Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock is a 1.8-mile out-and-back, single-track trail. The trailhead gets crowded (even on weekdays) with amateur and professional photographers, as well as nature lovers clutching field guides. Hikers seeking a quiet nature experience may wish to look elsewhere. The display is impressive, though. Carpets of flowers such as goldenfields, blue-eyed grass, and mule ear sunflowers, are dramatic against a backdrop of cliffs receding sharply to the ocean. 

There are two short official trails, one which drops down from the trailhead to the historic lifeboat station, and a second which runs out to a bluff overlooking the ocean. From the overlook near the trailhead, elephant seals can sometimes be glimpsed during winter, their mating season. In spring, bring binoculars to spy on migrating whales.

Getting Here:
From San Francisco, take the 101 north over the Golden Gate Bridge. Take the exit for Lucas Valley Blvd. Continue along the road as it becomes Nicasio Valley Rd. Make a left onto Pt. Reyes Petaluma Road and head through Point Reyes Station. Take Sir Francis Drake Blvd when leaving Point Reyes Station and take this all the way to Chimney Rock Rd and the trailhead.