Barnabe Peak can be done as a 6 mile loop hike through Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Barnabe has a little bit of everything like waterfalls, forest, meadows and a scenic lookout summit. The views for such a low height are amazing. I was impressed.
Barnabe Mountain
WillhiteWeb.com: California Hiking Trails
Distance: 6 mile loop trip
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Summit Elevation: 1,466 feet
Access: Paved
Route:
Access:
The lookout from the fire road well below the junction
Walking the fire road below the summit
Rainstorms in the area
Views west
The fire road near the summit
Working up the fire road with the lookout in view
Views from the fire road
Barnabe Lookout
Cross the Highway and walk the Devils Gulch paved road for 100 yards looking for a trail on the right along the creek. This trail will parallel the road for a bit then you will take a footbridge across Devils Gulch Creek. On the other side of the bridge, turn left following a sign saying "Bills Trail". In less than a mile, a short spur trail cuts left to Stairstep Falls. Continue climbing, now on switchbacks. At just under 4 miles you break out onto the open ridge and excellent views. Take a left on the fire road and stroll up to the summit. Even with storms in the area, I had great views. To do the loop, on the way back, continue on the fire road past the location you merged into it and descend back to the Devils Gulch River crossing in 2 miles instead of 4!
From US 101, exit San Anselmo/Sir Francis Drake. Drive west on Sir Francis Drake about 1 mile west of the Samuel P. Taylor campground. Look for Devils Gulch Horse Camp (on left) and park across the highway in the dirt pullout.
