Bolinas Ridge Trail

Bolinas Ridge Trail is an 11-mile, one-way point-to-point hike from Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to Bolinas-Fairfax Road. It follows a ridge corridor that changes from open pasture to a flatter wooded middle, then rocky chaparral and fir or redwood cover near the southern end. The shifting landscape is the draw: the northern ridge looks toward Tomales Bay, and the high spine opens across Olema Valley and the San Andreas Rift Zone toward Bolinas Lagoon. This is the full named ridge route, not a loop.

Set aside most of a day and about six to seven hours on foot. The 11-mile figure is one way; arrange a pickup or car shuttle at Bolinas-Fairfax Road before you start. Walking back to Sir Francis Drake makes it roughly 22 miles, while a 12.5-mile itinerary continues farther south to the state park entrance. The route's length, steady grades, rutted tread and open exposure make it feel hard; NPS rates it moderate to difficult. If you want to avoid one-way logistics, the north section can be hiked as an out-and-back. A rocky outcrop and table around five miles from Sir Francis Drake make a possible turn-around; going there and back is still about ten miles, so it is a better self-contained option, not a short stroll.

The north trailhead leads gradually through open, sun-exposed pasture. Tomales Bay views open beyond the grass, and shade is scarce in this section. Around five miles in, pause at the rocky outcrop and table if you are turning around. Beyond the pasture, the tread alternates between rutted dirt and narrower forest track. The middle around Randall and McCurdy lies mostly flat under fir and redwoods; farther south, the path opens into rocky chaparral before meeting the road. The contrast between exposed ridge and shaded woods keeps the long walk from feeling like one continuous slope. For a photo, include the track leading back across the northern pasture; the line of trail through the grass shows the ridge's scale better than a close shot of flowers.

Begin at Bolinas Ridge Trailhead on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, about 1.1 miles east of Olema. Parking is limited roadside shoulder, roughly 300 feet paved and another 200 feet gravel. The south finish is on Bolinas-Fairfax Road, so settle return transport before setting out. The open northern pasture has little shade; bring enough water and sun protection for a long exposed walk. No food or water stop along the ridge was confirmed in the reviewed trail information. Winter and spring are the recommended seasons, with seasonal flowers including fetid adderstongue in February, checker lily in March and April, and Pacific trillium in April. Dogs are allowed on leash no longer than six feet, and bikes also use this corridor.