Description
Many people pass right by Samuel P. Taylor State Park, on the way to and from Point Reyes. From a vehicle bumping along Sir Francis Drake, which bisects the park, all you can see of Samuel P. Taylor is woods, and Papermill Creek. You can't see the top of Barnabe Mountain from the road, and it's not until you hike a few miles that you get to experience the grassy and steep hillsides that mark the upper reaches of the park. From a relatively low elevation of 1466 feet at the summit, there are really incredible views -- some of the nicest in Marin County. On a clear day you'll be able to gaze at all the usual suspects: Mount Tam, Mount Wittenberg, and surrounding publicly-accessible parklands such as Bolinas Ridge, Giacomini Open Space Preserve, and Loma Alta. If it's really clear, squint north for a view of Mount St. Helena and east to Mount Diablo.
This partial loop does not coddle hikers -- it's a long over 9 mile trek with lots of steep sections. If you're not sure you're up to the challenge, consider following the hike described below to the junction with Bill's Trail, then continue downhill on Riding and Hiking Trail. This shortcut shaves more than 2 miles off the total, although it skips Bill's Trail, the easiest part of the hike. You can also start at the Devil's Gulch trailhead and hike out and back to the top of Barnabe Mountain on Bill's Trail. This hike is still a long 8.5 miles, but there's hardly any tough hiking.
Trail Stats
