Lighthouse

Trail length:  .45 mile from the parking lot to the visitor center then 308 stairs to the lighthouse
Time: About 10 minutes down the stairs and 20 minutes up
Terrain: paved road, 313 steps (the equivalent of 25 stories)
Restroom? Yes
Parking: small parking lot or shuttle bus from Drakes Beach in the winter (late December thru mid-April)
Kid friendly? Yes
Favorite plants on this trail:
Favorite spots:

  1. Admire the panoramic views from along the stairs and at the lighthouse.

  2. Watch for whales at the visitor center and from the observation deck of the lighthouse.

  3. Marvel at the mix of rocks that form the Point Reyes conglomerate, just outside the visitor center.

Good to know: When wind speeds exceed 40 mph (64 km/hr), the steps to the lighthouse are closed for visitors' safety. Check out the wind forecast before your visit.

The lighthouse, which was restored in 2018-19, is perched at the western-most tip of the Point Reyes peninsula at the end of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. It’s nearly always foggy, windy and cool so dress in warm layers. On clear days, the views are spectacular. For bird-lovers, the cypress trees along the walk from the parking lot to the visitor center are a popular resting spot for migrating birds. Be sure to look up into the branches along your walk to the lighthouse. The lighthouse was in service from 1870 to 1975. The clockwork mechanism and Fresnel lens are beautiful and worth the hike down the stairs. Time your hike so you can hear a park ranger talk on how the signal light worked.

Find helpful tips and history about the Lighthouse at these sites:

Geology - Point Reyes Conglomerate

You might think this surreal melange of rocks is man-made. The outcropping looks like a cement mixer collided with a load of river stones. Thick layers of smooth sandstone are topped by coarse layers of conglomerate rocks cemented in sand from the Paleocene era 60-50 million years ago. Check out the UC Berkeley Earth, a dynamic structure website to learn more about the geologic formation called Point Reyes Conglomerate.

Sea Lion Overlook

It’s worth the short walk from the lighthouse parking area to visit Sea Lion Overlook. Bring binoculars or a scope to see different types of marine mammals and birds resting on the rocky shore below the overlook — Stellar sea lions, California sea lions, Northern elephant seals, whales, and more. It’s a nice area for a picnic lunch.

Volunteer Opportunity: Winter Wildlife Docent

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The Point Reyes National Seashore has volunteer opportunities for winter wildlife docents January through March, with training in November and December. The Winter Wildlife Docent promotes awareness and protection of northern elephant seals, gray whales, and other marine life by helping visitors view, understand, and appreciate these species. 

  • Staff public wildlife viewing and education areas at the Lighthouse Observation Deck, South Beach Overlook, Elephant Seal Overlook, Historic Lifeboat Station, and Drakes Beach

  • Perform interpretive roves along Drakes Beach and the Chimney Rock Trail

  • Set up and break down spotting scopes and interpretive and educational materials at public viewing locations; open and close the Historic Lifeboat Station

  • Help visitors view, understand, and appreciate northern elephant seals, gray whales, and other marine life by interpreting observed behaviors and educating visitors about the natural history of these species

  • Help visitors understand the ongoing management and research issues relating to northern elephant seals in Point Reyes National Seashore