Estero–White Gate Loop

At 11.4 miles, the Estero–White Gate Loop is a long lollipop from Estero Trailhead across coastal grassland and marsh between Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero. Follow Estero to the White Gate junction, loop through White Gate, Muddy Hollow Road and Glenbrook, then return by Estero. The route retraces the first four miles, so 11.4 miles is the full walk, not the length of unique trail. Allow about five to six hours, including brief stops. Choose it for a long stretch of open country and water views rather than a single dramatic endpoint.

Walk Estero for 2.5 miles to the split. Go left uphill toward White Gate, then left again at the Drakes Head junction toward Muddy Hollow and White Gate; follow the blue arrow markers. White Gate passes several ponds and becomes Muddy Hollow Road. After about 1.5 miles on those combined legs, turn right onto Glenbrook. In 0.7 miles, turn right onto Estero and follow it 1.2 miles back to the White Gate junction. Then retrace your Estero approach for four miles to the trailhead. Several junctions come close together, so keep the north district trail map handy and follow the named turns.

The Estero approach crosses open grassland and scrub with Drakes Estero views. White Gate skirts ponds and low marsh, but has only scattered pines for shade; expect sun and wind on this exposed section. Glenbrook climbs to broad views across Limantour Estero and the ocean. The Estero return brings the water closer and crosses Limantour Estero, with marsh plants along the edge. In winter, sheltered water can hold ducks and shorebirds while kestrels and northern harriers work the open fields. The nearby forest is regrowth after the 1995 Vision Fire, and Bishop pines are reclaiming former grassland. At an open marsh reach, frame a bend in the channel against the grass to show how the water threads through the flats.

This is a moderate outing whose main demand is its length: most of the route is open, and the four-mile return repeats ground you have already covered. Heavy winter rain can leave parts near Glenbrook Creek muddy or flooded, especially in winter and spring; check current trail advisories before starting and stay on the path around wet ground. Pets are not permitted on these trails.

Estero Trailhead is on Home Ranch Road, one mile from Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. The small dirt lot holds about 30 vehicles; the one-lane approach has few good pullouts, and RVs and trailers are discouraged. A vault toilet and picnic table are at the trailhead.