While most of North America is locked in an icy slumber we are lucky enough to live in the San Francisco Bay Area! In addition to mild winter temperatures and beautiful green hills, the winter is also the best time of year to enjoy wildlife. In the middle of January, the world’s last remaining population of gray whales swims southward by the California coast just off the Point Reyes peninsula. These are the longest migrating mammals in the world traveling from Northern Alaska to give birth in lagoons on the Pacific Coast of Baja. We will be watching for their spouts as we hike out towards Tomales Point.
Later in the day if you still want to explore you can go out towards the Point Reyes Headlands at Chimney Rock to see the massive Elephant Seals that have come ashore to birth their pups. Oh, and did I mention that we’ll be hiking on the Tule Elk preserve so likely you will be seeing many of these majestic animals as we hike out to the point.
Expect about 6-8 miles of hiking on rolling hills. It is an out and back hike so you can go only part way if you want to sit on a grassy knoll and watch for wildlife in the ocean below.
Bring your lunch and water and a good pair of binoculars! MT Sobek will provide some trail snacks and fruit.
Where: Meet at 10am at the Pierce Point Ranch Parking Area in Point Reyes
When: January 19, 2019
Cost: Free
About the Expert: John Baston
In addition to his role as Custom Trip Specialist for Alaska and North America, John is a veteran trip leader and former park ranger in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Point Reyes NS, and four other national parks. John was also a finalist for the PURE travel awards Unsung Hero category.
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