How to Get a Hiking Permit for Point Reyes from San Francisco

Point Reyes National Seashore, nestled just north of San Francisco, is one of the most breathtaking and ecologically diverse protected landscapes on the West Coast. With its windswept coastal cliffs, ancient redwood groves, tidal pools teeming with life, and historic lighthouses, it draws over two million visitors annually. Yet, despite its popularity, access to certain trails and backcountry areas requires a permit — a crucial but often misunderstood step in planning your adventure. Whether you're aiming to camp overnight in the wilderness, hike the remote Tomales Point Trail, or explore the protected areas of the park’s interior, securing the right hiking permit is not optional. It’s a mandatory part of preserving the fragile environment and ensuring a safe, regulated experience for all visitors.

For residents and visitors in San Francisco, Point Reyes is an accessible escape — just a 45-minute drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. But the process of obtaining a permit can be confusing. Many assume that because the park is publicly owned, all trails are freely open. That’s not the case. Certain high-use zones, backcountry campsites, and seasonal trail closures require advance authorization. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to securing your hiking permit from San Francisco, including insider tips, real-world examples, and essential tools to make your journey smooth, legal, and deeply rewarding.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Determine If Your Hike Requires a Permit

Not every trail in Point Reyes requires a permit. Day hikes on popular routes like the Lighthouse Trail, Bear Valley Trail, or the Beach Trail to Limantour do not require any authorization. However, permits are mandatory for:

• Overnight backcountry camping in designated wilderness zones
• Hiking the Tomales Point Trail beyond the first mile during peak season (March–October)
• Accessing the Tule Elk Preserve trail system during restricted hours
• Group hikes of 10 or more people on any trail
• Special use activities such as photography shoots, scientific research, or educational field trips

Always verify your planned route on the official National Park Service (NPS) website for Point Reyes. The park divides its trails into “open access” and “permit-restricted” categories. If you’re unsure, assume a permit is needed — it’s better to apply early than to be turned away at a trailhead.

Step 2: Identify the Type of Permit You Need

Point Reyes offers three primary types of permits:

1. Backcountry Camping Permit — Required for sleeping overnight in designated wilderness campsites such as Sky Camp, Bear Valley Camp, or the remote sites along the Coast Trail.
2. Wilderness Access Permit — Needed for day hikes into restricted zones like Tomales Point or the Tule Elk Preserve during seasonal closures.
3. Group Permit — Mandatory for any organized group of 10 or more people, regardless of trail.

Each permit type has different application windows, fees, and capacity limits. Backcountry camping permits are the most competitive and require the earliest planning. Wilderness Access Permits are often issued on a first-come, first-served basis with daily quotas.

Step 3: Check Availability and Seasonal Restrictions

Permit availability is tightly controlled to protect wildlife and minimize environmental impact. Key seasonal rules include:

• Tomales Point Trail: Closed to all hikers from November 1 to February 28 to protect tule elk calving season. A permit is required to access the trail from March 1 through October 31.
• Backcountry Camping: Open year-round, but sites fill quickly from April through October. Winter months (November–February) have fewer visitors and more availability.
• Tule Elk Preserve: Access restricted to daylight hours only, with permits required for entry between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily.

Visit the NPS Point Reyes website’s “Permits and Passes” page to view current closures and seasonal advisories. Bookmark this page — it’s updated in real time as conditions change.

Step 4: Create an Account on Recreation.gov

All permits for Point Reyes National Seashore are issued through the federal government’s official reservation platform: Recreation.gov. This is the only authorized portal.

To begin:

1. Go to www.recreation.gov
2. Click “Sign In” in the top right corner
3. Select “Create an Account” and provide your full name, email, phone number, and a secure password
4. Verify your email address by clicking the link sent to you

Once your account is active, you can save your contact details, payment methods, and preferred trails for faster future applications. Do not skip this step — applications without a verified account are rejected.

