Activities in the Parks

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

Share

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.

Notch Trail
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

2.10 miles round-trip
From Skyline College, you'll be shocked by how quickly you can leave civilization. Begin the climb through the trees to a view of Rockaway Beach. You'll have some great ocean views during this portion of the trail. The trail turns away from the ocean, and you view the valley below...
View toward the ocean from Sweeney Ridge
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

0.59 miles round-trip
This is an easy singletrack that connects to an unnamed trail from behind the Sweeney Ridge Equestrian Center. From the top, it can be utilized to complete a loop of the Sweeney Ridge where it meets up with the Sweeney Meadow Trail. As with the rest of the ridge, one...
Hikers make their way down Sweeney Ridge
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

1.57 miles round-trip
Don't miss the short journey up to the Sweeney Meadow. While it can be a bit of effort to reach the Sweeney Ridge , it's well worth it. Visitors will enjoy passing wildflowers in spring and will also be treated to great views. This trail is part of an easy...
Sweeney Ridge
Trail

Length

6.70 miles round-trip
A short drive south of San Francisco, Sweeney Ridge Trail offers great views of the coast. The trail is a combination of paved and dirt fire roads, with about 600 feet of elevation gain for a high point of 1,213 feet.

Your parks need you now

Your support helps fight climate change and promote park sustainability—please give now.