Shorttail Gulch Coastal Access Trail

Shorttail Gulch Coastal Access Trail is a half-mile trail leading to a small, rocky beach on Bodega Bay. The beach is an ideal destination for walking, beachcombing, tide pooling (at low tide), picnics, bird watching and shore fishing. The occasional whale sighting is possible. It’s often quieter than other beaches near Bodega Bay, especially on weekday mornings and later in the day.

On a clear day, it provides views across the bay to Bodega Head and south to Point Reyes National Seashore.

From the trailhead, the unpaved trail descends a gulch fed by a seasonal stream and is lined with cypress, willows, coastal scrub, berries and wildflowers.  

This coastal access trail is shared with a residential neighborhood. Plan ahead and respect neighboring communities.

Parking for the trailhead is along the roadway in the Bodega Harbour neighborhood at the southern entrance to Bodega Bay off of Highway 1. Parking space is limited and can fill early on holidays and weekends, especially during the spring, summer and fall.  Consider visiting later in the day for the best chance of finding parking or have an alternate destination in mind if the parking is full. Park only in designated spaces and follow neighborhood parking guidelines. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.  

This trailhead also provides access to the Estero Americano Coast Preserve, managed by the Wildlands Conservancy.

This hike can be turned into a 1.9-mile loop at low tide by walking north on the beach and hiking up Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail to the parking area. Low tide also allows visitors to hike north to Doran Beach.

Trash cans are available at the trailhead. Pack out all trash, including pet waste and fishing line, and dispose of it in trash cans to help keep this area clean. Restrooms are located at the parking lot for Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access trailhead, .5 miles away, at 20600 Mockingbird Way. Restrooms are also available approximately one-third of a mile inside the Estero Americano Coast Preserve. 

Accessibility

This trail is not currently ADA accessible. We are evaluating the potential to improve accessibility where possible. 

Trail Length

• Pinnacle Gulch: 0.55 miles
• Shorttail Gulch: 0.52 miles
• Beach Walk: 0.40 miles
• Loop Hike: 1.89 miles (check tides before hiking loop)