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====== Bill’s Trail (Samuel P. Taylor State Park) ======
(generated by ChatGPT)

**Region:** West Marin, CA  |  **Use:** Multi-use (hike, bike, equestrian)  |  **Shade:** High (redwoods & mixed forest)

Parking: Devil’s Gulch Fire Road Trailhead
[[https://maps.app.goo.gl/MK8ryPuvQgCnSC5y9|Google Map]]

Bill’s Trail is a shaded, flowing singletrack linking **Devil’s Gulch** and **Barnabe Fire Road** in Samuel P. Taylor State Park. It’s a favorite family/intermediate ride: gentle switchbacks, small bridges, ferny gullies, and redwood ambiance.

[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU6JV3N00mo | Youtube Video]]

[[https://www.trailforks.com/trails/bill-s-trail-45486/ | Trail Fork info ]]


^ Quick Facts ^ Details ^
| **One-way distance** | ~3.2–3.9 mi (depends on where you start/finish along Devil’s Gulch Rd or Barnabe Fire Rd) |
| **Elevation** | ~1,000 ft gain/loss total across the full length |
| **Grade/Surface** | Machine-cut, bench singletrack; compacted dirt, bridges; steady, bike-friendly grades |
| **Best season** | Late spring–fall (see **Seasonal closures** below) |
| **Difficulty** | Mild Climbing, no feature, good for beginner |

===== Why ride it =====
  * Shaded redwood/mixed forest the whole way.
  * Swoopy, consistent grade built for multi-use—great climbing one way, flowy descent back.
  * Easy to make shorter kid-friendly out-and-backs from the Devil’s Gulch side.

===== Getting there & parking =====
**Primary access (Devil’s Gulch trailhead):**
  * Drive Sir Francis Drake Blvd to the signed **Devil’s Gulch** area (about 1 mile west of Camp Taylor).
  * Park in the roadside pullout near milepost ~18.05 (limited spaces). Use caution crossing SFD to the trailhead.
  * From the pullout, roll a short way down **Devil’s Gulch Road** (paved) to a bridge; cross it to a T-junction: **left = Bill’s Trail**, **right = Barnabe Fire Road**.

**Inside-park day-use lots:**  
You can also park at **Camp Taylor** day-use/entrance lots (fee required) and connect via short segments of Devil’s Gulch Road to the start.

**Coordinates (approx.):**  
Devil’s Gulch trailhead pullout: 38.020°N, −122.739°W (approx.; verify on your map/GPS)

===== Route options =====
  * **Out-and-back (most family-friendly):** Start at Devil’s Gulch → climb Bill’s Trail until kids are ready to turn → descend back (smooth, fun, predictable).
  * **Point-to-point / loop:** Climb Bill’s → **Barnabe Fire Road** ridge → optional spur toward Barnabe Peak → loop back on fire roads. (Bigger day; bring water/sun for ridge.)

===== Water & play stops =====
  * **Lagunitas Creek / Inkwells:** While not on Bill’s Trail proper, the nearby **Cross Marin Trail** along Lagunitas Creek (and the **Inkwells** near Shafter Bridge) offers easy creek access for a cool-down. Great add-on stop before/after your ride.

===== Rules & notes =====
  * **Multi-use:** Yield to pedestrians and equestrians. Control speed on blind corners and bridges.
  * **No dogs** on park trails (standard CA State Parks rule varies—check kiosk if unsure).
  * **Bikes allowed** on Bill’s Trail (officially opened to all users in 2020 after restoration).
  * **Seasonal closures:** Bill’s Trail **typically closes in the rainy season (≈ Nov–Apr)** to protect tread. Check the park kiosk for current status.

===== Kid-friendliness =====
  * Confident young riders will enjoy the steady grades and smooth surface.  
  * Start from **Devil’s Gulch** to keep grades as mellow as possible and to make the return a fun descent.  
  * Turnaround points: any bridge or shady bench; no need to commit to the full length.

===== What bike to bring =====
  * Any MTB or gravel bike with low gearing and reliable brakes.  
  * Tires with decent volume (32–45c+ for gravel; 2.0–2.4" for MTB) are ideal for bridges, roots, and seasonal debris.

===== Nearby additions =====
  * **Cross Marin Trail (paved & flat):** Perfect family spin under redwoods along Lagunitas Creek.  
  * **Barnabe Peak (via fire roads):** Bigger views if you want to add a climb after Bill’s.

===== Practical info =====
  * **Fees:** Day-use fees apply **inside** the park lots; the roadside pullout is free but limited.  
  * **Restrooms:** Camp Taylor day-use area; vault toilets at some trailheads.  
  * **Maps & status:** [[https://www.parks.ca.gov/samuelptaylor|CA State Parks: Samuel P. Taylor]] (trail conditions/closures); local MTB map apps.