Drakes Head - 9.0 Miles Round-Trip

Estero - Spanish for Estuary - is a semi-enclosed coastal body of water with fresh water influx and a free connection to the open sea. Contributions from each make estuaries one of the most biologically rich and diverse ecosystems on earth.

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Drakes Estero covers approximately 2000 acres: seagrass beds and tidal mud flats are primary sub-habitats in the estuary-proper, with salt marshes and intertidal zones on the periphery.

Expansive mudflats and eelgrass beds serve as foraging and breeding grounds for many birds, fish and pinnipeds. The US Shorebird Conservation Plan recognizes Drakes Estero as one of the most crucial areas for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl in California.

In the summer of 1579 English explorer Sir Francis Drake careened his ship on the shores of this massive inlet for repairs and replenishment. He's believed to have spent 36 days ashore exploring and documenting the land, wildlife and native people before claiming it for England and continuing southwest to complete his global circumnavigation. 

Today the estuary, bay and most prominent bluff above it - Drakes Head - bear his name.

Drakes Head caps a tall bluff with commanding views of the estero, Pacific Ocean, Limantour Spit, Estero de Limantour, Drakes Beach and Chimney Rock. Though the southernmost tip of Drakes Head is perilously steep, hikers may find safe scrambling routes down Estero de Limantour (east), or a narrow inlet (west):

The Estero Trail begins on double track through open rolling hills to a thin band of pine (.65 miles : 117'). The trail emerges on the water's edge and crosses Home Bay over a narrow isthmus to the west of Drakes Headland (1.2 miles : 14').

The crossing is a particularly good place to observe scores of sea and marshland bird species that inhabit these overlapping ecosystems. Look for seals lounging on sprawling mudflats at low tide.

Once across, the rutted-out trail rises sharply up the headland to a gate (1.65 miles : 140'); pass through the turnstile and begin a series of moderately-steep undulations above Drakes Estero.

Trail conditions vary, but are generally uneven and worsened by rain. High points yield terrific views across the Estero, and of minor inlets such as Schooner Bay, Creamery Bay and Barries Bay. The shallower waters below are used today by Johnson's Oyster Farm.

Turn left at the Sunset Beach - Estero Trail split for Drakes Head (2.55 miles : 148') . The Estero Trail rises sharply for .25 miles to a cattle tank and marked junction that guides you on a hard right turn through a cattle turnstile (2.8 miles : 215').

It's worth noting that few maps adequately illustrate this important change of direction, and that numerous conjoining cattle trails en route should be ignored.

Once through the turnstile, the trail parallels a cattle fence (with guidance from small blue arrow signs) for .45 miles to the Drakes Head Trail junction (3.25 miles : 225'). Hemmed in between this fence and heavily used pastoral land, a close brush or two with free-range cattle can be expected; exercise patience and common sense if confronted.

Bear right (south) on the Drakes Head Trail, which dips through open space cut by intersecting cattle trails; directional vigilance with an eye to the south should keep you on track. These heavily grazed fields blaze green after winter rains, sparkle with spring wildflowers and turn gold in the fall.

The Estero de Limantour comes into clear view as you approach 4 miles and momentarily slide down the headland spine toward it.

Anticipate an anonymous wood post marking an abrupt right turn back up the headland spine (4.25 miles). A more visible cattle tank and pocket of pine in the near distance are useful reference points.

The trail is now intuitively followed to Drakes Head (4.5 miles : 148'). Though the southernmost tip of Drakes Head is perilously steep, there are several decent scrambling routes down to the Estero de Limantour (east), or a narrow inlet (west).