Being so close to Sausalito, in addition to being one of the most scenic and historic natural areas in the San Francisco Bay Area, Point Reyes has long been a favorite of cyclists and hikers in the area. With miles of free and open trails and rural roads available all along the winding rugged shoreline of the Pacific Ocean, this makes the perfect escape from city life and a great way to get out on a sunny day and enjoy thee coast without venturing too far from Sausalito.

A part of the Golden Gate National Recreation area, Point Reyes National Seashore is an enormous open space area that allows for a full day’s exploration, often without encountering many other people except at the destination points. This particular ride is more of a road ride (although in sections the road is rural and narrow), but Point Reyes also has many single track trails and hillside sections open to cyclists and mountain bikes.

Note: Check for trail and road closures seasonally. Also, cyclists should be aware that the area is populated with many working dairy and oyster farms and cattle and work vehicles are prevalent.

Ride to the Historic Lighthouse

The directions for this particular ride are easy to follow as you will be remaining on two main roads and retracing your ride after the lighthouse itself.

From the visitors Center, take a left onto Bear Valley Rd. and continue until you take a slight left to stay on Bear Valley Rd. at an intersection. At the intersection with Sir Francis Drake Blvd, you will go straight ahead which will take you onto this main road out to the lighthouse. At the next intersection, stay left to remain on Sir Francis Drake Blvd, and then at each intersection afterwards stay on this road.

Following the winding rural road out over and through pastures and the sea air for several mile swill eventually take you out to one of the most scenically situated lighthouses in California. If you would like to go down to the lighthouse itself, park your bicycle at the top and navigate the steep (and numerous) stairs on foot. When you are finished at the lighthouse, simply retrace your route back to the Bear Valley Visitors Center.

Getting to Point Reyes from Downtown Sausalito

Many cyclists prefer to get the entire experience and ride from Sausalito over Mt. Tamalpais and into Point Reyes. The route is a bit longer and involves climbing, so beware and allow enough time to complete the ride if that is the option you choose. For the purpose of this ride and map, the starting point is the main Bear Valley Visitors Center in Point Reyes.

From downtown Sausalito, take Highway 101 North and exit at exit 450B toward San Anselmo. You will then merge onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd and remain on this road for slightly more than 20 miles. At the town of Olema, you will take a right at the intersection with Highway 1, and then a quick (and slight) left onto Bear Valley Rd. The visitors Center will be ahead on your left.