Activities in the Parks

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

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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.

Rendering of the proposed Marincello development in the Marin Headlands
Trail

Length

2.90 miles round-trip
Named for an ill-fated residential development called Marincello, this trail tracks along what was supposed to be the main thoroughfare of the failed 1960s-era project. Here both the Pacific and the Bay are visible from the narrow ridgeback. Stay right on the rocky wide road down the short 0.3 mile...
Young cyclists set off from Crissy Field
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

2.52 miles round-trip
If you're cycling, this is the path to follow on your way to the western side of Crissy Field , Fort Point , or the Golden Gate Bridge . By avoiding the Crissy Promenade that's closer to the bayshore, you'll avoid potential mishaps with pedestrians and enjoy a smoother ride...
Hikers enjoy the wonders of the Matt Davis Trail
Trail
Difficulty: Very Strenuous

Length

13.60 miles round-trip
The magnificent Matt Davis Trail is one of the main thoroughfares to experience the glory of Mt. Tamalpais . On an epic hike from the Pantoll Ranger Station, you'll pass by shady groves, golden hillsides, and towering redwoods, on your way to the sands of Stinson Beach . Matt Davis...
Hikers near Muir Beach
Trail

Length

7.70 miles round-trip
Ditch the summer fog in San Francisco for the sunny peaks of our Golden Gate National Parks in Marin County. Have some fun in the sun on this moderate eight mile hike and finish it off with a frothy pint at the local English inn! Along the way, you'll see...
View over Green Gulch Farm Zen Center
Hiking
  • Birding
Ditch the summer fog in San Francisco for the sunny peaks of our Golden Gate National Parks in Marin County. Have some fun in the sun on this moderate eight-mile hike and finish it off with a frothy pint at the local "English" inn! Along the way, you'll see newly...
Battery Alexander near Battery Mendell
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

1.58 miles round-trip
This is a wide open pathway that gives access to bunkers, cliffs, beach, crashing waves and views in all directions. At the end, there is a little loop that looks down to the Rodeo Lagoon and Cronkhite Beach. Take the dog, let the kids explore, picnic, be in the wind...
Parks Conservancy staff lead a wildflower walk at Lands End
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

0.33 miles round-trip
From the parking area by the Lands End Lookout visitor center, this short trail segment winds through wildlife habitat restored with thousands of native plants, planted by Parks Conservancy staff and volunteers. In the spring, this area erupts with dazzling rainbows of colorful wildflower blooms. Merrie Way was once home...
View over Green Gulch
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

3.68 miles round-trip
Middle Green Gulch Trail is a 4.1-mile loop trail located near Sausalito, California that offers scenic views. The trail is rated as moderate and offers a number of activity options. Horses are also able to use this trail.
Visitors stroll Milagra Ridge
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

1.23 miles round-trip
This trail take visitors out from the residential area of Pacifica and up onto Milagra Ridge . The vast Pacific coast opens up as you look back. The trail is steep, so make sure to stop every now and again to enjoy the view! There is plenty of room to...
Sunset at Milagra Ridge
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

0.35 miles round-trip
From the Sharp Park entrance, this flat trail includes a loop on the ridge that opens up to beautiful hilltop meadows. Easy singletrack and doubletrack will take you around the peak.
Mission blue butterfly
Trail
Difficulty: Moderate

Length

1.20 miles round-trip
Surrounded by urban development in Pacifica, Milagra Ridge forms what biologists call an island ecosystem. Despite this isolation, this 250-acre park hosts a surprising diversity of natural resources. It is home to threatened and endangered species like the mission blue and San Bruno elfin butterflies.
Views from Milagra Ridge
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

0.25 miles round-trip
Milagra Summit Trail is a hiking trail in Pacifica, California, within Milagra Ridge . This trail connects with the following: Milagra Creek Overlook Trail.

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