Kule Loklo Interpretive Trail, Point Reyes: Bear Valley Trailhead, San Francisco: Marin Headlands - Mt Tamalpais - Point Reyes, California
Kule Loklo Interpretive Trail - 0.8 miles
Point Reyes: Bear Valley Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 0.8 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 96' - 132 ' (180' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | +36' net elevation gain (+89' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Easy |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Kule Loklo Interpretive Trail - 0.8 Miles Round-Trip
The Kule Loklo Trail takes visitors back in time to when the native Coast Miwok people lived and thrived in Northern California. Before Europeans arrived in California, Marin and southern Sonoma Counties were inhabited by the Coast Miwok Native Americans. The Coast Miwok flourished in the area with ingenuity and abundant local resources.
Kule Loklo means bear valley, and while no Coast Miwok village was technically present at Kule Loklo, ancestors have re-created a cultural exhibit that showcases what life was like for the Miwok over 200 years ago.
The trail begins at the Kule Loklo Trailhead located on the north end of the Bear Valley Visitor Center parking lot:
A wide gravel path rises under a dense fir canopy before opening to views of the Bear Valley Visitor Center and adjacent horse pasture. The trail levels out along the pasture and heads straight west before making a hard left (.2 miles : 117').
A grove of non-native Eucalyptus trees stands over this turn. Just beyond the Eucalyptus a sign directs you right on the final stretch to the Kule Loklo Village (.25 miles : 141'), along which interpretive signs offer insight to the daily life of the Coast Miwok.
Once at the Kule Loklo Village (.4 miles: 132') you may walk the grounds and closely examine multiple native structures. Even though this is a re-created exhibit please respect the village, as the Coast Miwok consider Kule Loklo as sacred as any existing village or pre-existing ruin. In fact, traditional Miwok ceremonies are still held regularly at Kule Loklo.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N38 02.527 W122 47.985 — 0.0 miles : Kule Loklo Trailhead
- N38 02.669 W122 48.077 — .2 miles: Trail bends left
- N38 02.676 W122 48.115 — .25 miles: Right at Kule Loklo sign
- N38 02.724 W122 48.184 — .4 miles: Reach Kule Loklo Village
Worth Noting
- The Coast Miwok are a federally recognized tribe. Legislation was signed in December 2000 granting the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, formerly known as the Federated Coast Miwok, full rights and privileges afforded federally recognized tribes. Currently there are almost 500 members registered with the tribe.
- The ocean provided year round food for the Coast Miwok. Crabs, clams, mussels, abalone, limpets and oysters were dietary staples. Shells were used for both adornment and as tools.
- Its short distance, ease, interpretive signs and exhibits make the Kule Loklo Trail an excellent choice for families with small children.
Rules and Regulations
- It is illegal to move, remove, or enter historical artifacts and structures unless explicitly stated.
Directions to Trailhead
The Bear Valley Trailhead is located at the southwest end of the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
From Highway 1, take Bear Valley Road west about 1/2 mile. Look for a big red barn on the left and a sign for Seashore information on the right. Turn left past the red barn and follow signs to the Bear Valley Visitor Center. Continue through the main parking lot to the far end and Bear Valley Trailhead parking area.
Contact Information
Point Reyes National Seashore
1 Bear Valley Rd.
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
Visitor Information: 415.464.5100 x2 or 415.663.8522 x2
Headquarters: 415.464.5100 x 1
Volunteer Information: 415.464.5145
Education Programs: 415.464.5139
Special Use Permits: 415.464.5111
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