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I'd last visited the Estero Trail back in 2003, a lifetime ago. Back then,
we'd hiked to Sunset Beach, but I had noted that there was another trail
to Drakes Head. It took 19 years, but I finally took that trail.
The drive up to Point Reyes is long, and it was made a little more
interesting by a big cycling event. But eventually I made it to the
trailhead, where there were only 2 or 3 other cars. It was overcast, cool,
and misty. It would pretty much stay that way the whole day. Cows
dotted the landscape (and in fact one had stood right next to the road as I
drove to the parking lot).
It was a little past 10am, and as I mentioned the lot was mostly empty. But
others would drive up and start hiking as we got ready. There's an interpretive
sign at the trailhead. Interestingly, it mentioned the possibility of seeing bat
rays, which is one of the things I remember seeing (hundreds of them) the last
time I was here. I would have no such luck this time, though.
Cows watching the start of the trail
We set off on the Estero Trail, which soon enters a pretty forest. In a few sections,
lichen hung from the trees. After exiting the forest, we had a beautiful view of
Home Bay in front of us. We crossed a bridge as we enjoyed the quiet stillness of
the area. An egret stood off in the distance to the left, but in general I did
not see a lot of birds.
Hiking through the forest
Forest and trail
Home Bay as seen from the bridge
Home Bay
We now climbed gently to get better views of the surrounding area. After crossing
one of several cattle gates, we continued climbing, then followed the trail as
it veers left. It was near this point where I remember seeing the rays in the
water below last time. I looked, but didn't see anything now. The trail climbs
and descends a couple times before climbing to an intersection. Previously, I
had continued straight to Sunset Beach. This time, we turned left to head to
Drakes Head.
Lichen
Tortured tree next to the trail
After crossing a cattle guard and going past what looked to be some sort of
corral, the trail is marked by blue arrows. There are views in all directions,
as there are no trees here and it's a gentle descent.
A guy on a mountain bike passed us as we neared Drakes Head. He stopped shortly
after passing us, though. He'd spotted a coyote and pointed it out to us. We
were far away and I was too lazy to switch to my telephoto lens, but I took a
picture anyway. I only got his backside.
Coyote
Soon we reached Drakes Head. There are great views of Limantour Spit and the
Pacific Ocean from here. There's a steep cliff on the southern edge of Drakes
Head. It's a much more gentle grade to the east. We stopped for a lunch break
here, enjoying the views as raptors flew overhead (usually east to west).
Limantour Spit and Pacific Ocean from Drakes Head
Kayakers near Drakes Head
Closer look at the kayakers
View to west of Drakes Head
Hikers walking in shallow water (dot near center top)
Kayakers
We also viewed kayakers and the occasional hiker on Limantour Spit. There's
another series of trails that reaches it from Limantour Road. So maybe I'll
come back and visit those trails sometime.
Birds on edge of Limantour Spit
Raptor
Raptor
Raptor
Raptor near Drakes Head
Raptor
After lunch and enjoying the views, we started back. We retraced our steps
uneventfully. The sky was still overcast. If anything, it seemed more misty
now, even though it was early afternoon. As we crossed the bridge at Home
Bay I was struck by how quiet it seemed. There was no wind, the water was
still, it seemed so peaceful.
View of a pond on the way back
We reached the parking lot, which was now full. If you want solitude on this
hike, starting early is probably a good way to get it. Not that it ever felt
crowded. Even full, the lot probably had about 20 cars.
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