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Is this trip right for you?
This is a Level 1 Essentials trip. It’s designed as an accessible, beginner-friendly introduction to backpacking. It’s also a great fit for more experienced backpackers who want a relaxed coastal trip with time to explore and learn more about Point Reyes.
If you’re unsure which trip or level is best, read more about our Trip Levels & Difficulty or contact me and we’ll figure it out together.
This trip is ideal if:
You’re new to backpacking or have only done one or two trips
You’re comfortable with day hikes of 5-7 miles with some hills
You want to learn how to pack and use a lighter, more modern kit
You don’t want to worry about planning every detail yourself
You’re more interested in learning and connection than in maximum difficulty
This trip can also work well for:
Parent and teen pairs
Couples where one partner is newer to backpacking
Friends with mixed experience levels, as long as everyone can walk at a steady pace
If you already have several multi day trips under your belt and are craving more distance, altitude, or off-trail exploration, you may be happier on a Level 2 trip.
Why your guide loves this trip
It’s one of my favorite places to introduce people to backpacking because the payoff is huge for a relatively approachable effort.
Point Reyes National Seashore is one of only a few places in California where protected wilderness stretches from wooded ridge lines all the way down to wide sandy beaches. Decades of protection allow us to imagine what this coastline felt like during thousands of years of Coast Miwok inhabitation before Mexican and European settlement.
Our route takes us from oak-studded grasslands, through lush evergreen forest, past evidence of recent wildfire and regrowth, out onto coastal bluffs, and finally down to a remote beach campground that will be our base for two nights.
Across three days you can expect:
Ocean views, fog, and the sound of surf as a constant backdrop
A chance to see seabirds, marine mammals, and possibly tule elk out on the coastal prairie
Evenings spent watching the light change over the Pacific and falling asleep to the sound of waves
Time to slow down, notice the details, and reconnect with the natural world at walking speed
What you’ll learn on this trip
This trip is built around better backpacking essentials so that by the end you feel more capable and comfortable planning your own trips or stepping up to a Level 2 experience.
All Wilder Walks trips are hands-on and participatory. You can lean into the learning as much or as little as you like. Learn more about what to expect before and during your trip.
This trip will be guided by me, Alex, the owner of Wilder Walks. Learn more about me and my guiding style.
Over three days, we’ll:
Learn how to pack and adjust an ultralight backpack so it stays comfortable from the first mile to the last.
Practice simple pacing, body awareness, and trail habits so coastal hills feel like the good kind of hard, not overwhelming.
Learn how to set up your tent or shelter efficiently and dial in a cozy sleep system near the ocean.
Cover how to layer clothing and manage moisture in a cool, coastal environment so you stay warm enough without overheating.
Learn simple systems for cooking, cleaning, and food storage that keep things safe and low stress.
Get a friendly introduction to navigation basics, using maps and obvious coastal landmarks instead of staring at a screen.
Practice Leave No Trace in a real coastal ecosystem and talk about what it means to visit a place with deep, layered human history.
You don’t need to show up knowing any of this. We will start from wherever you are, talk through everything in plain language, practice together, and repeat key skills so they stick.
Trip itinerary
We designed this itinerary to balance hiking, time on the beach, and learning. As with all Wilder Walks trips, the exact route may change based on permits, trail conditions, tides, and group needs. If we need to adjust, we will always aim to match or improve on the experience and difficulty level you signed up for.
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Our adventure begins at the Bear Valley Visitor Center in the heart of Olema Valley. After thoroughly checking everyone’s gear, we'll divide up the shared equipment and start our hike along the well-maintained Bear Valley Trail. Before long we’ll pass evidence of the Woodward Fire and marvel at the resilience of the towering Douglas Fir trees. After a steady ascent into mixed evergreen forest, we’ll be rewarded with our first glimpse of the Pacific. From there, we’ll descend through coastal scrub towards our camp for the next two nights. After we get our tents set up, we’ll get dinner ready and settle in for a relaxing sunset on the beach.
Hiking distance: 6-7 mi
Elevation gain / loss: 1,100 ft gain / 1,150 ft loss
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
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The morning begins with hot coffee, tea, and a hearty breakfast. Today’s itinerary will be dictated by the tides and desires of the group. A day hike to Alamere Falls is a popular option and if the tides allow, we can get there along the beach or the coastal bluffs above it. Since it empties into the ocean, this “tidefall” is a rare treat as one of just a few such waterfalls in the entire world. Other day hikes to coastal views or isolated lakes are also within reach.
