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Activities in the Parks

Activities in the Parks

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

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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.

Rendering of the proposed Marincello development in the Marin Headlands
Marincello Trail
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.

Young cyclists set off from Crissy Field
Mason Street Bike Path Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Trail 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.

Hikers enjoy the wonders of the Matt Davis Trail
Matt Davis Trail
Difficulty Level: Very Strenuous
Trail Length: 13.60 miles round trip

The magnificent Matt Davis Trail is one of the main thoroughfares to experience the glory of Mt. Tamalpais.

Hikers near Muir Beach
Meander in Marin
Difficulty Level: Moderately Strenuous
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!

View over Green Gulch Farm Zen Center
Meander in Marin Hike

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!

Battery Alexander near Battery Mendell
Mendell Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Trail 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.

Parks Conservancy staff lead a wildflower walk at Lands End
Merrie Way Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Trail 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
Middle Green Gulch Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Trail 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
Milagra Battery Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Trail 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!

Sunset at Milagra Ridge
Milagra Ridge Spur Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Trail 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
Milagra Ridge Trail
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Trail 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
Milagra Summit Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Trail 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.