Point Reyes National Seashore

Overview

Point Reyes National Seashore is currently open to visitors and accessible year-round. The park encompasses over 71,000 acres of diverse coastal habitat including beaches, grasslands, and forested ridges, with approximately 80 miles of shoreline. Two major developments occurred in late 2024 and early 2025: In December 2024, the NPS began removing the controversial 2-mile-long, 8-foot-tall elk fence at Tomales Point that had confined the tule elk herd for over 45 years, though this was temporarily halted by a federal judge due to rancher litigation. Most significantly, in January 2025, the NPS announced a historic settlement agreement resolving decades of conflict between ranching operations and wildlife management. The Nature Conservancy negotiated closure agreements with 12 ranches (6 dairies and 6 beef operations), representing approximately 80% of commercial cattle operations in the park, with these ranches set to close within 15 months through a $30 million settlement fund. The tule elk will now be managed as one free-roaming herd with expanded access throughout the park. Three visitor centers remain operational, and the park continues to offer extensive hiking, backcountry camping (permit required), whale watching (December-May), and lighthouse tours. All standard park regulations apply, including leash requirements for dogs on limited trails only.