Skip to main content

Activities in the Parks

Activities in the Parks

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

FOPO-180312-PMM-038_2x1.jpg
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.

Ember Ridge Ranch in Rancho Corral de Tierra
Ember Ridge Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Trail Length: 1.74 miles round trip

This access trail to Rancho Corral de Tierra connects visitors with the Spine Trail. Along the way, it takes visitors past the Ember Ridge Equestrian Center; you're free to look but please don't disturb the horses (or the staff!).

Path winding through Rancho Corral de Tierra
Farallon Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Trail Length: 1.84 miles round trip

This trail offers another portal into the sprawling, wild landscapes of Rancho Corral de Tierra. Find the signed trailhead at the end of Kanoff Street (cross-street 2nd) in Montara. After an opening stretch through coastal meadow, the trail gets steep and continues to climb steadily.

Ember Ridge Ranch in Rancho Corral de Tierra
Farmer's Daughter Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Trail Length: 2.35 miles round trip

This trail segment is part of the sprawling network of rough-hewn trails across Rancho Corral de Tierra.

It is believed to be named for the nearby Farmer's Daughter produce stand, located just off Highway 1 in Moss Beach and renowned for its annual pumpkin patch.

View overlooking Fort Baker and the Golden Gate
Fort Baker Bay Trail
Difficulty Level: Moderately Strenuous
Trail Length: 3.20 miles round trip

Hike the trails in and around Fort Baker—home to the endangered Mission blue butterfly—and take in spectacular vistas of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Kite-flying at Fort Baker
Fort Baker Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Trail Length: 0.77 miles round trip

Tucked almost directly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, this former army post is on the threshold of the dramatic coastline of the Marin Headlands.

View over Fort Cronkhite and Rodeo Beach
Fort Cronkhite Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Trail Length: 0.39 miles round trip

Located in the Marin Headlands north of Rodeo Lagoon, Fort Cronkhite is a former World War II military post that stands at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Fort Cronkhite is one of the few examples of these World War II "mobilization posts" remaining in the country.

Bluffs provide great views at Fort Funston
Fort Funston Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Trail Length: 0.88 miles round trip

Fort Funston features 200-foot-high sandy bluffs on San Francisco’s southwest coast where the winds blow reliably wildly. No surprise it is one of the premier hang-gliding spots in the country. A network of trails make it ideal for hiking and horseback riding.

Fawn strikes a pose in the brush
Fox Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Trail Length: 2.08 miles round trip

While on the Fox Trail, breathing heavily as you reach the summit and its gorgeous views, you may notice a doe and her two fawns grazing in the grasslands.

Path winding through Rancho Corral de Tierra
French Trail
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Trail Length: 3.80 miles round trip

Rancho Corral de Tierra is one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the San Mateo peninsula. Once planned for development, this land is now protected as part of our nation’s natural legacy.

The process of transforming the property into a park is only just beginning.

Equestrians ride through foggy Fort Funston
Funston Horse Trail

Most locals know Fort Funston is Fido-tastic for dog-walking (or dog-watching!). But it's also a great place to bring your other four-legged friends for a pleasant (but windy) ride. The network of pathways across Fort Funston can accommodate equestrians!

Hawk Camp Trail
Golden Gate High Ridge Tour
Difficulty Level: Very Strenuous
Trail Length: 6.80 miles round trip

Starting at roads end in Tennessee Valley, the route starts towards the beach but soon picks up the Coastal Trail and ascends steeply up Wolf Ridge. Staying mostly on the high ridge back, it gives great sweeping views of the Golden Gate Recreation Area, Mt. Tamalpais, the Pacific

Nike Missile Site
Golden Gate Ridge Tour Hike

Starting at road's end in Tennessee Valley, the route starts towards the beach but soon picks up the Coastal Trail and ascends steeply up Wolf Ridge. Staying mostly on the high ridge back, it gives great sweeping views of the Golden Gate Recreation Area, Mt. Tamalpais, the Pacific,