Arch Rock in Point Reyes National Seashore is not an open hiking destination. The Arch Rock Spur Trail and the area leading to Arch Rock have been permanently closed since a portion of the overlook collapsed on March 21, 2015. Visitors should remain on open, park-maintained trails and should not enter the closed area or approach the unstable coastal bluff.
Current access: The Arch Rock Spur Trail is permanently closed. The Bear Valley Trail and Coast Trail remain open in this area, but the former Arch Rock destination itself should not be approached.
| Location or Route | Status | What Visitors Should Know |
|---|---|---|
| Arch Rock Spur Trail | Closed | Permanently closed to public use. |
| Area leading to Arch Rock | Closed | The closure includes the area southwest and west of the Coast Trail–Arch Rock Spur Trail junction. |
| Bear Valley Trail | Open in this area | Stay on the maintained trail and follow current park advisories. |
| Coast Trail | Open in this area | Do not leave the open trail to enter the Arch Rock closure. |
Why Arch Rock Is Closed
On March 21, 2015, part of the Arch Rock overlook collapsed. One person died and another was injured. The collapse changed access to this part of Point Reyes National Seashore and led to the closure of the Arch Rock Spur Trail and the surrounding area.
The concern did not end with the initial collapse. Coastal bluffs in Point Reyes can continue to erode, crumble, and shift. The land near Arch Rock may still be unstable, so the closure is not simply a temporary trail detour. Visitors should not cross closure boundaries, follow informal paths toward the rock, or move toward cliff edges for a view.
What Part of the Arch Rock Area Is Closed?
The closure covers the Arch Rock Spur Trail and the area leading toward Arch Rock, including land southwest and west of the junction where the Coast Trail meets the former Arch Rock Spur Trail. This means the old spur should not be treated as a side trip from the Coast Trail.
- Do not enter the Arch Rock Spur Trail.
- Do not use unofficial paths to bypass the closure.
- Do not approach the bluff edge or the base of unstable rock faces.
- Remain on signed, park-maintained routes.
Where You Can Still Hike
The Arch Rock closure does not mean every trail in this part of Point Reyes is closed. The Bear Valley Trail and Coast Trail remain available in the area, allowing hikers to continue using established routes without entering the closed Arch Rock zone.
For visitors coming from Limantour Beach, the safer choice is to plan the day around open maintained trails, Limantour Beach itself, and other authorized coastal routes rather than treating Arch Rock as a destination. Trail conditions can change after storms, erosion, fallen trees, or maintenance work, so checking current Point Reyes trail advisories before a hike is sensible.
Arch Rock Is Not a Picnic or Camping Destination
The former Arch Rock destination should not be described as a place for picnicking, sunset viewing, photography sessions, or overnight camping. Those activities would encourage visitors toward an area that is closed for safety.
If camping is part of a Point Reyes visit, use only authorized campgrounds and designated sites under the park’s current rules. For photography and wildlife watching, stay on open trails and established visitor areas where access is permitted.
Visiting From Limantour Beach
Arch Rock is part of the wider Point Reyes landscape, but it should no longer be planned as a short excursion from Limantour Beach. There is no open family-friendly spur leading visitors to the rock, and the closed area should not be used as a one-hour hiking objective.
A day based around Limantour Beach can still include coastal scenery, birdwatching, photography, and hiking on open Point Reyes trails. Keep the Arch Rock closure separate from those activities and follow posted signs if your route reaches the Coast Trail–Arch Rock Spur Trail junction.
Arch Rock Closure FAQ
Can you hike to Arch Rock in Point Reyes?
No. The Arch Rock Spur Trail and the area leading to Arch Rock are permanently closed. Hikers should remain on open, maintained trails.
Why is Arch Rock closed?
A portion of the overlook collapsed on March 21, 2015. One person died and another was injured. The surrounding land may remain unstable and could be affected by further erosion or collapse.
Are the Bear Valley Trail and Coast Trail closed because of Arch Rock?
No. The Bear Valley Trail and Coast Trail remain open in this area. The closure applies to the Arch Rock Spur Trail and the closed land leading toward Arch Rock.
Can you picnic or camp at Arch Rock?
No. Arch Rock should not be treated as a picnic or camping destination because the access area is closed. Camping in Point Reyes should take place only at authorized sites under current park rules.
Can you leave the Coast Trail to get a better view of Arch Rock?
No. Visitors should not leave the open trail or follow informal paths into the closed area. Coastal bluff edges can be unstable, and the Arch Rock closure remains in place for visitor safety.
