Mile 0.0: Start at the western edge of the parking lot, and head south on a path to the left of the hang gliding platform. A few paths meander around, but point yourself toward the ocean. After about 350 feet you'll arrive at the top of Sand Ladder Trail. There are spectacular views south and west during the steep descent. Mile 0.1: At the base of Sand Ladder Trail, stay straight on the most worn trail, ignoring paths that rise back toward the bluffs on the left. Mile 0.2: Just before a drop to the beach, near a cypress tree, turn left. Choose a path through the dunes. The trick is to maintain a mostly level south course, without veering uphill to the east. Sea fig is the most common plant on the dunes, but you might also see willow, New Zealand spinach, lizardtail, beach strawberry, lupines, and beeplant. Mile 0.5: At this tricky junction, a path heads steeply straight uphill, and another veers right, slightly descending. Stay to the right. The path heads toward the ocean, but then sweeps left and regains a level course on the dunes. Mile 0.8: Junction with a path through a mini canyon. (You can add onto this hike by continuing straight on the dune paths for another .7 mile.) Turn right. The path squeezes through walls of sand, descending to the beach. Mile 0.8: The beach! Turn right and walk back to the north, savoring views all the way to Point Reyes on a clear day. Mile 1.3: Look for a rough path to the right under a cypress tree. Scramble uphill through loose sand and you'll find yourself back on the path to Sand Ladder Trail. Mile 1.5: Back at the trailhead.
