Kelham Beach Trail

Trail length: 10-12 miles round trip depending on your starting point
Restroom? No
Favorite plants on this trail: Seep Monkeyflower (Erythranthe guttata)
Favorite spots:

1. Relaxing to the sound of water rippling down the waterfall

2. Exploring beach rocks.

3. Watching the ocean for whales

Getting to Kelham Beach requires a long hike. Once you get to the Kelham Beach trailhead, it’s a short climb (500 feet) down 141 steps to reach the beach. Clearly, this is not a drive-up-and-bring-your-cooler kind of experience! The beach is secluded, cut off on both ends by rocky promontories. Explore the small waterfall near the stairs and relax after a long hike. The beach trail marker is off the trail and a bit hidden. Look for the huge Eucalyptus tree on the Coast Trail that marks the spot (see instructions below.)

Bear Valley Trail to Kelham: 4.8 miles each way

The fastest path to Kelham Beach is via the Bear Valley Trail. Starting at the trailhead, hike 4 miles on the Bear Valley Trail. Turn right onto the Coast Trail for 0.5 miles. Hike another 0.3 miles to Kelham Beach Trail on the left. Total 4.8 miles. The Kelham Beach Trail marker is off the trail and not easy to spot. As you are nearing Kelham trail, you’ll cross 2 bridges on the Coast Trail and the best landmark is a huge Eucalyptus tree. Look for the path behind the tree with the beach trail marker in the distance.

The hike is mostly flat with gradual elevation changes. Bear Valley is predominantly shaded and the Coast Trail is fully exposed. It’s about a 2 hour hike each way at a very leisurely pace.

Sky Trail to Kelham: 6 miles each way

This scenic hike enjoys the full length of the Sky Trail, one of my favorite trails in Point Reyes. Hike to the end of the Sky Trail and turn right onto the Coast Trail. Hike another 0.3 miles to Kelham Beach Trail on the left. Total 6 miles each way. The Kelham Beach Trail marker is off the trail and not easy to spot. As you are nearing Kelham trail, you’ll cross 2 bridges on the Coast Trail and the best landmark is a huge Eucalyptus tree. Look for the path behind the tree with the beach trail marker in the distance.

The Sky Trail is mostly shaded with moderate elevation changes. Depending on the day, you’ll pass through misty dripping firs and paths lined with green huckleberries. The trail turns into drier coastal chaparral toward the end. The Coast Trail is mostly flat and fully exposed. It’s about a 2-3 hour hike each way.

Laguna Trailhead to Kelham: 5.3 miles each way

This hike takes you along a 3.5 mile scenic stretch of the Coast Trail close to the ocean with Sculptured Beach along the way. Starting at the Laguna Trailhead, hike 0.8 miles until it turns into the Fire Lane Trail. Continue on the Fire Lane Trail for 1.0 mile to the Coast Trail. Turn left on the Coast Trail, and hike 3.5 miles, passing Coast Camp (toilet stop!) and Sculptured Beach on your way to Kelham. At the large Eucalyptus tree, look to the right for the path to Kelham Beach. If you get to Sky Trail, you’ve gone too far. Total 5.3 miles.

The hike is mostly flat with gradual elevation changes. It’s fully exposed the whole hike with a few shade trees along the creek before the Coast Camp area.

Eucalyptus tree is a landmark to find the trail to the beach

The trail marker for the Kelham Beach Trail is far from the Coast Trail and not easy to spot. Instead look for the giant Eucalyptus tree on the Coast Trail and you’ll spot the path to the trailhead.

Volunteer Opportunity: Snowy Plover Docent