LIMPETS: Long-term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students

Limantour Beach

GPS coordinates:

38° 1.515’ N, 122° 52.965’ W

LiMPETS monitoring site since:

2004

Directions:

This beach is located in Marin County within the Point Reyes National Seashore. From Highway 101, take the Sir Francis Drake exit west to the town of Olema. Turn right on Highway one, and drive 200 yards. Turn left on Bear Valley Road and left again on Limantour Road. Drive to the end of the road and park in the lot.

Restrooms:

There are outhouses located on the trail from the parking lot to the beach.

Site description:

This long, pristine beach is bound between Drakes Bay and an estuary. To reach the monitoring site, walk on the trail from the parking lot, over the dunes and to the beach. The site is just at the end of the trail. Sir Francis Drake High School has been monitoring the effect of tides on the distribution of mole crabs at this beach since 2004.

Permit and visitor information:

Point Reyes National Seashore was established to preserve and protect wilderness, natural ecosystems, and cultural resources along the diminishing undeveloped coastline of the western United States. It is a great spot to see harbor seals, shorebirds, and gray whales. No permit is required for monitoring; however, if you plan to collect crabs for parasite analysis, a fishing license or scientific collecting permit is needed.

Contact your LiMPETS site coordinator:

Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association • The Presidio, 991 Marine Drive, San Francisco, CA 94129 • • (415) 561-6625 x303