About
ShapeOut-and-Back
Typical time1 hr 8 min
TrailheadEstero Trailhead, Point Reyes National Seashore
ParkingThe Estero Trailhead is located off of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. When driving out to the Point Reyes Lighthouse , look for signs for the Estero Trail. Turn left onto Home Ranch Road-asomewhat degraded asphalt road-and follow it for about a mile until you see a parking lot and vault toilet building on your right. Allow 20 minutes driving time from Bear Valley to the Estero Trailhead. Directions to Bear Valley Directions from Bear Valley to the Estero Trailhead
Best season<h2>Winter</h2> <p>The heaviest rainfall occurs in the winter months. Come prepared for rain and drizzle to possibly last for several days. In between winter rains, it is often sunny, calm, and coo...
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityThis trail traverses rolling terrain over short grass and packed dirt surfaces. With the exception of some ruts and animal holes, the trail surface is largely flat and even for the first 1.2 miles (1.9km). The trailhead parking lot is dirt/gravel and the vault toilets do not meet accessibility standards.
What you'll see 🏞️ Lake🦌 Wildlife

Distance to the footbridge at the head of Home Bay: 2.4 mi. (3.8 km) roundtrip From the Estero Trailhead at its northwestern end, the Estero Trail heads south through brush-spotted grasslands for 0.6 miles (1 km). The trail then skirts along the northern edge ofan abandoned Christmas tree farm before turning south to pass among theMonterey pines. Keep your eyes and ears open for owls. After another 0.6 miles (1 km), the trail arrives at Home Bay, the head of which was dammed by ranchers to create a stock pond. More recently, the dam was breached and the trail now traverses along the crest of the earthen dam. A footbridge with benches was constructed at the location of the breach. The bridge is a great location to look for birds-egrets and herons roost and nest in the pines and shorebirds and waterfowl abound in the estero (which is Spanish for estuary). One may also observe bat rays and leopard sharks in the water below the bridge. While the Estero Trail continues much further, potentially to Drakes Head or Sunset Beach or beyond, many hikers desiring a short, easy hike turn around at the footbridge and return to the trailhead. This route description alone is not a substitute for a trail map. Print out the park's North Districttrail map (3,409 KB PDF) before your visit, or pick one up at a visitor center on your way. Always check current conditions before heading out into the park and familiarize yourself with park regulations . Please practice Leave No Trace principles. Visit the park's Hiking at Point Reyes National Seashore page for hiking tips and information about trail etiquette and safety. Visit the park's Trail Advisories and Closures page for current information about closed trails, trails blocked by trees, or other temporary hazards or advisories.

Tips
Point Reyes National Seashore is open for day-hiking from 6 am to midnight. Pets are prohibited on the Estero Trail. Visit the park's Pets page to learn where pets are welcome at Point Reyes National Seashore. All ages.
Location

Estero Trailhead, Point Reyes National Seashore

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Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Access and conditions change — check with the managing agency before you go.