Marin County, CA: Northern California Chapter, Samuel P. Taylor Park Hike

Tune up for your next Camino! This gorgeous loop hike in Samuel P. Taylor State Park, that often-bypassed park off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard on the way to Point Reyes, features a long gradual climb on Bill’s Trail through laurels and redwoods to Barnabe Peak, where we’ll have magnificent views north to Tomales Bay and south to Mt. Tam. After lunch at the summit, we’ll head back down – more steeply now – on the Barnabe Trail, which we’ll follow to the Cross Marin Trail and back to our starting point. In the shade almost the whole way, it’s a great hike in the summer, and it’s very serene — much less crowded than the trails on Mt. Tam or Point Reyes.

Schedule: Meet at 9:30 AM at the far end of the Camp Taylor Campground Picnic Area parking lot by the bathrooms. The meetup point is approximately 200 yards past the entrance kiosk. We’ll return to the parking lot between 3:30 and 4:00 PM.

Level of Difficulty: This is a moderately difficult hike of about 9 miles with an elevation gain of 1,600 feet. While most of the ascent is gradual along a series of switchbacks, the elevation gain is significant overall, and the last half-mile up to the summit is VERY steep.

This hike is not suitable for those who are new to hiking or have not been training regularly. To participate, you must have recent experience completing hikes of similar distance and elevation and be able to sustain a consistent pace of 3 mph. Participants who are unable to keep up may be asked to turn back in order to prioritize the safety and cohesion of the group.

If you’re not at this fitness level yet, please do not sign up. Instead, focus on building your endurance on your own with less demanding hikes or on our monthly Lake Merritt walks.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register Now button below to sign up. Every participant must sign up online. No drop-ins permitted. Because space is limited, we ask that you register if/when you are certain you can attend. Thank you!

Cancellation: Please email us at norcal@americanpilgrims.org so we can offer your space to someone else.

Getting There

From the East Bay:

• Take the Richmond Bridge. Stay on 580 after the bridge and merge onto US-101 N.
• Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 452 toward Central San Rafael.
• Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto 3rd St.
• Continue onto Second St.
• Continue onto 4th St.
• Continue onto Red Hill Ave.
• Use the right 2 lanes to turn right toward Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
• Merge onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
• Continue on Sir Francis Drake Blvd approximately 14 miles.

From SF and points south in Marin: Take 101 North until you hit Exit 452 to central San Rafael. Then same as above.

From the North Bay: Directions will depend on where exactly you’re coming from, but if from Petaluma or to the north, the Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Road will lead you over to Sir Frances Drake.

Notes: Park entrance sign reads, “Camp Taylor” (see photo above). Entrance will be on your left on Sir Frances Drake. Parking is $8.00 or use a state parks parking pass, available for borrowing at most public libraries. Bathrooms in parking lot and at the group camp at the beginning of the hike. Otherwise, lots of woods for bio-breaks.

Carpooling: On the registration form is a link to an online “Carpool Bulletin Board” to post a message if you need a ride or can give one.

What to Bring: A day pack with water, snacks and a bag lunch. Note that there is no water along the trail, so make sure you bring plenty. And even though we’re mostly in the shade, there will be some strong sun, especially on the way back, so pack sunscreen. Also, it can be cool in the shade, and quite windy at the summit where we’ll eat lunch, so a sweater or overgarment is recommended. Bring poles if you use them. They will be especially helpful on the steeper downhill sections. Long pants are strongly advised. The trail itself is mostly single-track, and while free of overhanging poison oak, there’s lots of it along the edges, and you don’t want to run the risk of a misstep and brushing up against the poison oak with your bare leg.

Leader: Andy Cohn

The Ruff Stuff: For insurance purposes, we are unable to welcome dogs, except service animals, at our events.