Excellent Point

Mountain biking and national parks usually don’t go together. But Point Reyes National Seashore has several mountain bike–friendly trails that are itching to be explored. Don’t expect technical or much singletrack—these trails are wide-open and good for beginner mountain bikers. For a fantastic ride with sweeping views of Drakes Estero and southern Point Reyes, make the 4.3-mile (one-way) ride out to Drakes Head.

Leaving from the Estero Trailhead, you’ll pedal through coastal grasslands and scrublands. Keep an eye out for peregrine falcons cruising overhead. In about a mile you’ll cross over the Home Bay bridge and your first opportunity to see bat rays and all variety of water and shore birds like great blue herons, great egrets, and loons. Drakes Estero is where fresh and salt water mix, and the wildlife loves it! Continue on the fire road, crossing cattle guards and more wide-open views of Drakes Estero.

You’ll turn off for Drakes Head Trail, and your final 2.3 miles are more singletrack-ish, but not technical. Your destination is the end of the trail at Drakes Head, where you’ll have a tremendous view of Limantour Beach, Drakes Bay, and the Marin coastline. Have a picnic here and see if you can spy any leopard sharks or bat rays in the water below.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In Episode 35 "Height of Summer Adventures" Weekend Sherpa co-founders Brad and Holly talk about highlights of mountain biking to Drakes Head in Point Reyes.

Start your bike ride at the Estero Trailhead (map). No dogs.