Parks

A historical photo of an incarcerated gardener watering plants in the gardens of Alcatraz.

Learn about the stories of Alcatraz Island's incarcerated gardeners.

A red and gray San Francisco Muni bus parked at a station in the Presidio

Transit to Trails: How to take public transportation to GGNRA parks

Sometimes it can be tricky navigating from point A to point B, so we’ve outlined our favorite routes that offer ease of access and stunning park adventures.

5 light-wood junior ranger badges are seen sitting on a log.

Junior ranger badges: How to catch 'em all in the GGNRA

The junior ranger program is meant to spark curiosity in the natural world for kids. And once that curiosity gets sparked, just get ready for a torrent of questions an adult would never ask.

A broken boardwalk is seen at Stinson Beach following storms in early 2023.

What the storms revealed: Next steps for Stinson Beach, Ocean Beach, Tennessee Valley

You never know what will be revealed in the wake of a storm: It might be a shipwreck, a message in a bottle, or a message about the future.

Person walking along Ocean Beach, in front of Cliff House, with snowy Marin Headlands in Background

Photos: Snow Day in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area!

In the characteristically temperate Bay Area, snow rarely falls along the ridges of the GGNRA. But in 1976, the Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais were dusted with a light layer of snow—truly a once-in-a-lifetime scene to behold.

Three hikes among California's coast redwoods for all abilities

Easy, moderate, and difficult hike options to enjoy Coast Redwoods in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

'10 best trails in the Bay Area': Here are the GGNRA picks

The San Francisco Chronicle released a list of the "10 best hiking trails in the Bay Area, according to 600,000 reviews." We're lucky enough to have several of the trail options right here in the GGNRA and within the One Tam footprint.

Trail Closures and Park Updates

Park improvement projects and weather-related events sometimes result in temporary closures and detours of trails around the parks. Learn about current closures.

NPS park ranger, children gather and examine flowers in black and white historic photo from 1978.

50 years of the GGNRA: Timeline and key places to visit

Here's where you can get started to learn more about the history of the GGNRA: The spots that were critical to the formation of the parks and a timeline of how we got here.

Mile Rock Beach

Beach

On the Mile Rock Trail, you'll pass by this short path 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.

Golden Gate Historic Landscaping and Maintenance

Your gift helps preserve over 84,000 acres of parkland

Parks