Bolinas Ridge Trail lies in the Golden Gate Recreation Area northeast of Point Reyest National Seashore. The geographic formation of Bolinas Ridge extends east of the San Andreas Fault. The trail follows this formation south of Olema. It begins from Sir Francis Drake Highway approximately one and a half miles east of the park entrance.

This trail leads 11 miles southward to Bolinas - Fairfax Road along the Bolinas Ridge Fire Road. It provides hikers with views of the Olema Valley, then enters a redwood forest and chaparral. According to the National Park Service this is the best trail in the area for walking a dog. Backpackers may make a long loop (with a short shuttle) by using the MCcurdy or Randal trails to reach Olema Valley Trail and the Rift Zone Trail, which leads to Bear Valley Visitor Center. This trail is open to mountain bikes and pets.

Directions: From Bear Valley Visitor Center, Drive eastward on Sir Francis Drake Highway to Olema. Continue driving past Olema to the trailhead on theright. It is approximately five minutes from the visitor center to the trailhead.

Elevation: 365 feet

Ending Elevation: 1,320 feet

Elevation Gain: 960 feet

Usage: Moderate

Difficulty: Easy

Visitor Information