1 min
Overview
The Chimney Rock Trail traces a southeastern line through blustery coastal grasslands and sheer rock cliffs to the edge of the Point Reyes Headlands. Elephant seals nap, mate, and nurse their young on Drake’s Beach in winter, while springtime reveals painted carpets of wildflowers. If you do make a run for the spring wildflowers on the weekend, an early morning start is a good bet: The hike’s popularity can lead rangers to meter traffic on narrow Chimney Rock Road on weekends. The small parking lot at the end of Chimney Rock Road holds about 20 vehicles. The park service typically closes Sir Francis Drake Boulevard five miles north of the Chimney Rock trailhead at the South Beach junction on winter weekends to manage traffic congestion, since it is a popular time of year to see elephant seals and gray whales. Shuttle buses (fee applies) run between Drakes Beach parking lot, the Chimney Rock Trailhead, and Point Reyes Lighthouse. The park service cancelled the shuttle in the 2018-2019 winter season, but could re-institute it in the future. Check the Seashore’s Winter Shuttle Bus System page for up-to-date information, or just give them a call. This short hike begins with a visit to Elephant Seal Overlook and then heads out to the edge of the Chimney Rock Peninsula. Starting from the parking lot, head down the driveway towards Drakes Bay and in 300 feet, bear left at a Y-junction toward the Elephant Seal Overlook. A gravel path runs for a quarter mile along the edge of the cliff strewn with buttercups, checkermallow, Douglas iris, checker lily, and lupine in spring. The occasional cypress leans over the trail, but for the most part, it is just you, the fresh air, and the sandstone cliffs above Drakes Beach. Wildlife docents are typically stationed at Elephant Seal Overlook on winter weekends to answer your questions and help you spot the seals. The Drakes Beach Colony of elephant seals returns each winter to give birth, nurse their pups, and breed. Males aggressively compete with each other for dominance, and f
Trail Stats
3.8 km
74 m
66 m
23 m
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Photos
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