Gravesite Road

Dogs No Dogs

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 highpoint just before joining Barnabe Fire Road (also called "Riding and Hiking Trail"). Proceed 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 and importantly supplied the 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. Travel more level ground to arrive at the bridge and junction with Bill's Trail. (To access Sir Francis Drake Blvd. roadside parking, take a left and cross the bridge before taking another left at the redwood tree onto Devil's Gulch Trail. Take Devil's Gulch Trail downhill for 100 yards before it becomes Devil's Gulch Road.) (To return to the start of Gravesite Road near the State Park entrance, retrace your steps) Note: bikes and horses are allowed on this trail.

Bay trees, Douglas fir, buckeye, and wildflowers (in the spring).