Bear Valley Trail to Wildcat Camp

This mountain biking ride proceeds from the Bear Valley Visitor Center in Point Reyes National Seashore to Wildcat Camp on the shore of Drake's Bay by way of the Bear Valley, Glen and Stewart trails. The path is a mix of fire roads and forested singletrack, combining sweeping coastal vistas with lush, moss-covered woods.

Upon departing the visitor center, ride 3.2 miles south along the Bear Valley Trail, which is a generous access road. Approximately halfway along this path you will pass Divide Meadow, which has restroom facilities and a charming clearing often hosting a flock of the California quail that are common in Point Reyes. Approximately 1.5 miles after Divide Meadow the trail reaches a junction with the Baldy and Glen trails. Follow the Glen Trail to the left for approximately 2.8 miles to Stewart Trail, another wide access road. Follow Stewart trail another mile down to Wildcat Beach and the campground before turning around and reversing the ride. The trail gains approximately 1,800 feet during the first 5 miles before descending to the beach. On the elevated sections of the trail, the entire sweeping shoreline of Drake's Bay, which terminates at Point Reyes, is clearly visible.

Be careful of hikers and backpackers also using these trails to access the vista points and the Glen and Wildcat campgrounds. Dayhiking the 15-mile round trip to Wildcat Camp and back would be an ambitious jaunt, but it is well within the reach of most mountain bikers.

Nearly half of all North American birds can be found in Point Reyes over the course of a year, including the threatened snowy plover and northern spotted owl. This avian biodiversity is partly a result of the location of Point Reyes along the Pacific Flyway and the funneling effect of the peninsula's shape. Numerous animals, including bobcat, coyotes and elk are also found in the seashore.

This ride can be enjoyed year-round. Winter storms may make for a wet afternoon but can create dramatic scenery across Drake's Bay and the Pacific Ocean.