This segment of the Bay Trail, skirting the northern edge of Fort Mason, features lovely Golden Gate Bridge vistas and an overhead view of the piers and buildings of lower Fort Mason, the port of embarkation from which 1.6 million military personnel shipped out to the Pacific Theater.

One can start the hike to the Ben Johnson Trail through Muir Woods National Monument by either the Redwood Creek Trail or the Hillside Trail.

During the Civil War, the U.S. Army hastily built two batteries, armed with 10-inch Rodman guns, at a site that locals called Black Point. These armaments at Point San Jose Military Reservation (later called Fort Mason) served as backup to the fortifications on Alcatraz and at Fort Point.

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From the top of Bolinas Ridge take in bird’s-eye views up and down the San Andreas Rift Zone. The fault divides Olema Valley, a lovely, undulating landscape reminiscent of England, that dips slowly down to the waters of Tomales Bay in the north, and Bolinas Lagoon in the south.

This climb up the steep slopes of Mt. Tamalpais reveals beatiful vistas of the Bay Area and the Pacific Ocean. The redwoods of Muir Woods gradually give way to Douglas fir, bay laurel, and tanoak as the trail wends upward.

Located on Mount Tamalpais' wild northern slope, this hike starts on Cataract Trail, passes the Laurel Dell picnic area, then veers on to the High Marsh Trail and on to peaceful Potrero Meadows via the Kent Trail.

This short trail leads to the National Park Service Mounted Patrol Stables and the former Tennessee Valley Native Plant Nursery. This is the halfway point on the way to the Tennessee Valley Beach. There is also a bench where the Chaparral Trail leads off the Tennessee Valley Trail. 

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At the rear of the newer Cavallo Point buildings at Fort Baker, you'll discover a set of stairs that connect you with the Drown Road Trail. Highlights include sensational views of the Golden Gate, and, of course, the historic post chapel itself (now a picturesque event and wedding venue).

Access to the beach is via a paved drive or stairway down from the parking lot to water level.