Drakes Estero Trailhead - Inverness, California

Brett F.

Go beyond the first two miles and you may have the whole place to yourself. Or don't... cause I prefer that way. It's one of my favorites. The first two miles have great views. I see a lot of folks just watching the birds. This one is challenging for its distance but doesn't have intense uphill/downhill sections. P.s. it's about a 10 mile hike to limantour beach. Another favorite.

Thomas J. P.

This is a nice trail that takes you to Drakes Head. The trail gives you an amazing view of Drakes Estero at the end. There’s very little tree coverage so you’ll be out in the elements. It took us an hour and a half to get to Drakes Head. It’s a nice place to sit and relax. Get some snacks and rehydrate. The panoramic views of the Coastline and the ocean was incredible. Definitely made the hike there worth it.

Simona L.

Parking is good, but limited. It can fill quickly in the Summer and there is no additional shoulder parking that could accommodate cars. It’s a great place to start an easy hike or stroll to view wildlife and the Home Bay, as well as start a longer hike to Sunrise Beach, Drakes Head, or even as far as Limantour.

Bartholomew R.

This is a stunning area full of wildlife and gorgeous views of Drake's estuary. This trailhead gets you access to the Sunset beach and Drake's Head trails. Most of the reviews here focus on the Sunset trail, but if you're in for a bit of way-finding, the Drake's Head trail down to the real beach will give you a spectacular show. IMO, these are some of the top 3 beaches you'll find in Point Reyes, and at low tide you can hike them for miles. Down on the beach you'll see tons of sea birds, crabs, shellfish, and seals.

While up on the coast, you'll see pastures full of green grass and cows. Beware the cow paths, they are not true trails. It's very easy to get lost if you are hiking toward Drake's Head. Be sure to follow the tire tracks left by the rangers or ranchers (idk which).

The beginning of the trail (wooded, wide, well-traversed) could be good for bikers, but I personally wouldn't want to push back any further than the bridge.

Kyle

Beautiful area. The main sunset beach hike was moderate, mainly due to length. Once at the end you can segway down to the "beach". But it isn't a sandy beach as you'd expect. It's rocky and you have to walk through a trail with a ton of mosquitos to get there. Not bad though. Serene cliff edge area.

Che

NO DOGS ALLOWED. NO cell service. Please respect the no dogs, the whole area is habitat restoration. Bathrooms at parking area. Absolutely beautiful hike if you are prepared to trek the rigorous ups and downs over hills that the trail provides. Most of the hike is overlooking the estuary. Trails get very thin at some points. Actual coast access about 4 miles out. Turns into farmland about a mile or 2 out, have to share trail with a few cows!

tam R.

Walk all the way to Drakes Head for the best view. Signage isn't great, challenging to find the trail vs. cow path in last 2km look for blue arrows. Lots of ticks (July 2024).

Martin B.

One of my favorite hikes. All the way along the Estero to Sunset Beach. 8 miles to the beach and back and about 900 feet of elevation. Great views but often fog.