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History

A park ranger leads a program at Alcatraz Island
Gateways Article

Meet the Alcatraz park ranger sparking new conversations on the island

Ranger Oliver Goodman was raised in a family where "nobody hiked, nobody camped," but attending protests and participating in community events were a part of everyday family life. Alcatraz immediately struck him.
The view from the Alcatraz Cruises boat to Alcatraz Island.
Parks

Alcatraz video visit: Tour Alcatraz Island for views, gardens, NEW stories

Get a sneak peek at new things to find on the island as we celebrate 50 years of Alcatraz being open to the public as a national park site.
Seal Rocks seen in the Pacific Ocean near San Francisco's Lands End.
Parks

Lands End: How to find its hidden secrets

A sign at Lands End states: "Terrains that have been shaped by human activity in response to nature have a name—cultural landscapes." Here's a sampling of what you can learn on one of our member tours of the area.
The Golden Gate Bridge as seen from China Beach.
Parks

San Francisco’s China Beach: The Eras Tour

China Beach, the small, sandy cove nestled between Baker Beach and Lands End, isn’t just a hidden gem, it’s a prized jewel.
A sunset photo of the rainbow pride flag flying in the parks.
Gateways Article

Here's where you can hike through history with Pride in the GGNRA

Time travel is a walk in the park in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). For Pride Month and beyond, let’s make our way through some of the queer history in the parks. In more recent history, our park sites existed as military bases and fortifications—see the batteries and...
A historical photo of an Alcatraz Island inmate watering a garden bed.
Stories

Alcatraz Incarcerated Gardeners

Learn about the stories of Alcatraz Island's incarcerated gardeners.
An Alcatraz inmate gardener stands in a rose garden on Officer's Row.
Our Work

History of Gardening on Alcatraz Island

Before human settlement, Alcatraz had only a thin deposit of soil that supported sparse native grasses and shrubs. The island was first inhabited in the mid 1800s when it was used as an army fortress, but it soon transitioned into a military prison in 1861. In an effort to make...
People hiking down a winding path at Rancho Corral de Tierra.
Gateways Article

Big park, bigger stories: 50 years and beyond in the GGNRA

On Oct. 27, 1972, a collection of former military, private, and public lands spanning three Bay Area counties was united and officially designated as public parklands for all. Those lands are the Golden Gate National Recreation Area , and we're celebrating the milestone 50 th anniversary year of their founding!...
NPS Park Ranger gives a presentation to visitors at the Presidio Campfire Circle
Events

Guided Walk: Presidio Changes Through Time

Sun, Dec 17 11:00am-12:00pm
Sun, Jan 21 11:00am-12:00pm
Sun, Feb 18 11:00am-12:00pm
Sun, Mar 17 11:00am-12:00pm
Sun, Apr 21 11:00am-12:00pm
Sun, May 19 11:00am-12:00pm
Sun, Jun 16 11:00am-12:00pm
Sun, Jul 21 11:00am-12:00pm
Sun, Aug 18 11:00am-12:00pm
Sun, Sep 15 11:00am-12:00pm
Presidio Visitor Center
This half-mile, level walk shows the historical changes to the Presidio, from the Spanish fort all the way to the new Tunnel Tops. Who benefitted from these changes, and who did not?
the green outline of Mt. Tamalpais is viewed against a blue sky. The photo is taken at an oblique angle, a trail leads from the bottom right among some white patches of fog.
Parks

Video: GGNRA 50th anniversary, and where we're headed

Think you know the Golden Gate National Recreation Area ? Watch this video to test your knowledge and see where these parks are headed in the next 50 years and beyond. We need your support to make it there: Donate today . Find out more about the history of the...