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Glen Camp via Bear Valley

Marin · Managed by Point Reyes National Seashore (NPS) · Region: Point Reyes National Seashore
Difficulty 10/100 · Easyout and back#forest#beginner-friendly#quiet#marin
Distance
9.2 mi
Total gain
600 ft
Net gain
600 ft
Net loss
600 ft
Days
1–2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires prohibited

Overview

Glen Camp is Point Reyes's forested heart: 4.6 miles up the Bear Valley Trail through Douglas fir to the seashore's quietest campground — no large groups, no horses, just 12 sites in the woods. The purest solitude in the park.

Highlights

  • A deep-forest camp with the seashore's most serenity
  • The gentle, creekside Bear Valley Trail approach
  • No group sites — quiet by design
  • Food lockers and potable water

How hard is Glen Camp via Bear Valley?

CaliPeaks rates this route 10/100 (Easy). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 600 ft puts this trip at 5% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 9.2 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 3,245 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 2 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Bear Valley Trailhead · parking: Bear Valley gravel lot near the visitor center; print your reservation confirmation for the dashboard
  • Water: Potable faucets at Glen Camp; treat as backup per signage.
  • Resupply: None; Point Reyes Station has services a short drive away.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Stove required: yes — no fires possible on this route

Permits

  • Agency: Point Reyes National Seashore (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on recreation.gov
  • Quota: Designated sites only — 12 numbered sites at Glen Camp, no large groups; reservations open 3 months (and some 14 days) in advance.
  • Reservation window: Reserve online through recreation.gov; no same-day or walk-up permits.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires prohibited. Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited at all Point Reyes hike-in campgrounds. Only gas stoves or canned heat may be used. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: March, April, May, September, October.

Snow: Year-round.

Heat: Fog is common year-round.

Bugs: Ticks and poison oak in warm months.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Reservations open 3 months out and weekends fill
  • Gas stoves only — wood and charcoal fires are prohibited
  • No dogs on the trails or in the campgrounds
  • Ticks and poison oak along the trail in warm months

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Glen Campground. Point Reyes National Seashore (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/glen-campground.htm. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Bear Valley Trailhead coordinates and the 4.6-mile Bear Valley/Glen Trails approach to Glen Camp; alternate Five Brooks (5 mi) and Palomarin (8 mi) routes; no large groups or horses at Glen.
  3. Backcountry Camping. Point Reyes National Seashore (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/camping.htm. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Reservation-only permits via recreation.gov, $30/night fees, fire prohibitions (gas stoves only), food lockers, four-night limit, and pet prohibitions.
  4. Glen Campground reservations. Recreation.gov / National Park Service. https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233359. Accessed 2026-09-10. Online reservations for Glen Camp's designated sites.