Estero-White Gate Loop (Double Estero)
Trail length: 11.4 miles, out and back & loop
Terrain: grasses, open
Toilet? Yes, at Estero Trailhead
Parking: Estero Trailhead '
Dates visited:
Favorite plants on this trail:
Visit both Drakes and Limantour Esteros on this winter hike through a small forest and across vast grasslands, nearly always within sight of water. Hike this long loop on a cool day to avoid over-heating on this fully exposed trail with few trees. Winter is a great season for this hike. The Estero Trail glows with soft winter light and teems with waterfowl. Sheltered estuaries hold flocks of ducks—Green-winged Teal, Buffleheads, and Hooded Mergansers—while Willets and Marbled Godwits probe tidal flats. Wintering flocks mingle with early migrants. Raptors like the American Kestrel and Northern Harrier work the open fields. Watch for Northern Flickers – unlike most woodpeckers, they forage on the ground using their long, barbed tongue to snare insects, especially ants. You may spot a tell-tale vermillion feather along the trail.
The White Gate Trail is a connector between the Muddy Hollow Road Trail and the Estero Trail, running parallel to the Glenbrook Trail. It passes several ponds and offers views of the Limantour Estero in the distance. A few pine trees dot the path but the trail is primarily fully exposed to the sun and wind. You are likely to wildlife near one of the marshy areas along the trail.
Loop: Estero/White Gate/Muddy Hollow Road/Glenbrook/Estero
Park at the Estero Trailhead.
Hike on the Estero Trail to the split (2.5 miles)
Go left uphill and continue hiking on the Estero Trail toward White Gate Trail. At the intersection with the Drakes Head Trail, go left toward Muddy Hollow/White Gate. Watch for blue arrow markers. (1.5 miles)
Hike White Gate which turns into Muddy Hollow Road. (1.5 miles)
Turn right onto the Glenbrook Trail and continue to the Estero Trail. (0.7 miles)
Turn right onto the Estero Trail and hike back to the intersection with the White Gate Trail. (1.2 miles)
Stay on the Estero Trail and retrace your path back to the trailhead. (4.0 miles)
Hiking the loop in this order will put you facing the ocean on the Estero segment.
Volunteer Opportunity for Families: Native Plant Seed Collection
Help park staff in collecting native grass seed for use in park restoration and conservation projects. Open to kids age 7 and older accompanied by an adult. You’ll learn to identify native plants and learn when it’s time to collect the seeds.