Golden Gate National Recreation Area Trails

The Coastal Trail is the true connoisseur's way to drink deeply from the quintessence of the California experience.

This mellow hike was a joy in spring: wildflowers everywhere, great views, no fog. We chose the hiker-only trails where we could, but bike routes cover similar ground.

Hill 88, towering 1,053 feet above Rodeo Beach, is reached via a 2.5-mile segment of the Coastal Trail. It starts flat but features a steep climb. Along the way, you'll pass Battery Townsley and ascend Wolf Ridge. A spur trail takes you to former gun emplacements and bunkers.

Running along Coyote Ridge, this trail presents visitors with panoramic, eye-popping views of San Francisco, the Pacific, the rolling hills and valleys of the Marin Headlands, and, on clear days, even Mt. Diablo far to the east.

Restored in 2001, Crissy Field wasted no time in becoming a San Francisco icon and a gem of the Parks Conservancy. The former military airfield now sports a clean, smooth promenade with views of the Golden Gate, Alcatraz, and the North and East Bays.

Restored in 2001, Crissy Field wasted no time in becoming a San Francisco icon and a gem of the Parks Conservancy. The former military airfield now sports a clean, smooth promenade with views of the Golden Gate, Alcatraz, and the North and East Bays.

This lovely trail in the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed features spectacular vistas, shady forests, springtime wildflowers, and plenty of connections with other trails. Be aware that this one is popular with mountain bikers, so everyone should stay alert and courteously share the trail.

Just across the street from the Pelican Inn and a short walk from Muir Beach, this trail ascends gradually and offers wonderful views of Muir Beach. Eventually you'll connect with the Miwok Trail.

Start at the charming 17th-century style Pelican Inn at Muir Beach in Marin and head up the chaparral-covered Dias Ridge. The five-mile trail loops across former dairy ranches and rises 700 feet. At every turn there is another dazzling panorama of the Pacific and the Marin Headlands.

Descend along a gorgeous new multi-use trail. From Panoramic Hwy you start out at 700' and drop down to sea level at Muir Beach with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean for most of the trip while passing over 20,000 newly planted native plants and grasses.

The historic Dipsea Trail and route of the famous foot race, contested since 1905, connects the east side of Mount Tamalpais at Mill Valley with the west side at Stinson Beach.

Stretching from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach, the famed Dipsea Trail is for hikers looking for a challenge.