Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail

The Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail is a half-mile path leading to a small, picturesque beach on Bodega Bay. The beach here is a quarter-mile long and is dotted with interesting rocks, tide pools and a distinctive rock formation just offshore. The occasional whale sighting is possible. It’s often quieter than other beaches near Bodega Bay, especially on weekday mornings and later in the day.

On a clear day, it provides views across the bay to Bodega Head and south to Point Reyes National Seashore. It’s an ideal destination for walking, beachcombing, tide pooling (at low tide), picnics, bird watching and shore fishing.  

From the trailhead, the unpaved trail descends a gulch fed by a seasonal stream and is lined with cypress, willows, coastal scrub, berries and wildflowers.

The trailhead is across from a small parking area in the Bodega Harbour golf course community at the southern entrance to Bodega Bay off of Highway 1.  

Parking space is limited and can fill early on holidays and weekends, especially during the spring, summer and fall. Consider visiting later in the day for the best chance of finding parking or have an alternate destination in mind if the parking is full. Park only in designated spaces and follow neighborhood parking guidelines. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.

This hike can be turned into a 1.9-mile loop at low tide by walking south on the beach and hiking up the Shorttail Gulch Coastal Access Trail and .5-miles back to the Pinnacle Gulch parking area. Low tide also allows visitors to hike north from Pinnacle Gulch to Doran Beach.

Trash cans are available at the trailhead. Pack out all trash, including pet waste and fishing line, and dispose of it in trash cans to help keep this area clean. Restrooms are located at the parking lot.

Accessibility

This trail is not currently ADA accessible. We are evaluating the potential to improve accessibility where possible.

To reach the Pinnacle Gulch-Shorttail Gulch Coastal Access Trails, take Highway 1 to Bodega Bay, turn onto Harbour Way just south of town and follow the signs to the trailhead parking.

Trail Lengths

• Pinnacle Gulch: 0.55 miles
• Shorttail Gulch: 0.52 miles
• Beach Walk: 0.40 miles
• Loop Hike: 1.89 miles (The loop hike is recommended at low tide only. Check tides before hiking.)