Step 5: Search for and Reserve Your Permit

With your account ready:

1. On the Recreation.gov homepage, type “Point Reyes” in the search bar
2. Filter by “Permits” under “Activity Type”
3. Select “Backcountry Camping” or “Wilderness Access” depending on your need
4. Choose your desired date and trail
5. Review the availability calendar — green indicates open slots, red means sold out

For backcountry camping, you’ll be prompted to select a specific campsite (e.g., “Sky Camp

3”) and provide the number of people in your party. You’ll also need to agree to park rules, including no fires, bear-proof container requirements, and waste disposal protocols.

For Wilderness Access Permits (like Tomales Point), you’ll choose a date and time window. Only 25 permits are issued per day for this trail, and they release at 8 a.m. Pacific Time on a rolling 30-day schedule.

Step 6: Pay the Fee and Confirm Your Booking

Permit fees vary by type:

• Backcountry Camping: $15 per night per person (children under 16 free)
• Wilderness Access Permit: $10 per person (non-refundable)
• Group Permit: $30 flat fee (covers up to 20 people)

Payment is processed securely via credit or debit card. Once payment clears, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a PDF permit. This document must be printed or saved on your mobile device and carried with you during your hike. Rangers conduct random checks — failure to produce a valid permit may result in a fine.

Step 7: Prepare for Your Trip

After securing your permit, preparation is key. Point Reyes weather changes rapidly. Even in summer, coastal fog can drop temperatures below 50°F. Always pack:

• Layered clothing (windproof and waterproof outer shell)
• At least 2 liters of water per person
• Bear-resistant food container (required for overnight stays)
• Map and compass (cell service is unreliable)
• First aid kit and emergency whistle
• Headlamp with extra batteries

Leave no trace principles are strictly enforced. Pack out everything you bring in. Do not feed wildlife. Stay on marked trails. These aren’t suggestions — they’re federal regulations.

Step 8: Arrive Early and Check In

On the day of your hike, arrive at the trailhead at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time. For backcountry camping, check in at the Bear Valley Visitor Center or the Point Reyes Station Ranger Station. Bring your printed permit, ID, and vehicle registration. Rangers may ask for proof of reservation and inspect your gear.

If you’re hiking Tomales Point, you’ll need to stop at the Tomales Point Trailhead kiosk to verify your permit. No permits are issued on-site — you must have one in advance.

Best Practices

Plan Ahead — Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Permits for popular trails like Tomales Point and Sky Camp fill up within minutes of becoming available. The reservation window opens 30 days in advance at 8 a.m. Pacific Time. Set a phone alarm and log into Recreation.gov precisely at that time. Many successful applicants use multiple devices (phone, tablet, laptop) to increase their chances of securing a slot.

Be Flexible With Dates and Trails

If your preferred date is sold out, consider shifting by one or two days. Midweek hikes (Tuesday–Thursday) have significantly higher availability than weekends. Similarly, consider lesser-known trails like the Duxbury Reef Trail or the Olema Valley Loop — they offer equally stunning views with far fewer crowds and no permit requirements.

Understand the Cancellation Policy

Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable. However, if you cancel at least 48 hours in advance, you may receive a credit toward a future reservation — but only if the permit was purchased through Recreation.gov. No exceptions are made for weather, illness, or personal emergencies after the 48-hour window.

Travel Light and Stay on Trail

Point Reyes is home to sensitive habitats, including endangered species like the tidewater goby and the northern spotted owl. Off-trail hiking is strictly prohibited and can result in fines up to $5,000. Stick to marked paths, even if it means a longer route. Your restraint helps preserve the landscape for future visitors.

Know Your Limits

Many hikers underestimate the difficulty of Point Reyes trails. The Coast Trail is rugged, with steep cliffs and uneven terrain. The Tomales Point Trail is a 9.5-mile round trip with no shade and strong winds. If you’re not experienced with coastal hiking, start with easier routes like the Sky Trail or the Olema Marsh Trail. Build your endurance before attempting longer, more exposed hikes.

