (415-663-1092) to be sure you will be able to drive all the way out to Chimney Rock. There is no direct public transportation to this trailhead.

Rules:
Hikers only. No dogs.

The Official Story:
Point Reyes website.
Park headquarters 415-663-1092.

Map Choices:

• Download the park map pdf from NPS
• Other Point Reyes maps from NPS
• Dave Baselt's map is an excellent guide to Point Reyes.
• Point Reyes by Jessica Lage (order this book from Amazon.com) has a good map and descriptions of this hike.
• Trail Map of Point Reyes National Seashore, by Tom Harrison (order from Amazon.com) is a good all-purpose map to Point Reyes.
• Hiking Marin, by Don and Kay Martin, has a simple map and trail descriptions (order this book from Amazon.com).




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