Chimney Rock Trail
Trail length: 1.75 miles, out and back
Time: 40-60 minutes at a leisurely pace
Terrain: Grasses and coastal scrub
Restroom? Yes, at the trailhead
Parking: small parking lot
Kid friendly? Yes, it's an easy hike with a very gradual incline at the beginning
Dates visited: 12/26/16, 4/22/17, 11/21/17, 3/30/18
Complete plant list or Early wildflowers list or Visual flower guide by the Marin chapter of the California Native Plant Society
Favorite plants on this trail: Pussy Ears (Calochortus tolmiei)
Favorite spots:
Benches at the end of the trail for whale watching
Overlook toward the Historic Lifeboat Station
At the end of the trail in spring when pussy ears are in bloom
I ignored this trail for a long time since it was short, crowded, and far away. What a pleasant surprise when I finally made the trek out to this eastern spur of the Point Reyes Headlands. You are treated to panoramic views of Drakes Bay and the ocean, abundant wildflowers in the spring, barking elephant seals, and whales in the distance (bring your binoculars!). The wildflowers are in full bloom in April and May and I discovered more than a hundred Pussy Ears (Calochortus tolmiei) at the end of the trail. I was surprised these delicate flowers were growing in such a heavily trafficked area. They were thriving there on the edge of the path within inches of being crushed by hiking boots. Get here early to find parking. You'll navigate a one-lane road through the cows to the trail head parking lot.
Visit the Point Reyes National Seashore website to learn more about the Chimney Rock Trail.
Spring wild flowers
map by point reyes national seashore
Volunteer Opportunity: Winter Wildlife Docent
The Point Reyes National Seashore Winter Wildlife Docent promotes awareness and protection of northern elephant seals, gray whales, and other marine life by helping visitors view, understand, and appreciate these species; helps visitors understand the ongoing management and research issues relating to northern elephant seals in Point Reyes National Seashore; and provides general park information and assistance to visitors. Locations include the Lighthouse Observation Deck, South Beach Overlook, Elephant Seal Overlook, Historic Lifeboat Station, Drakes Beach, Chimney Rock Trail. Training happens in November and December. Volunteer work is January through March or April.