Point Pinole Walk

Richmond, California

Saturday, December 18, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Let’s wrap up the year with a walk around Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. This hidden gem, tucked away in the northwest corner of the East Bay, is surrounded by San Pablo, Richmond and Pinole. With bluffs and beaches that provide fantastic views of Mt. Tamalpais and San Pablo Bay, the park also has tall eucalyptus groves and wide meadows (groomed by a herd of 600 goats). The area has a rich and interesting history, too, as home of the Huchiun (Ohlone) tribe before the arrival of the Spanish and then as a land grant to Francisco María Castro after Mexican independence. And for 80 years until the 1960s, the point was the site of four explosives manufacturing companies. Our walk will follow the Bay View Trail to the end of the pier and back before returning via the Owl Alley Trail. Registration required (see instructions below).

Point Pinole Pier in back of an island of exposed oyster "reef balls" from the Bay View Trail.

Schedule: Meet us at 9:30 AM for sign-in and briefing at the restrooms of the parking lot on Giant Highway in Richmond. We expect to arrive back at the parking lot by 12:00 PM. This is a rain or shine event!

Level of Difficulty: This is an easy, relatively flat walk of about 5 miles.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register button below to sign up by Thursday, December 16. Because space is limited, please register if/when you are certain you can attend. If later you are unable to attend, contact us as soon as possible at norcal@americanpilgrims.org.

Getting There: From Eastbound 80, take the Fitzgerald Drive exit in Pinole. Turn left onto Richmond Parkway, right onto Atlas Road and then left onto Giant Highway. From Westbound 80, take the Richmond Parkway exit. Turn right onto Richmond Parkway, right onto Atlas Road and then left onto Giant Highway. For exact directions, map to 551 Giant Highway in Richmond. NOTE: There is a newer, smaller parking lot at the end of Atlas Drive. Be sure to go to one on Giant Highway, which has a view of the bay.

Carpooling: Registered participants will have access to our online "Carpool Bulletin Board" to post a message if they need a ride or can give one.

What to Bring: Snacks, water and rain gear, if weather calls for it (we walk, rain or shine!). Hiking poles aren't necessary. Bring a bag lunch if you would like to stick around for a picnic afterwards.

Leader: Guy Joaquin (Chapter Coordinator)

The Ruff Stuff: For insurance purposes, we are unable to welcome dogs, except service animals, at our events.

Don't forget our Welcome Home Celebration on Tuesday, December 14, 7:00 - 8:30 PM! Let's welcome home our fellow pilgrims who made it back to the Camino this year under such extraordinary circumstances. Our virtual celebration on Zoom will feature a lively musical sing-along led by “returnee” Ana Luisa Paniagua Anzore (Camino Francés) and insightful remarks on returning from the Camino from Colorado pilgrim and life coach Kathy Kehe. We’ll also spotlight the recent Caminos of Meliea and Stephen Lane (Camino Portugués) and Laurin Beckhusen (Via de la Plata) and then invite returnees in the audience to share a bit of their experiences in an “open mic” segment. Click the button below to register.

American Pilgrims on the Camino

Visit the Northern Califoria Chapter page on the American Pilgrims website

Join the Peregrinos Northern California Facebook group