Jepson

The Jepson Trail was named for the botanist Willis Jepson (1867-1946) who was ahead of his time by presciently sounding the alarm about damaging invasive species in California. From the Heart's Desire parking area, follow the signed Jepson Trail up through an impressive forest of live oak. The trail climbs gently uphill through the thick stand of Bishop pine comprising the Jepson Memorial Grove. Bishop pine are rare on the California coast but grow plentifully in Tomales Bay and Point Reyes. This variety of pine requires the high temperatures of fire to burst open their pine cones (to distribute their seeds), making these trees infrequent reproducers. The trail opens slightly after it passes the Jepson Spur and crosses a paved private access road. After this highest point in the trail, a short descent through overgrown scrub deposits you at the junction with the Johnstone Trail. Note: bikes are not allowed on this trail.