Outbound Collective logo

Hike the Bolinas Ridge Trail

Bolinas, California

4.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

22 miles

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Kristal DeCoux

This is a long, beautiful hike through redwoods with amazing views of Stinson Beach, Tomales Bay, San Pedro Bay, and Mt. Tamalpais.

I discovered this trail by accident when I was heading to hike Cataract Falls.  The road to the Cataract Falls trailhead was closed due to a rockslide, but the Bolinas Ridge Trailhead was just to the left of this road, so I decided to go ahead and hike it anyway.

I decided to not do the whole 22 mile trek, but you can go the full way from Olema to Bolinas if you're up to it.  I hiked about 7 miles in to a lone picnic table at the top of a hill (about 10 minutes past the Shafter Ridge Trailhead), had a picnic lunch, and then headed back. The trail was very wide and more like a fire road than a hiking trail, which was nice since this is a multi-use trail.  I didn't see any other hikers during my trip, but passed several mountain bikers.

My GPS gave out on me halfway, so I was unable to get an accurate read on the elevation gain, but the trail was pretty gentle on both the uphills and the downhills, so I think the trail is perfect for beginners or families.  It's definitely great for groups as there is more than enough room to spread out.

This trail is pretty easy to follow, with only a few trailheads branching off between where I started and where I turned around.  You can check out a map of the trailheads in the area here: https://www.nps.gov/pore/plany...

Expect amazing views, lots of shade, and some very 'Lord of The Rings' style landscape.  Keep an eye out for mountain bikers, but there's enough room for everyone on this trail.  Get there early enough, before the fog burns off, and enjoy the view from above the clouds!  You can do as little or as much as you feel up to.  And if you come up when the road to Cataract Falls is open...definitely visit Cataract Falls while you're in the neighborhood.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Mountain Biking
Running
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic

Hike the Bolinas Ridge Trail Reviews

The trail is easy to follow and not very strenuous to hike. There's a gradual decline for the first couple of miles but you hardly notice it. At the end of my 13 mile hike when I was heading back up the gradual incline I definitely noticed it though! :)

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Cataract Falls

Carson Falls

Cataract Trail Loop

Picturesque Views from Mt. Tam's East Ridge

Lake Lagunitas

Cruising Pacific Coast Highway in Northern California