Ocean spray and dramatic views on the Bluff Top Trail to Gualala Point

Windswept bluffs, pocket beaches and sandstone formations await on this stretch of the Sonoma coast.

The Bluff Top Trail is one of the most scenic hikes on the Sonoma County’s north coast, showcasing rugged coastal headlands with sweeping ocean views.

Beginning from the Walk On Beach Coastal Access trailhead in The Sea Ranch community, the trail follows the rocky coastal bluffs for about 3.5 miles to Gualala Point Regional Park, where the Gualala River meets the Pacific Ocean.

Trail sign surrounded by grass showing arrow pointing and icon of wave and footprints

Along the way, you’ll pass through open meadows and shady cypress groves, with plenty of dramatic ocean views and side trails to viewpoints along the way. Beaches here are rarely crowded and offer a refreshing escape from inland summer temperatures.

At Gualala Point Regional Park’s wide, crescent-shaped beach, beachcombers can find sandstone formations and driftwood piles to explore.

Two people stand atop large sandstone rock at Gualala beach

The full route is just under 8 miles round trip and takes two to four hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring Walk On and Gualala beaches . If you’re short on time, you can turn back at any point to shorten the trip.

Weather along the Sonoma Coast can shift quickly, so be prepared. Fall often brings the best chance for clear skies, while spring offers colorful displays of wildflowers. Summer days tend to be the most windy and foggy. Always dress in layers and be ready for changing conditions.

View of rocky beach and ocean from Bluff Top Trail

Trail directions

Suggested route: Bluff Top Trail to Gualala Point Regional Park

Note: Use the interactive map above for reference, or download this route to your phone via the AllTrails app to follow along — even without cell service. (Cell service can be spotty at some parks, so be sure to do this in advance.)

To reach the Bluff Top Trail from Walk On Beach Trail, park in the Walk On Beach lot at 40101 Highway 1, The Sea Ranch, and follow the trail west for about .25 miles to the junction of Bluff Top Trail.
Follow the Bluff Top Trail north to Gualala Point Regional Park. When you arrive at the park, take a break at the Whale Watch Point bench or continue down to Gualala’s wide beach.
On the beach, you’ll likely find lots of driftwood washed up over the years by high tides and winter storms. You also can explore the Gualala River estuary, where the river enters the ocean and seals and sea lions like to haul out. Please respect wildlife by observing from a distance.
Return to Walk On Beach the way you came.

Trail details:

Degree of difficulty: Easy to moderate
Elevation gain: 0 to 150 feet
Route length: Up to 7.9 miles round trip

Purple wildflowers bloom next to downed log with view of ocean in background

Know before you go

Trailhead parking lots each have restrooms but no drinking water at Walk On Beach trailhead, so be sure to bring your own.
While the trail is relatively flat, Walk On Beach can only be reached by a steep staircase.
Stay on designated trails to protect sensitive blufftop vegetation and prevent erosion.
Pack out all trash, including food scraps. There are no trash cans along the trail until you reach Gualala Point Regional Park.
Dogs on leash allowed. Bicycling is not allowed on the Sea Ranch Coastal Access Trails.
Regional Parks coastal beaches are not lifeguarded. Be extremely cautious around the water. Cell phone reception may be limited or non-existent so calling 911 is not always possible.
Parking is free at Walk On Beach trailhead. A parking fee is required at Gualala Point Regional Park or is free for Regional Parks members.

Published Sept. 2025