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.

Refine
Young cyclists set off from Crissy Field
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

2.52 miles round-trip
If you're cycling, this is the path to follow on your way to the western side of Crissy Field , Fort Point , or the Golden Gate Bridge . By avoiding the Crissy Promenade that's closer to the bayshore, you'll avoid potential mishaps with pedestrians and enjoy a smoother ride...
Hikers enjoy the wonders of the Matt Davis Trail
Trail
Difficulty: Very Strenuous

Length

13.60 miles round-trip
The magnificent Matt Davis Trail is one of the main thoroughfares to experience the glory of Mt. Tamalpais . On an epic hike from the Pantoll Ranger Station, you'll pass by shady groves, golden hillsides, and towering redwoods, on your way to the sands of Stinson Beach . Matt Davis...
Hikers near Muir Beach
Trail

Length

7.70 miles round-trip
Ditch the summer fog in San Francisco for the sunny peaks of our Golden Gate National Parks in Marin County. Have some fun in the sun on this moderate eight mile hike and finish it off with a frothy pint at the local English inn! Along the way, you'll see...
Battery Alexander near Battery Mendell
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

1.58 miles round-trip
This is a wide open pathway that gives access to bunkers, cliffs, beach, crashing waves and views in all directions. At the end, there is a little loop that looks down to the Rodeo Lagoon and Cronkhite Beach. Take the dog, let the kids explore, picnic, be in the wind...
Parks Conservancy staff lead a wildflower walk at Lands End
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

0.33 miles round-trip
From the parking area by the Lands End Lookout visitor center, this short trail segment winds through wildlife habitat restored with thousands of native plants, planted by Parks Conservancy staff and volunteers. In the spring, this area erupts with dazzling rainbows of colorful wildflower blooms. Merrie Way was once home...
View over Green Gulch
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

3.68 miles round-trip
Middle Green Gulch Trail is a 4.1-mile loop trail located near Sausalito, California that offers scenic views. The trail is rated as moderate and offers a number of activity options. Horses are also able to use this trail.
Visitors stroll Milagra Ridge
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

1.23 miles round-trip
This trail take visitors out from the residential area of Pacifica and up onto Milagra Ridge . The vast Pacific coast opens up as you look back. The trail is steep, so make sure to stop every now and again to enjoy the view! There is plenty of room to...
Sunset at Milagra Ridge
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

0.35 miles round-trip
From the Sharp Park entrance, this flat trail includes a loop on the ridge that opens up to beautiful hilltop meadows. Easy singletrack and doubletrack will take you around the peak.
Mission blue butterfly
Trail
Difficulty: Moderate

Length

1.20 miles round-trip
Surrounded by urban development in Pacifica, Milagra Ridge forms what biologists call an island ecosystem. Despite this isolation, this 250-acre park hosts a surprising diversity of natural resources. It is home to threatened and endangered species like the mission blue and San Bruno elfin butterflies.
Views from Milagra Ridge
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

0.25 miles round-trip
Milagra Summit Trail is a hiking trail in Pacifica, California, within Milagra Ridge . This trail connects with the following: Milagra Creek Overlook Trail.
Rocky beach at the end of the Mile Rock Trail
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

0.30 miles round-trip
You'll pass by this short trail 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. At the end, you'll see plenty of people...
Cyclists power forward along the Miwok Trail
Trail
Difficulty: Very Strenuous

Length

15.91 miles round-trip
The long, snaking Miwok Trail winds from a trailhead at Tennessee Valley to a junction with the Redwood Creek Trail near Muir Woods . On this strenuous 10-mile-long path, visitors will enjoy wildflowers, great views, and some breathtaking climbs (both in scenery and in exertion!).

Your parks need you now

Your support helps fight climate change and promote park sustainability—please give now.