Trip · 3-day backpacking trip
For · Friends and new backpackers
Vibe · Challenging and hard
Distance · 19.6 miles and 3,894 feet of elevation gain
Reservations · Yep, reserve a backcountry campsite at Glen Campground
Drive · 1.5 hours from SF
Ideal dates · April to June
Pets · Not allowed on trails and campgrounds
Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS) is a majestic peninsula carved by the San Andreas Fault overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The 71,000-acre park is a stunner. It's dotted with wild coastal beaches, rugged headlands, and grazing cows. This place is a natural sanctuary for tule elk, elephant seals, gray whales, and more. Visit for the breathtaking views, and camp to experience the magic.
Official National Park Website
Park Status and Trail Conditions
Main image credit: Sammie Chaffin
Each campsite comes with a:
Glen Campground is a backcountry destination with perks. It's a 5-mile hike to reach the campground, which is protected from ocean breezes, and then another 3-mile hike to reach the Pacific. There are 12 campsites (people like sites 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8), access to toilets, a water pump, trash cans, and glorious tranquility. You can reserve a campsite up to six months in advance so it's never too early to make backpacking plans!
Nightly Fee: $20
JFK anointed Point Reyes National Seashore as public land in 1962. It's the only national seashore on the west coast. NBD.
Coast Miwok Indians were the first inhabitants on the Peninsula 5,000 years ago. 120+ known village sites exist within the park
Spanish explorers named the headlands after religious figures. "La Punta de los Reyes" means the Point of the Kings
It's pricey, but Supergoop! makes putting on sunscreen feel smooth and easy.
Self-Care
A cute and colorful patch that repels mosquitoes with a natural repellent.
Self-Care
Self-care
A neat way to pack, carry, and organize dirty shoes.
Personal Stuff
Clothes
A lightweight, easy to clean customizable leash that comes in a rainbow of colors.
Pets
Pets
A weather-resistant LED collar so your pup stays safe at night.
Pets
Pets
Add this pup medication and liquid bandage bundle to your first aid kit.
Pets
Pets
Enjoy the small town charm and enchanting wilderness in Idyllwild for this beginner camping trip.