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Spring guide to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Discover springtime things to do, wildflower hikes & more

Yellow and white wildflowers cover a bluff at Mori Point in San Mateo County.
Wildflowers cover a bluff at Mori Point in San Mateo County.

Ryan Curran White / Parks Conservancy

Spring in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one superlative season that’ll be sure to delight all the senses. The abundant winter rains give way to a breathtaking wildflower bloom, transforming the coastal trails and rolling hills into vibrant displays of color. Lush, green landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see, rivaling the beauty of any dense forest. 

Springtime is also the perfect season to give back. Celebrate National Park Week as well as Earth Day and Spring Days of Service by volunteering, enjoying nature, and contributing to the preservation of these iconic Bay Area destinations.

So, swap out those rain boots—it’s time to lace up your hiking shoes and hit the trails.

Jump to a section:

Wildflower Trails to Hike in the GGNRA this Spring Season

You know the feeling—you arrive at your favorite park, only to find the parking lot packed. In spring, popular wildflower spots like Mori Point can become overcrowded, putting stress on both the flowers and the ecosystem.

Escape the crowds and explore our experts’ favorite hidden wildflower trails.

Trail atop Bolinas Ridge
Bolinas Ridge Trail
Difficulty Level: Moderately Strenuous
Trail Length: 11.90 miles round trip
Notch Trail
Notch Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Trail Length: 2.10 miles round trip
Mission blue butterfly
Milagra Ridge Trail
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Trail Length: 1.20 miles round trip
View of the Golden Gate from the Marin Headlands
Morning Sun Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Trail Length: 0.71 miles round trip
A park visitor runs on the SCA Trail in the Marin Headlands with the San Francisco skyline in background.
SCA Trail
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Trail Length: 4.02 miles round trip
Habitat restoration volunteers work on Alta Ridge
Alta Trail
Difficulty Level: Moderately Strenuous
Trail Length: 5.02 miles round trip
Runner takes on the challenge of the Dipsea Trail
Dipsea Trail
Difficulty Level: Very Strenuous
Trail Length: 9.44 miles round trip
Golden Gate Bridge views from the paths at Fort Mason
Bay Trail at Fort Mason
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Trail Length: 0.82 miles round trip

Spring Activities in the GGNRA

From wildflower hikes and wildlife spotting to snagging a fire pit at Ocean Beach, here are staff picks for great spring outings and activities in the parks:

Spring Events in the GGNRA

From Earth Day volunteer opportunities and National Park Week celebrations to a seasonal kickoff party, don’t miss these vibrant spring events!