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.

Aerial view of Rancho Corral de Tierra trails
Trail
Difficulty: Strenuous

Length

3.74 miles round-trip
The trailhead is near the intersection of Coral Reef Avenue and Sevilla Avenue in El Grenada, but parking can be tricky in the area (Quarry Park, half a mile away, is probably your best bet). The trail itself, one of the best ways to experience Rancho Corral de Tierra ,...
Ember Ridge Ranch in Rancho Corral de Tierra
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

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
Trail
Difficulty: Strenuous

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. As the National...
Rancho Corral de Tierra
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

0.82 miles round-trip
At the end of Le Conte Avenue in Montara, near Farallone View Elementary School, you'll come to the start of the Le Conte Trail. Passing through coastal meadows, this short trail connects you to longer trails that snake across the sprawling Rancho Corral de Tierra.
Ocean views from Rancho Corral de Tierra
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

1.31 miles round-trip
This is an area within a network of trails that provides amazing views of San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean, and Highway 1. Most of the trail is exposed to sunlight, dogs are allowed on leash, and there's plenty of elevation gain/loss. There are some flatter trails and some that go...
Aerial view of Rancho Corral de Tierra trails
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

1.88 miles round-trip
This is another escape hatch into the wild beauty of Rancho Corral de Tierra . Park on Etheldore Street, and make your way up Ranch Road. Keep your eyes peeled for the trailhead to your left. Then begin your exploration in earnest, bearing northeast.
Path winding through Rancho Corral de Tierra
Trail
Difficulty: Moderate

Length

5.99 miles round-trip
The Spine Trail is a great way to experience the remoteness and wild beauty of Rancho Corral de Tierra . Park along Etheldore Street, then hoof it down Ranch Road toward the Ember Ridge Equestrian Center (don't disturb the horses...or the staff, please!). Find the signs for the Spine Trail,...

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