Hiking distance: Varies: 3-8+ mi
Elevation gain / loss: Varies based on route and group choice
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Our last day will start with another tasty breakfast. We’ll then break down and clean up camp. Once we’ve made sure that we’ve left no trace, we’ll climb back up the coastal bluffs and admire the view of the Pacific one last time. When we return to our cars, we’ll collect borrowed gear and say goodbye to the new friends we made. If you feel inspired to keep exploring, there are several short walks from the parking lot we encourage you to take: one exploring a replica Coast Miwok village, and another that explores the geological history of the area along the world-famous San Andreas fault.
Hiking distance: 6-7 mi
Elevation gain / loss: 1,025 ft gain / 1,000 ft loss
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
What’s included
Comprehensive backpacking instruction: virtual pre-trip preparation, on-trail coaching on essential backpacking skills, and interpretation of local natural history
State of the art ultralight backpacking gear including shelter, sleep system, pack, and cooking system for those who need it, with total base weight under 10 pounds (not including food and clothing)
Lightweight, nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners from Dinner on Day 1 through Lunch on Day 3, plus hot coffee and tea each morning
All group gear including a fully stocked camp kitchen, water filters, and group first aid kit
All necessary permits and campsite fees
5% donation to Big City Mountaineers, helping fund backpacking trips for California youth
A small, supportive group and a guide focused on your learning and experience
What’s not included
Clothing, footwear, and other personal items
Personal snacks for the trail
Transportation to and from the meeting place
Lodging before or after your trip
Trip insurance (highly recommended)
You’ll receive detailed guidance on clothing, footwear, and snacks during pre-trip preparation.
Trip difficulty & fitness
The difficulty of this trip is rated: 2 / 5
You don’t need prior backpacking experience. You do need enough fitness to enjoy the days rather than just survive them.
You can learn more about how we rate trip difficulty. If you’re unsure about whether this trip is right for you, contact Alex and we’ll figure it out together.
At a glance
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
Average daily distance: roughly 6 to 7 miles
Maximum daily distance: up to around 8 miles on the optional Day 2 hike, with a lighter day pack
Average daily elevation gain: around 900 to 1,100 feet
Terrain: well maintained trails, mostly dirt, with some roots and rocks. The day 2 hike may involve light scrambling and beach walking.
Exposure to heights: low, with short sections of coastal bluff trail
Weather exposure: possible fog, wind, and cool coastal conditions with limited shade at camp
Trip logistics
Meeting place
We’ll meet at the Bear Valley Visitor Center in Point Reyes National Seashore.
Starting & Ending time
Plan to meet at the meeting point by 8:00 AM on the first day of your trip.
We aim to return to the trailhead by around 4:00 PM on Day 3. Actual time can vary with conditions and group pace. If you have same day travel plans, build in some buffer.
Getting there
You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the meeting place. In pre-trip materials we will share suggestions for nearby lodging and campgrounds.
What to expect after you book
After you reserve your spot and submit your deposit:
You’ll receive a booking confirmation and receipt by email.
You’ll get a link to a short online questionnaire about your hiking experience, fitness, injuries, and any goals or concerns.
I’ll review your answers to make sure the trip level is a good match for you and the group. If anything looks off, I’ll get in touch to talk through options.
Once everything looks good, I’ll confirm your spot and send a detailed trip packet with a packing list, training suggestions, and logistics overview, plus info about pre-trip calls.
“Alex’s thorough pre-trip preparation was top-notch. I felt confident in our gear, route, and options to adjust for weather as we went along”
What past hikers have said
While out in Pt. Reyes, Alex gave us all the support we needed to have a great time while reasonably challenging ourselves so both my kid and I felt like we were pushing our boundaries just the right amount. We had a fantastic parent/teen bonding experience with a lovely group of people that gave us the knowledge and confidence about safely exploring the magnificent landscapes so close to us.
— Erica from Alameda
The preparation, the guidance, the gear, the camp, the food and the beauty of my Wilder Walks experience exceeded my expectations. Our guide bathed us in his confidence, which made our group feel safe and secure. I would recommend Wilder Walks to hikers of any level.
— Tom from Los Angeles
I highly recommend Wilder Walks for both beginners and intermediate backpackers. Alex is a terrific guide who can tailor the experience to the group. We had a lot of good conversations on the trail. He made it fun and educational.
— John from San Francisco
