Phillip Burton Wilderness

Phillip Burton Wilderness is a protected natural area within Point Reyes National Seashore, featuring rugged coastal cliffs, dense forest on ridges, and open chaparral slopes that cover about 26,000 acres. The terrain shifts from rocky shorelines to inland valleys, creating diverse landscapes that hikers encounter along the various trails.

The area received its wilderness designation in 1976 and was renamed in 1985 to honor the late Congressman Phillip Burton, whose work advanced conservation efforts. This recognition marked an important step in protecting this coastal landscape from development.

The wilderness area serves as a learning center for environmental preservation, featuring over 450 bird species and 72 different mammals in their natural habitat.

The wilderness has about 140 miles of trails ranging from easy to challenging walks and offers four primitive backcountry camping spots for overnight stays. Visitors should follow local regulations to protect the natural environment and check conditions before heading out.

From December through April, visitors can watch gray whales migrate along the coast between their feeding and breeding areas from observation points scattered throughout the coastal section. This location offers some of the best opportunities on the California coast to see these massive creatures during their journey.

Location: Marin County

GPS coordinates: 38.00690,-122.81300

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:40