Gravesite Road

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Unknown

The easternmost access point for starting Gravesite Road is along Sir Francis Drake Blvd. next to Barnabe Creek and before the park entrance. However, using the parking lot after the park entrance and the Gravesite Road connector is a more convenient option for most.

The Gravesite Road ascends on a contour around the lower reaches of Barnabe Peak, mostly in open meadows. The road soon levels out, reaching its high point just before joining Barnabe Fire Road (also called "Riding and Hiking Trail"). Ride straight on Gravesite Road.

If you have navigated this turn correctly, you should see the white fence surrounding Samuel P. Taylor's gravesite in a meadow about 100 yards from the main trail. Take the Taylor's Gravesite Spur if you'd like to pay your respects. Samuel P. Taylor opened the first paper mill on the west coast, supplying the critical paper for San Francisco's newspapers. He lived from 1827 to 1896 and also established the town of Taylorville, where the state park is today.

Follow the Gravesite Road down through a wet, wooded valley called Deadman's Gulch and then back around the hillside towards Devil's Gulch. Ride over more level ground to arrive at the bridge and junction with Bill's Trail. Bikes are not allowed on Bill's Trail or Devil's Gulch Trail, so either walk your bike to Devil's Gulch Road (and ride that to the nearby parking on Sir Francis Drake Rd.) or ride back on Gravesite Road to where you started.