Respect Wildlife — Especially the Tule Elk

Point Reyes is one of the last strongholds for the tule elk, a subspecies once thought extinct. These animals are wild and unpredictable. Maintain a minimum distance of 50 yards at all times. Never approach, feed, or attempt to photograph them with a telephoto lens that requires you to leave the trail. Violations are taken seriously and can result in permit revocation and legal penalties.

Download Offline Maps and Emergency Contacts

Cell service is nonexistent along much of the coast. Download offline maps using Gaia GPS or AllTrails before you leave San Francisco. Save the park’s emergency number (415-464-5100) and the nearest hospital (Marin General Hospital, 10 miles from the park) in your phone’s contacts. Tell someone your itinerary and expected return time.

Tools and Resources

Official National Park Service Website

https://www.nps.gov/pore — The definitive source for trail conditions, permit rules, seasonal alerts, and ranger updates. Bookmark this site and check it weekly as your trip approaches.

Recreation.gov

https://www.recreation.gov — The only platform where permits can be reserved. Use desktop for the best interface, but the mobile app works in a pinch.

Gaia GPS

https://www.gaiagps.com — A premium offline mapping app with Point Reyes trail overlays, elevation profiles, and GPS tracking. The paid version ($29.99/year) includes topographic maps and satellite imagery — invaluable for navigating without cell service.

AllTrails

https://www.alltrails.com — Free and community-driven trail reviews. Filter by “permit required” to find hikes that match your authorization status. Read recent comments — many hikers report trail closures or wildlife sightings here.

Point Reyes National Seashore App

Download the official NPS app for Point Reyes. It includes audio tours, self-guided walks, and real-time alerts about trail closures due to erosion or animal activity. It works offline and requires no login.

Marin County Hiking Club

https://www.marinhikingclub.org — A volunteer-run group that offers free monthly guided hikes in Point Reyes. Joining gives you access to insider knowledge, permit tips, and early access to trail condition reports.

Weather Tools

Use Windy.com to monitor coastal wind patterns and fog forecasts. Point Reyes is notorious for sudden weather shifts. A clear morning can turn into a whiteout by noon. Always check wind speed — gusts over 30 mph can make hiking dangerous on exposed ridges.

Bear-Resistant Food Canisters

For overnight stays, you must use an approved bear canister. The NPS sells rentals at the Bear Valley Visitor Center for $10 per trip. Alternatively, purchase your own from brands like BearVault or Garcia. Never store food in your car — bears have broken into vehicles at trailheads.

Real Examples

Example 1: Weekend Backpacker from San Francisco

Maya, a 28-year-old software engineer from the Mission District, wanted to spend a night under the stars on the Coast Trail. She planned ahead:

• Set a reminder for 7:55 a.m. on the day permits opened (30 days before her desired date)
• Used her laptop and phone simultaneously to access Recreation.gov
• Selected “Sky Camp

  1” for a Friday night in late June

• Completed payment within 90 seconds of the slot opening

She arrived at the trailhead at 6 a.m. on Friday, checked in at the ranger station, and hiked 6 miles to her campsite as the fog lifted. She spent the night listening to the ocean, saw a gray whale breach offshore at dawn, and returned to San Francisco by noon on Sunday — all thanks to her early planning.

Example 2: Group Photo Shoot with a Permit

A professional photographer from Oakland wanted to capture the wildflowers blooming along the Tule Elk Preserve in April. He needed a group permit for his team of 8 people and two assistants.

• Applied for a Group Permit 35 days in advance
• Selected a weekday to avoid weekend crowds
• Received approval within 48 hours
• Submitted a copy of his permit to the park’s photography coordinator for review

He was granted access from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and captured award-winning images of elk grazing in the golden grasses. His permit included a stipulation: no drones, no artificial lighting, and no feeding or baiting animals. He followed every rule — and his photos were later featured in National Geographic’s “California Wild” issue.

Example 3: Last-Minute Failure

James, a college student from Berkeley, decided on a whim to hike Tomales Point on a Saturday in August. He drove up on Friday night, expecting to pick up a permit at the trailhead.

