Hill 88 Hike

Poppies overlooking Fort Cronkhite and Rodeo Beach

Jessica Weinberg McClosky

Beautiful ocean views abound as you meander through picturesque Headlands scenery. This hike to Hill 88, the launch site for Cold War missiles, is a joy in spring: Wildflowers everywhere, great views, no fog. The views offshore on a clear day are amazing, and the highlight is seeing a pond full of California newts in a former gun emplacement at Battery Townsley. The concrete "pond" has been filled with vegetation, and there can be newts everywhere!