Mt Barnabe, Samuel P Taylor State Park

The trailhead is located at the entrance to Devil's Gulch Horse Camp.

To get here, exit the 101 at Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and drive 15 miles West. Drive beyond the signed entrance to Samuel P Taylor State Park and locate the parking area on the left side of the road, on the middle of a left-hand bend in the road.

After crossing the road at the entrance to Devil's Gulch, follow the track and then a smaller trail which branches off to the right running parallel to the creek.

Cross the bridge, then make a left turn onto Bill's Trail which heads deep into the woods.

For those caught short, there's a restroom just north of the trail at Devil's Gulch Horse Camp. There are no other facilities on this trail.

Bill's Trail heads uphill through the woodland, switchbacking up through a full 1,000 feet in elevation gain.

Check out the short out-and-back trail to Stairstep Falls which is usually flowing during spring months and after significant rainfall.

Please note that some switchbacks on Bill's Trail may not be accurately represented in our guide due to GPS interference.

Shortly after breaking out of the forest canopy and into bright sunlight, grassland and sweeping scenery you'll meet up at this next junction.

Bear left and head up the hill towards the summit of Mt. Barnabe and the fire tower.

Upon our return from the summit we'll be back at this junction, and heading downhill in a Southwesterly direction down Barnabe Road.

When you head up to the summit of the mountain be sure to check out the fire tower. Manned during fire season, the fire-watchers sometimes welcome visitors into the tower which affords some even greater views, and some local insights.

Our fast-paced return leg of the hike down the mountain continues on Gravesite Road, dipping back into woodland territory again before returning to the footbridge near the start of our journey.