Activities in the Parks

Can’t Choose Your Own Adventure? Start Here and Go!

Picturesque landscapes abound in the Golden Gate National Parks

Paul Myers/Parks Conservancy

With hundreds of miles of trails threading through 37 distinct sites across 80,000 acres of the Golden Gate National Parks, it can be hard to decide where to go and what to do. Let the Parks Conservancy’s experts be your guide! We’ve carefully curated our favorite hikes, walks, and excursions to share with you and your loved ones. There’s something (and some place) for everyone! We reveal some of the natural wonders and historical highlights you’ll experience along the way, but there are plenty more surprises for you to discover. So browse below, then grab your boots and backpack. Your national parks are waiting.

A staircase leads downward amid spiky agave plants at Alcatraz Island.

Agave Trail

Wrapping around the southern edge of the island, this trail literally presents a "different side" of The Rock.

This 0.6-mile, easy walking trail features plenty of its spiky succulent namesake (planted to slow erosion and serve as a verdant fence), as well as breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline.

Habitat restoration volunteers work on Alta Ridge

Alta Trail

Difficulty Level: Moderately Strenuous

Trail Length: 5.02 miles round trip

This is a long but gradual climb from the eastern side of the Marin Headlands. This fire road is in good condition, making for an easy route to meander along.

Baquiano Trail

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Trail Length: 2.22 miles round trip

Driving up to the parking area is steep, and it's a premonition of what the trail will be like. You guessed it, the ascent will be too. However, switchbacks make the climb much easier. Near the top of the ridge, it flattens out and becomes a fire road.

Batteries Loop Trail

Difficulty Level: Easiest

Trail Length: 0.97 miles round trip

This trail involves walking along a dirt trail through several Civil War-era military batteries near a cliff edge. It also includes several areas where terrain varies and involves stairs.

Batteries to Bluffs Trail

Difficulty Level: Strenuous

Trail Length: 0.70 miles round trip

Stretching from just south of the Golden Gate Bridge to Battery Crosby, the trail offers spectacular coastal panoramas, views of the Golden Gate, and a safe descent to Marshall’s Beach.

Ranger leads a demonstration at Battery Chamberlin

Battery Chamberlin Trail

Difficulty Level: Easiest

Trail Length: 0.15 miles round trip

The army built Battery Chamberlin on Baker Beach in 1904 to protect the harbor’s minefields.

Battery Crosby Trail

Difficulty Level: Easiest

Trail Length: 0.27 miles round trip

This short segment of the Batteries to Bluffs Trail takes visitors to Battery Crosby, an Endicott-era battery completed and armed in 1900 to protect the underwater minefield outside the Golden Gate.

On the first Saturday and Sunday of each month (from 11 am to 3 pm), you can see a

Battery East Trail

Difficulty Level: Easiest

Trail Length: 0.80 miles round trip

One of the signature trail improvement projects of the Parks Conservancy, the multi-use Battery East Trail features eye-popping views of the soaring towers of the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as an overlook/seating area to admire the span and San Francisco Bay.

Battery Spencer Trail

Difficulty Level: Easiest

Trail Length: 0.86 miles round trip

Battery Spencer Trail is a 0.5 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Sausalito, California that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is accessible year-round.

Battery Wagner along the Kirby Cove Road in the Marin Headlands.

Battery Wagner Trail

Difficulty Level: Easiest

Trail Length: 0.13 miles round trip

The 0.8-mile Battery Wagner Trail affords visitors a stellar view of the Golden Gate Bridge, perfect for snapping some photos.

Golden Gate Bridge view from Battery Yates at Fort Baker

Battery Yates Trail

Difficulty Level: Easiest

Trail Length: 0.30 miles round trip

After visiting Cavallo Point and the beautifully restored Colonial Revival buildings along the main parade at Fort Baker, be sure to make a side trip to Battery Yates, located just off Satterlee Road.