Shamrocks are one of the quintessential symbols of the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, but have you ever wondered how these cute green icons compare to plants we see in the wild, here in the Golden Gate National Parks?

The seasonal game of hide and go seek has begun! It’s time for a favorite wintertime activity: mushroom hunting! With the late rains, we’ll be seeing mushrooms popping up later than usual in our parks. Let’s get started!

The National Park Service Trail Crew and Interns have built a new boardwalk at the entrance of Muir Woods National Monument. Get the inside story on how this magnificent new way into the woods was completed.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we asked our field staff to share their favorite romantic trails—perfect for first dates, soul-soaring walks, and maybe even popping the question. Read on to see the sites and hikes our park experts recommend.

There’s more to the Presidio than meets the eye. Community groups can visit this beautiful national park and learn about its natural resources—or even have park rangers share the experience by coming to their site. These adventures are part of our lineup of Community Group Programs offered by Crissy Field Center.

What’s the most beautiful native plant in the parklands that you’ve never seen? Here’s a hint: its magenta flowers are so bright that it’s known by a range of common names that sound like lipsticks: rose delight, red sensation, and spring charm. Still stumped? Read on, and learn about its intriguing mystery.

The Institute at the Golden Gate recently participated in a historic gathering of national park leaders working on initiatives around the National Park Service’s centennial in 2016. The Golden Gate National Parks’ programs played a key role; read on to see how the Bay Area is taking a leadership role.