Panorama on China Camp Loop hike in North Bay of San Francisco, California
Panorama on China Camp Loop hike in North Bay of San Francisco, California

China Camp Loop hike

North Bay
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Parking lot picnic area on China Camp Loop hike in North Bay of San Francisco, CaliforniaGrove of trees on China Camp Loop hike in North Bay of San Francisco, CaliforniaSunken ships off the coast on China Camp Loop hike in North Bay of San Francisco, CaliforniaShady spot on China Camp Loop hike in North Bay of San Francisco, CaliforniaView of the bay on China Camp Loop hike in North Bay of San Francisco, CaliforniaExpansive bay on China Camp Loop hike in North Bay of San Francisco, CaliforniaNative shrubs on China Camp Loop hike in North Bay of San Francisco, CaliforniaFig tree on China Camp Loop hike in North Bay of San Francisco, CaliforniaRanger station on China Camp Loop hike in North Bay of San Francisco, CaliforniaTurkeys on China Camp Loop hike in North Bay of San Francisco, California

China Camp Loop hike

Distance: 10.4mi
Elevation: 1,345ft
Time: 4-6h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.8 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

The China Camp Loop hike offers many great views of all of the surrounding areas including the San Rafael/Richmond Bridge. This hike has gradual elevation gain and then steep loss at the end.

China Camp Loop Hike Map

Getting there

Head for China Camp Visitor Centre and camp at the Bullhead Flat parking lot, which is across North San Pedro Road from the China Camp State Park Ranger Station.

I’ve done this 15 people have done this
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About

When to do

Year round

Backcountry Campsites

No

Toilets

Parking Lot

Family friendly

Older Children only

Route Signage

Good

Crowd Levels

Moderate

Route Type

Loop


China Camp Loop
Elevation Graph


Route Description for China Camp Loop

After parking at Bullhead Flats parking lot, carefully cross North San Pedro Road and prepare to start the China Camp Loop Hike. Almost immediately after crossing North San Pedro Road you hit the trail, turn right to follow the Shoreline trail up the hill.

Soon you come to an intersection, turn left and continue on this trail as it heads south.

Soon after the trail will split again, go left on the narrower trail and then a short while later go right to stay on the Oak Ridge Trail. You have nice views south with the Bay in the distance.

You will come to an intersection by an old log, and go right onto the Bay View Trail. This path goes through the trees and shrubs, with limited actual Bay Views.

At the next intersection keep left to stay on the Bay View Trail. Do not take Black Ranch Fire Road unless you want to cut off 4.0mi from the hike.

Continue on Bay View Trail when you come to your next Junction as well, which has the Echo Trail going left while the Bay View Trail continues on the right. The hike now heads north, still on the Bay View Trail, and most of the views are of trees instead of the Bay!

Soon you come to another junction, where you need to stay on the Bay View Trail and take the trail that goes right and heads south. Going forward at this junction puts you on the Powerline Fire Trail.

After several switchbacks, you come to a wider trail, where you go right, this is the Powerline Fire Trail. Soon after, the Bay View Trail goes off on your left, but continue straight on the Powerline Fire Trail.

Follow this trail until you come to a fence that blocks the path, with a picnic area behind the fence. Go left here and contour around the fenced off area. On the other side you’ll see the Shoreline Trail go off on your left, but continue straight ahead, going past a parking lot.

You are now on the Shoreline Trail. You will follow this trail all the way back to the start of the trail. Along the way you’ll cross over the Back Ranch Fire Trail and further on the Bullet Hill Trail. Along the way the path will lead in, around, up and down to get back to the China Camp Visitor Centre.

Insider Hints

  • This is a long hike and can get quite warm throughout the year, bring lots of water.

  • This trail is shared with mountain bikers, keep to the right side of the trail and listen for oncoming traffic on the trail when going around corners.

  • Hike quietly to increase your chances of seeing deer grazing on the hills and in the ravines.

Comments

orlando f. 4 years ago

The views of the south looks great! Long trek but worth it.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Yael M. 4 years ago

It was a simple hike with few challenges.

8.0 Overall Rating
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YashKumar 4 years ago

Beautiful area to visit and to sit by and read a book to relax.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
5h 20m Time Taken
yanagichan 4 years ago

It's simply relaxing! There were big beautiful trees and a view of the ocean.

10.0 Overall Rating
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5h 00m Time Taken
Nora T. 4 years ago

We enjoyed this very easy trail overlooking the Bay marsh. Quiet scene, full of history

10.0 Overall Rating
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5h 00m Time Taken
analee 4 years ago

If you go here early enough you'll avoid the crowd. It was a pleasant experience.

10.0 Overall Rating
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psalm 4 years ago

Such a cool and relaxing place to hike. Such a pleasant experience.

10.0 Overall Rating
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maya konataka 5 years ago

It was a nice hike, not so far from the city.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Cooper B. 5 years ago

This was just such a wonderful experience. It felt great to stroll around this amazing place.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Wyatt Discovery 5 years ago

There is various activity available for all ages and all type of fitness. It was awesome.

10.0 Overall Rating
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23 Comments Show all

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