Bull Yeah!

Bullish about social distance hiking? Good on you. Hit the bull’s-eye of wide-open space! Bull Point Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore is a 3.8-mile out- and- back hike along Drakes Estero’s Creamery Bay. The route is easygoing and packs a visual punch, with wildflowers like sky lupine and cow parsnip flanking the trail thanks to cool coastal temperatures.

As you go along, listen for the birdsong of the western meadowlarks from atop scrub bushes. Pass through a cattle gate and keep Creamery Bay on your right, following the trail towards the ridge. A mix of birds make their home here, including the northern harrier, also known as “grey ghosts” for how they cruise mere feet above the landscape in search of prey.

After passing over a small ridge and continuing across the plateau you’ll have unobstructed views of Drakes Estero along with crashing waves at the mouth of the bay. Heading down toward the shoreline and keeping the fenced area to your left, take one of the multiple spur trails to a better vantage for catching glimpses of leopard sharks in the shallows.

Bull Point Trail is part of an active cattle ranch and at times you may need to leave the trail to pass cattle. After crossing the creek, you may need to step over the metal cattle gate depending on the location of the local farmer’s cattle. Currently the trail is slightly overgrown due to limited foot traffic, but this offers an increased number of flowers! No dogs.