China Camp Loop
Table of contents
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.
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 6.4 km 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 for China Camp Loop
- 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.
Getting to the China Camp Loop Trailhead
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.
Route Information
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
Weather Forecast
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