Elkhorn Slough Hiking
Explore a mix of trails at Elkhorn Slough Reserve and Kirby Park
Hikes at Elkhorn Slough Reserve
All Reserve trails begin at the Visitor Center. See our trail map.
Visitors must check in at the Visitor Center prior to hiking. There is an all-accessible path that connects the Visitor Center and the overlook; from here, you can head down to the marsh and the water’s edge. Within the Reserve, there are three main trail loops. Each of these three loops offers views of oak woodlands, grasslands, salt marsh, and tidal flats. All trails are grass, dirt, or gravel, with easy hiking, but expect some inclines.
Photo by Lisa Zaretsky
Photo by Liz Levy
Photo by Arial Hunter
Reserve Rules
Enter the Reserve through the entrance at 1700 Elkhorn Rd. only during the posted open hours - Wed to Sun, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Remain on designated trails.
Only foot traffic is allowed on trails. Bicycles are not allowed on trails. Strollers, wheelchairs, and walking sticks are allowed.
Smoking is not allowed.
Take photographs and memories only. No collecting is allowed. All plants, animals, and artifacts are protected.
Releasing of any animals, feeding of wildlife, or introduction of any plant is prohibited.
No pets on trails, in picnic areas, or in the Visitor Center.
Fires, camping, boating, fishing, hunting, and firearms are not permitted.
Picnic only in the designated area.
Please put litter in trash cans. Please recycle.
Researchers have established experiments around the Reserve. Please do not remove or disturb any stakes, plots, small flags, cages, or other such objects.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our site clean and enjoyable for others!
Hikes at Kirby Park
Kirby Park Trail is currently CLOSED due to storm damage.
Kirby Park is a public access point located on Elkhorn Road just north of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve. Built in 1989 with funding from the California Coastal Conservancy, this trail remains the only handicap-accessible trail alongside Elkhorn Slough. The trail is managed and maintained by the Elkhorn Slough Foundation.
Click here for directions.
Open Sunrise to Sunset
Accessible Trail
The flat, paved trail is about 1/2 mile long and is safe for wheelchairs and strollers.
Pets Allowed on Leash
Please keep your pets on a leash and clean up after them while visiting Kirby Park.
You Should Know:
There are no restrooms available at this time.
Fishing and hunting is not permitted at this time.
Do not leave valuables in your parked car.
The road leading down to Kirby Park is frequently closed during winter.
Photo by Csaba Nemeth
Keep Elkhorn Wild
Give today to preserve the lands and waters of Elkhorn Slough for future generations.