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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Ocean views from Rancho Corral de Tierra
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

1.31 miles round-trip
This is an area within a network of trails that provides amazing views of San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean, and Highway 1. Most of the trail is exposed to sunlight, dogs are allowed on leash, and there's plenty of elevation gain/loss. There are some flatter trails and some that go...
View over Tennessee Valley toward the beach and ocean
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

2.61 miles round-trip
Best used in the downhill, northerly direction into Tennessee Valley . From the junction with the Miwok Trail - Bunker Road to Wolf Ridge, the trail starts fairly level, crossing several wood bridges with nice views over Tennessee Valley out to the Pacific Ocean. Dropping from the ridge, it gets...
Panoramic Trail meets the Canopy View Trail at this rock
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

1.87 miles round-trip
This trail provides views above the fog, and connects to a short out and back or numerous other trails, for loops down into the valley below. Overlooking the Muir Woods National Monument and the Pacific Coast, the vistas are breathtaking. Look for the Farallon Islands, ships passing by, and more...
Pirates Cove Trail
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

2.92 miles round-trip
Picture just you, the chaparral, the crashing waves, the sky, and a trail that runs along the rugged coast just south of Muir Beach. The Pirate's Cove Trail is probably what you've been imagining. From the north, connect to this trail from a section of the Coastal Trail at Muir...
Pathway steps at Camp Alice Eastwood
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

0.41 miles round-trip
Plevin Cut is a hiking trail in Marin County, California. It is within Mount Tamalpais State Park. It is 0.2 miles long and begins at 482 feet altitude. Traveling the entire trail is 0.3 miles with a total elevation gain of 116 feet. Near the trailhead there are picnic sites,...
Visitors cross the bridge to Point Bonita Light
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

1.10 miles round-trip
The walk down to Point Bonita Lighthouse is a hallmark Bay Area experience that offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge .
Crissy Field Overlook
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

1.36 miles round-trip
As its name suggests, this trail offers more of a leisurely promenade than a strenuous hike. But its 2.1-mile-long distance covers a vast swath of Presidio history; connecting the Lombard Gate and the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center , this trail offers a fantastic overview of the Presidio's past, present,...
Boardwalk trail along Redwood Creek through Muir Woods
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

2.03 miles round-trip
From the visitor center, begin this trail through a valley of old-growth coast redwoods. This will be an outing like no other, due to the incredible trees that line this trail. If you need, there are plenty of benches to sit back and look up from. Muir Woods National Monument...
Western brush rabbit
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

1.43 miles round-trip
This short and simple trail is often overlooked, despite being a wonderful access trail that is sometimes utilized by cyclists coming out of the Tennessee Valley.
Andy Goldsworthy's "Spire" in the Presidio
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

3.50 miles round-trip
If you find yourself in San Francisco and restless at the end of the day, consider the Presidio 's portion of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, the planned 550-mile trail through the hills around the Bay. To hike the Presidio's trail segment, head into the historic forest from Arguello Boulevard,...
Presidio National Cemetery Overlook
Trail

Length

3.80 miles round-trip
From: Arguello Gate To: the Golden Gate Bridge and back Explore the charm, seclusion, natural wonders, and historic and cultural variety of the Presidio. Stunning views await you on this short trip through forests and grasslands and along coastal bluffs, from the Presidio's south-central entrance to its northwest tip and...
Habitat restoration volunteers work on Alta Ridge
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

1.39 miles round-trip
The Rodeo Avenue Trail begins with a series of switchbacks. It seems that every time you come around one of these turns you are looking at a different forest. Eucalyptus, tall and full, then the yellow Acacia followed immediately by the cypress grove and near the top, a mix of...

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