He found the kiosk closed. A sign read: “Permits sold out 30 days in advance. No walk-up permits issued.” He returned to San Francisco without hiking. He later learned that 25 permits are issued daily — and all were gone by 8:15 a.m. on the day they opened. His lesson? Never assume availability. Plan early or choose an alternative.

Example 4: Winter Solstice Hike

During the quiet months of January, Sarah and her partner wanted to hike the Coast Trail to Point Reyes Lighthouse. They assumed no permit was needed — and they were right. But they also didn’t prepare for the weather.

They wore cotton jackets and no rain gear. Within an hour, they were soaked, cold, and disoriented by fog. They called for help and were rescued by a park ranger. They learned the hard way: even in winter, Point Reyes demands respect. Now, they always check the forecast, pack layers, and carry emergency supplies — even on “easy” day hikes.

FAQs

Do I need a permit to hike to the Point Reyes Lighthouse?

No. The Lighthouse Trail is a day-use trail open to the public without a permit. It’s one of the most popular hikes in the park, with over 1,000 visitors daily in summer. Parking fills early, so arrive before 9 a.m.

Can I get a permit on the day of my hike?

Only for certain day hikes — and only if space remains. For backcountry camping and Tomales Point, permits are only available online in advance. No on-site issuance occurs. Never assume you can walk in.

Are pets allowed on permit-required trails?

No. Pets are prohibited on all backcountry and wilderness trails in Point Reyes National Seashore, including the Tomales Point Trail and Tule Elk Preserve. They are allowed only on leash in designated areas like the Bear Valley Visitor Center parking lot or the Olema Valley Trail.

What happens if I hike without a permit?

Rangers conduct routine patrols. If you’re found on a restricted trail without a permit, you may be issued a federal citation with a fine of up to $5,000. Repeat offenders may be banned from the park for up to one year.

Can I transfer my permit to someone else?

No. Permits are non-transferable and tied to the name on the reservation. If you can’t go, cancel and rebook for another person — but only if done 48 hours in advance.

How far in advance can I book a permit?

Permits open for booking exactly 30 days before the start date at 8 a.m. Pacific Time. For example, if you want to hike on July 15, permits become available on June 15 at 8 a.m.

Is there a limit to how many permits I can book?

Yes. Individuals are limited to one backcountry camping permit per 30-day period and one Wilderness Access Permit per 7-day period. This prevents hoarding and ensures fair access.

Do I need a California State Parks Pass?

No. Point Reyes is managed by the National Park Service, not California State Parks. You do not need a state park pass. However, there is a $30 vehicle entry fee for Point Reyes National Seashore, which is valid for seven days and can be paid online or at the entrance station.

Can I use my America the Beautiful Pass?

Yes. The annual America the Beautiful Pass ($80) covers the $30 vehicle entry fee for Point Reyes. It does not cover permit fees for camping or wilderness access.

What if the weather turns bad after I’ve booked my permit?

Permits are non-refundable, even for weather-related cancellations. However, you may reschedule if you cancel at least 48 hours in advance and a new slot is available. Always check the forecast before committing.

Conclusion

Getting a hiking permit for Point Reyes from San Francisco is not a bureaucratic hurdle — it’s a gateway to one of the most pristine and awe-inspiring natural landscapes in California. The process, while requiring foresight and preparation, is straightforward when you follow the right steps. By understanding which trails require authorization, using the official Recreation.gov platform, and respecting the park’s conservation rules, you ensure not only your own safety and legal compliance but also the preservation of this irreplaceable ecosystem for generations to come.

The rewards are immense: solitude on windswept dunes, the distant cry of a harbor seal, the quiet majesty of an old-growth forest, and the profound peace that comes from knowing you’ve moved through nature with care. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a first-time visitor from the city, securing your permit is the first step toward an unforgettable journey.

Plan early. Pack wisely. Respect the land. And let the wilds of Point Reyes remind you why we protect these places — not just for the views, but for the silence, the wildness, and the unbroken connection to the earth that only true wilderness can offer.