Golden Gate National Recreation Area Trails

Find your path to discovery and adventure

For many of us, the sprawling and spectacular trail system at Golden Gate is how we experience the parks and encounter their many wonders. More than just a line through the woods or a swath across a bluff, the trail is where we can marvel at nature, learn about culture, and understand history. Trails are as unique and complex as the ecosystems they help protect, or the extraordinary people who help care for them. Stay up to date on any closures. Introduce yourself to one of the trails in the Golden Gate National Parks. And get ready to meet magic.

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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.
Hiking near Pantoll Campground
Trail
Difficulty: Moderate

Length

3.62 miles round-trip
The TCC Trail is named for the Tamalpais Conservation Club, a group that has been maintaining and preserving the area's trails continuously for the last 100+ years. The TCC Trail (like many others in the area) was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of the New Deal program...
Alta Trail
Trail
Difficulty: Very Strenuous

Length

5.70 miles round-trip
Within the blissfully remote Marin Headlands , Tennessee Valley has become a prime destination spot for casual hikers, bikers, and riders. Down the valley, mountainous sentinels stand guard over a tiny idyllic beach and a sensational framed view of the Pacific. But to experience the lonesome solidarity that nature can...
Tennessee Valley Trail is perfect for the whole family
Trail
Difficulty: Moderate

Length

3.40 miles round-trip
Tennessee Valley is an amazing offshoot of the Marin Headlands , with hiking trails that suit the whole family. The Tennessee Valley Trail is mostly level; it begins at the parking area and travels 1.7 miles to Tennessee Beach. For the more adventurous hiker, there are a number of other...
Stairs down to Black Sands Beach
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

1.08 miles round-trip
The Upper Fishermans trail down to Blacks Beach is steep with plenty of stairs.
Ranger-led hike through Mori Point
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

0.68 miles round-trip
This alternate east-west pathway across Mori Point takes visitors halfway up the Mori bluffs. From this vantage point, visitors have a great view of the seasonal ponds that were placed by the National Park Service and Parks Conservancy staff and volunteers as habitat for the threatened California red-legged frog and...
Rodeo Valley
Trail
Difficulty: Moderate

Length

2.59 miles round-trip
A nice breeze will be at your back most days. This trail connects to the top of the eastern ridge. Near the top are some easily avoidable ruts. You'll get ocean and beach views if you turn around and look back. It never gets too steep. Near the upper end,...
Cypress trees in fog at Lands End
Trail
This trail links visitors to East Fort Miley, the Veterans Administration Hospital, and the Legion of Honor. The current social trail that connects these three locations has many users—dog walkers, runners, golfers from the nearby course, and hikers who wander over from Lands End . Bridging the gap between these...
Hikers explore West Fort Miley
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

0.38 miles round-trip
Fort Miley is hidden in plain sight. If you’ve visited Lands End or Sutro Baths, you’ve already passed right by this former military site. On your next visit, look east as you find parking near the USS San Francisco Memorial, you’ll see a paved road and one entrance to this...
Views toward Bolinas from Willow Camp Fire Road
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

2.34 miles round-trip
Start at the intersection with Shoreline Highway. Stay left at the first intersection and then right at the next two until you reach a parking area. The trail will now climb steeply straight up the mountain. The road winds and switchbacks some until you hit the ridge. Once you hit...
Poppies overlooking Fort Cronkhite and Rodeo Beach
Trail
Difficulty: Strenuous

Length

4.40 miles round-trip
After taking the Coastal Trail up from Rodeo Beach , you'll take the Wolf Ridge Trail on your way to Hill 88 (accessed by a spur trail). It's a bit of a climb, but the Wolf Ridge Trail rewards doughty visitors with spectacular views of the Marin Headlands and Pacific...

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