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.
Trail
Length
15.91 miles round-trip
The long, snaking Miwok Trail winds from a trailhead at Tennessee Valley to a junction with the Redwood Creek Trail near Muir Woods . On this strenuous 10-mile-long path, visitors will enjoy wildflowers, great views, and some breathtaking climbs (both in scenery and in exertion!).
Trail
Length
0.44 miles round-trip
At the end of the Old Mori Road Trail, at the west end of Mori Point , you'll come to the intimidating sight of the Bootlegger's Steps. If you can, take a deep breath and power through, because you'll be rewarded at the top with a seascape to rival the...
Trail
Length
0.23 miles round-trip
At the west end of the Old Mori Road Trail, you'll come to Mori Point 's famous Bootlegger's Steps. Although the steep staircase looks daunting, take a deep breath and charge (or chug) up the bluff to the Mori Headlands Trail, where you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the...
Hiking
- Hikes
Length (Roundtrip): 3.2 miles Elevation Gain: 298 feet Difficulty: Easy Mori Point is a great place to enjoy a sunset, scan the waters for whale spouts, or simply enjoy the waves of the Pacific Coast washing up onto the shores. Remember to check out the ridgeline trail too, where you...
Trail
Length
1.41 miles round-trip
Visit a beautiful part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in an loop easily accessible by car, bike, and SamTrans bus lines. This area was improved with the help of community and park volunteers and is a showcase of restored native plants and animal species. This loop climbs stairs...
Trail
Length
0.71 miles round-trip
Highway 101 lies just below this trail. Take your time and enjoy the views in the canyon as you make your way up the hill side, and look out over the bay as you follow numerous switchbacks. Head up to the bench just to the right of the trail at...
Trail
Mountain Lake Trail takes you along the southern edge of the Presidio from Baker Beach to the Broadway Gate. The recently restored habitat of Mountain Lake is home to many native species of flora and fauna, including the Western pond turtle, Pacific chorus frog, and 65 migratory bird species. If...
Hiking
- Hikes
Difficulty: Moderate A wonderful loop hike on Mt. Tam with a stop at the historic West Point Inn for lemonade or a snack and a panoramic view.
Trail
Length
0.02 miles round-trip
This trail to the Muir Beach Overlook offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Marin County coastline.
Trail
Length
7.70 miles round-trip
This loop hike dishes up a sampler platter of sensational Marin County scenery! Start on the sands of Muir Beach , wind your way up Dias Ridge , swing around down Wolf Ridge, and celebrate the completion of your loop by raising a pint at the Pelican Inn, and English-style...
Trail
Length
4.00 miles round-trip
This four-mile hike includes a 900-foot elevation gain and will take you a good afternoon to hike. Much of the trail through coastal scrub habitat is exposed and open to hikers, cyclists, and equestrians.
Hiking
- Hikes
Leaving from the immensely popular Muir Woods National Monument , this hike is a good example of the hikers “rule-of-halves.” This rule states that the number of hikers on a trail decreases by half every half mile. While the math may not be exact, the corollary that the density decreases...