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Our 20 favorite photos of 2020

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2020 needs no introduction. Despite it all, the parks proved to be a vital refuge for everyone during these uncertain times, offering space to escape, heal, and reflect.  

Here are our favorite photos from this past year, including some in the pre-COVID “before times.”   

Want more photos and videos of your Golden Gate National Parks? Follow us on Instagram (@parksconservancy).  

  • National Park Service worker with a face mask poses for a photograph during the western pond turtle release at Rodeo Lagoon.
    This year, the fourth year of a five-year reintroduction plan, biologists reintroduced 20 turtles to Rodeo Valley and 14 to Redwood Creek Watershed. Alexandra Grant / Parks Conservancy
  • A western pond turtle is released at Rodeo Lagoon in the Marin Headlands.
    A western pond turtle released at Rodeo Lagoon. Alex Grant / Parks Conservancy
  • A view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach. A giant tree towers over the scene.
    A Monterey cypress looms over the Golden Gate Bridge at Baker Beach. Paul Myers / Parks Conservancy
  • A masked staff member of ONE TAM greets park visitors with the Roving Ranger at Mount Tamalpais.
    Even during a pandemic, masked One Tam staff and the One Tam Roving ranger greet Mt. Tam visitors (from six feet away, of course). Robert Mittelstaedt / One Tam
  • Beach goers create some art in the sand at Fort Funston.
    Just what the worlds needs in 2020: Peace. Ryan Curran White / Parks Conservancy
  • Interns smile for a photo while doing park stewardship work at Crissy Field.
    Taken before the days of social distancing and mask requirements, interns spend the day doing habitat restoration at Crissy Field. Paul Myers / Parks Conservancy
  • An aerial view of Fort Funston shows the ocean, beach, cliffsides, and looks on to the golden gate.
    The sprawling, sandy cliffs of Fort Funston and Ocean Beach, with Mt. Tam looming in the distance. Ryan Curran White / Parks Conservancy
  • Volunteers smile at work restoring Black Point Garden at Fort Mason.
    Taken before COVID precautions, volunteers line up for a “bucket brigade” while restoring the forgotten Black Point Historic Gardens at Fort Mason. Tonantzin Alcantar Bratt / Parks Conservancy
  • The sun rising over Crissy Marsh, beaming about the San Francisco skyline.
    Crissy Marsh drenched in golden morning light. Paul Myers / Parks Conservancy
  • A park visitor walks their dog before the breaking surf at Rodeo Beach.
    One happy pup leaps with joy on the shores of Rodeo Beach. Paul Myers / Parks Conservancy
  • A park visitor looks toward Alcatraz Island from the ferry. An American flag waves in the breeze as they cruise over bay waters.
    A masked visitor looks back at the island after just touring Alcatraz's outdoor spaces. Ryan Curran White / Parks Conservancy
  • Parks Conservancy staff working to restore the Black Point Historical Garden at Fort Mason.
    The mighty crew restoring the forgotten gardens of Black Point at Fort Mason. Ryan Curran White / Parks Conservancy
  • A sunset view overlooking Lands End, the ruins of Sutro Baths, and the ocean.
    The heartwarming vista of Lands End under a setting sun reminds of how much there is to appreciate about continued access to our public parks. Russell Bombon / Parks Conservancy
  • A creek runs along amongst rocks, flora, and underneath a fallen log at Muir Woods.
    We love how Redwood Creek shimmers in the dappled sunlight at Muir Woods. Paul Myers / Parks Conservancy
  • A coyote stares into the camera while lounging in the Marin Headlands.
    Beginning fall 2020, park wildlife biologists will use temporary remote tracking collars to learn about the population size and movements of coyotes in the Marin Headlands. Ryan Curran White / Parks Conservancy
  • The Golden Gate Bridge peers over the mountains and into the valleys of the Marin Headlands.
    The Golden Gate Bridge peeks over the rolling hillsides of the Marin Headlands as Rodeo Lagoon shimmers in the foreground. Alison Taggart-Barone / Parks Conservancy
  • A tactile map of Mount Tamalpais provides visitors with vision impairments an opportunity to interact with the park and experience the lay of the land.
    A tactile map of Mt. Tam provides visitors with vision impairments an opportunity to interact with the park and experience the landscape. Paul Myers / Parks Conservancy
  • One Tam staff and volunteers doing stewardship work in Muir Woods.
    A volunteer pauses to smile for the camera during the Hands on Tam workday at Muir Woods. Taken in February, before the first mask mandates and health guidelines. Paul Myers / Parks Conservancy
  • The open expanse of Ocean Beach shows an evening view of sandy shore, park visitors, ocean waves, and a commercial ship upon the horizon.
    The open space and crisp sea breeze of Ocean Beach are a vast relief from the stress of indoor living. Russell Bombon / Parks Conservancy
  • Aerial view of the construction site for the Presidio Tunnel Tops.
    Construction on the Tunnel Tops continues. Essential work for the foundation is wrapping up and soon a layer of horticultural soil will be added for meadows and gardens. The new parkland will open to the community in fall 2021. James Corner Field Operations
  • Masked workers prepare to assist visitors for the re-opened tours of Alcatraz Island.
    Doing what we love: Staff welcomes Alcatraz visitors to our open Park Store on the island. Ryan Curran White / Parks Conservancy

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