Point Reyes Lighthouse Trail

Route Description for Point Reyes Lighthouse Trail

The Point Reyes Lighthouse is a revered route in the Bay Area that attracts dozens of adventurers every day, year-round. Boasting awe-inspiring scenery from the historic lighthouse, this route will please outdoor enthusiasts, casual hikers, and history buffs alike. Open year-round, this trek is subject to closure in bad weather. Additionally, the stairs are only open from 10 AM–4:30 PM, Friday–Monday. The proximity to the coast warrants extreme weather conditions, so we encourage you to dress in layers as insurance against changing weather.

The beauty along the Point Reyes Lighthouse Trail is unparalleled. Overwhelm yourself with picture-perfect vistas of the Pacific and the historic lighthouse from atop the headlands. This wonderful adventure makes for a great spot to get up and stretch your legs as you make your way up the coast. As you wander down 300 odd steps, you will be granted the views of seabirds perched atop the rocky outcrops, the crashing surf, and often the grey whales migrating from Alaska to Mexico. Note that this is the windiest and foggiest part of the coast, which is why the lighthouse was erected here—so be prepared for an immersive experience (but that’s all part of the fun, right?).

Your adventure along the Point Reyes Lighthouse Trail begins from the parking area and trailhead off Sir Frances Drake Boulevard. Setting out from here, you will be guided southwest along the walking path, which boasts panoramic vistas of the Pacific’s dramatic coastline. Continue hiking along this path in the company of like-minded eager adventurers, and you will be guided beneath the canopy of the Leaning Tree. Enjoy the shade of the amazing tree that droops over the pathway, opening to the Point Reyes Lighthouse Visitors Center. Wandering southwest, you will reach the Point Reyes Overlook, which offers sights of the lighthouse and the surging cascades below.

From here, assuming the steps are open, you will embark on the most scenic segment of your adventure. Begin your climb down 300 steps, mindful of passers-by in the narrow corridor. Admire the vertigo-inducing sights of the craggy cliffs on either side of the stairway. From here, you will also be granted breathtaking views of the lighthouse at the end of the staircase. After hiking down the stairs, explore the Point Reyes Lighthouse and Lens House, and if they are open—take a tour! Revel in the awe-inspiring scene, snap a few photos, then begin your climb back up the stairway, retracing your steps all the way back to the trailhead.

Trail Highlights

Point Reyes Lighthouse

The Point Reyes Lighthouse is a lighthouse on the Gulf of the Farallones on the Pacific Ocean. Construction for the lighthouse took over 15 years due to land disputes, and it was finally completed in 1870. Used to warn mariners of navigational hazards in the bay, the lighthouse is now a popular tourist destination. Visitors can climb down some 300 steps to the Point Reyes Lighthouse and Lens Room, enjoying uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Point Reyes Lighthouse open?

The Point Reyes Lighthouse and the Point Reyes National Seashore are open every day of the year, but the Point Reyes Lighthouse Trail is only open until 4:30 PM. The observation deck is open until 10 PM.

Can you drive to the Point Reyes Lighthouse?

No, you can drive to the Point Reyes Lighthouse Visitors Center, but you will have to walk down over 300 steps to the lighthouse.

When was the Point Reyes Lighthouse built?

The Point Reyes Lighthouse was built in 1870 to alert seafarers of navigational hazards in the Point Reyes Peninsula.