Park Stories

Highlighting the people, engaging programs and beautiful places that make the Golden Gate national parks special. Can't get enough? Sign up for our monthly E-ventures newsletter, and become a member today to receive our gorgeous Gateways Magazine. More about our publications here

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Cloud hovers over the Golden Gate Bridge
Article
Watch this televised special to learn about the parks’ strong foundations and bright future welcoming all who want to bask in their beauty. Or watch just to enjoy some of that beauty from afar!
PICs at Muir Woods.
Gateways Article
In the fall of 2019, a special project launched at Muir Woods to help save endangered coho salmon. Redwood Renewal involves removing large boulders (“rip-rap”) from Redwood Creek and adding fallen trees and branches to create small pools for juvenile coho salmon to thrive.
Youth in the Urban Trailblazers program on a hike through the Presidio.
Gateways Article
Youth at the Crissy Field Center have become podcasting pros, and you can hear their work on your way to work!
Chris Lehnertz (left) with her award’s namesake Fran Mainella
Article
Chris Lehnertz was honored with the Fran P. Mainella Award by the Clemson University Institute for Parks in recognition of her long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion in our nation’s parks.
Redwood fog globe, available at Parks Conservancy stores and online.
Article
Give a gift that feels good with one of our award-winning fog globes.
Fort Mason's Great Meadow during a sunset
Gateways Article
Fort Mason is a popular destination for history buffs, weekend revelers, and everyone in between. It’s a refuge on San Francisco’s northern waterfront, providing exceptional views of the larger San Francisco Bay.
Stairs down to Black Sands Beach
Gateways Article
Here’s an insider’s guide to some of our favorite hidden gems of the GGNRA. From secret beaches to undiscovered redwood groves, these spots provide a chance to get into nature and steer clear of the crowds.
Two Park Stewardship Trail Crew members give big smiles for the camera
Article
A Trail Stewardship Intern’s reflections on a transformative year.
A volunteer uses plant shears to trim a bush along a trail
Article
Ever wonder why you feel calmer, more focused, and happier when you take a hike outside?
Stinson Beach
Article
Some national park sites within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area may close due to PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoff from October 26-30, 2019.
Eloy Martinez, third from right, at an event on Alcatraz.
Gateways Article
On Nov. 20, 1969, a group of Native Americans set up camp on Alcatraz Island in nonviolent protest, claiming it as Indian Land under the Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868). Eloy Martinez was one of them.
Alcatraz Island
Article
At daybreak on Indigenous People’s Day 2019, in commemoration of 50th anniversary of the 1969 Occupation of Alcatraz, the Bay Area indigenous community hosted the first-ever canoe trip around the island. Starting from the Aquatic Park Historic District, the flotilla of canoes were powered by communities and families from across...