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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.

Rocky beach at the end of the Mile Rock Trail
Mile Rock Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Trail Length: 0.30 miles round trip

You'll pass by this short trail while hiking the Coastal Trail at Lands End. In just a short distance, you'll have a spectacular overlook of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and even Point Reyes on a clear day. 

At the end, you'll see plenty of people taking photos,

Cyclists power forward along the Miwok Trail
Miwok Trail
Difficulty Level: Very Strenuous
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!). 

Meditation on the bluffs at Mori Point
Mori Bluff Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
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.

Mori Point
Mori Headlands Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
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.

Scenic view of Mori Point Loop Trail, park visitors walk amongst wildflowers on a sunny day.
Mori Point Peak Loop

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.

Bootlegger's Steps up to the top of Mori Point
Mori Point Peak Loop Trail
Difficulty Level: Moderately Strenuous
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.

View of the Golden Gate from the Marin Headlands
Morning Sun Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
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.

Mountain Lake in the Presidio
Mountain Lake Trail
Difficulty Level: Moderately Strenuous

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.

West Point Inn
Mt. Tam Loop Hike

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.

Muir Beach Overlook
Muir Beach Overlook Loop Trail
Difficulty Level: Moderate
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.

Cyclist pedals above Muir Beach
Muir Beach to Pelican Inn Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderately Strenuous
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 pub

Family outing at Muir Beach
Muir Beach Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
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.