• Tips for Visitors
• Dogs
• Nature

Rodeo Valley winds through the heart of the Marin Headlands, and is edged by grassy, wind-swept hillsides where no native tree could possibly put down roots (though a few imported cypress and eucalyptus cluster around the valley's buildings and landmarks). The valley and lagoon offer habitats for birds, butterflies, and bobcats, as well as miles of backcountry and coastal trails.

Rodeo Lagoon is a favorite bird-watching spot in the Rodeo Valley area. Here you will see egrets, ducks, and other birds feeding and resting in its shallow wetlands. In order to protect the beach and the endangered tidewater goby, which burrows in the lagoon's soft shoreline sediment—people and pets are not allowed in any part of Rodeo Lagoon.

Look for the red spire of the Marin Headlands Visitor Center at Bunker and Field roads. Wood beams grace the ceiling of this one-time army chapel, now a pleasant visitor center packed with exhibits, maps, and park memorabilia. Exhibits introduce you to those who once lived on the Headlands, including a three-quarter-size willow hut (kotcha) of the kind made by the Coast Miwok Indians, Spanish vaqueros' fancy sombreros and saddles, sepia photo portraits of Portuguese ranchers, a lighthouse keeper's journal, and a soldier's footlocker. Other exhibits in the center invite you to lift flaps to see what lives in local ponds; sniff bottles scented with native fennel, sage, yarrow, and other local flora; and touch bones, shells, and antlers collected from the landscape. Park rangers, staff, and docents are on hand to advise visitors about trails and camping and to provide maps and lists of current special events and walks.

Leashed dogs are welcome in Rodeo Valley; there are many "dogs-allowed" trails. Cross the wooden bridge over the lagoon (mind the sensitive shore habitat), or stroll down to the beach. Benches, picnic spots, and good photo "ops" abound. Watch out for foxtails along the trails and, afterward, be sure to check your skin, clothing, and your pet's coat for ticks. Sleeper waves and strong currents at Rodeo Beach make swimming unsafe for you and your dog. Also, remember to bring water and a clean-up bag for dog litter. Before exploring with your canine companion, stop by the Marin Headlands Visitor Center and pick up a copy of the "dog map."

Nature

The Goby of Rodeo Lagoon
The tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius newberri), which is native to California, completes its entire life cycle within its lagoon habitat. Because the fish do not enter the ocean, each population of the tidewater goby is isolated from the others, and thus develops a unique gene pool. Additionally, the species cannot naturally re-colonize an area where the local population has been extirpated. To protect and maintain Rodeo Lagoon's tidewater goby population, the NPS restricts people and their pets from accessing the lagoon and its shoreline; if this particular population vanishes, the entire lagoon-specific gene pool would be lost.