Pathways through the Golden Gate National Parks don’t always mean trails.  For many staff members at the Parks Conservancy, the National Park Service (NPS), and the Presidio Trust, their paths to full-time employment started during internships or youth programs offered in our parks.

The parks are fiercely visual, making it easy for photographers—both amateur and professional—to snap some truly awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping images. Out of thousands of photos taken this year in the Golden Gate National Parks, here are the 18 favorite photos from our staff photographers.

Despite a lapse in federal appropriations (also called “government shutdown”) that began on Saturday, December 22, many park sites and visitor facilities in the Golden Gate National Parks remain open.

Radhaus, the sparkling Fort Mason beer hall, isn't the only spot in the Golden Gate National Parks to grab a beer and soak in the bridge view. Check out some of our picks for the best spots to enjoy the happiest of hours in our parks.

Be among the first to own the newest iconic Golden Gate National Parks image, as Ocean Beach gets the Michael Schwab design treatment. The image is the 21st in the series, and highlights the serene waves and coastal colors of the popular spot.

In a special ceremony at Crissy Field, 32 young people were honored as new U.S. citizens and the next generation of public lands and public library users. They heard from author Dave Eggers, who said “this country’s greatness depends on you."

Several former guards and other Alcatraz residents embodied the living history of the island at the last formal reunion of the Alcatraz Alumni Association. But the stories of Alcatraz residents will still be told.