National Recreation Area · California

Trails in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

228 named trails · 145 miles · 19 trailheads · 5 with the Park Service's own write-up. The lines, trailheads and points are the Park Service's; the write-ups are the Service's own words; the climbing is read from USGS elevation along each line.

Open on the parks mapEvery park with trailsPark on nps.gov

228 trails, A to Z.

Anza Trail

1.8 mi one way · about 300 ft of climbing · 141 ft–371 ft · paver surface · bike, hiking, horse

ViewsPicnic areas

244 ft 316 ft · 0.6 mi high 354 ft

Along the way IMMIGRANT POINT PICNIC AREA IMMIGRANT POINT OVERLOOK

Bay Trail

1.9 mi one way · about 10 ft of climbing · 9 ft–21 ft · bike, hiking, horse

ViewsPicnic areas

10 ft 12 ft · 0.3 mi high 21 ft

Along the way WARMING HUT PICNIC AREA West Bluff Picnic Area Battery East Vista

Bolinas Ridge Trail

1.4 mi one way · about 350 ft of climbing · 1,250 ft–1,653 ft · bike, hiking, horse

1,613 ft 1,633 ft · 0.6 mi high 1,653 ft

Hike the Bolinas Ridge Trail the Park Service's write-up

1-11 Hours · dogs allowed

Start Bolinas Ridge Trailhead along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard

Light brownish-yellow grasses on a ridge crest with a dark green forested ridge in the background.
The Bolinas Ridge Trail offers many views of Olema Valley. Photo: NPS / J. Dupont

Distance: up to 22 miles (35 km) roundtrip

Difficulty: Easy to difficult, largely depending on how far one hikes

Admire the expansive views of the Olema Valley from a ridge crest on this multi-use trail where you may walk your leashed dog. (Dogs must be on a six-foot or shorter leash at all times. Visit Point Reyes National Seashore's Pets page for additional regulations and safety tips.) The Bolinas Ridge Trail is a current ranch/fire road that is shared with bike and horse riders. Most of the northern part of the trail passes through active cattle pastures. Grazing cattle may be present; give them plenty of space when passing. This is an out-and-back trail (although connecting trails offer the opportunity of loop hikes), so it provides visitors with the flexibility to choose how long they want to make their adventure. The Bolinas Ridge trail spans 11 miles (17.6 km) from its northern trailhead along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to its southern terminus on the Fairfax-Bolinas Road. Turn around and retrace your steps whenever you are ready. The trail description below proceeds from north to south.

The Bolinas Ridge Trail's northernmost 2.4 miles (3.8 km) pass through grasslands, gradually increasing in elevation. Due to the absence of trees, this section offers some of the best views along the trail of Olema Valley to the west, Tomales Bay to the northwest, and Black Mountain to the north.

The Bolinas Ridge Trail intersects with the Jewell Trail 1.4 miles (2.2 km) from the northern trailhead. The Jewell Trail leads east and downhill to Lagunitas Creek and the Cross Marin Trail . If you don't mind walking 0.7 miles (1.2 km) along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, follow Jewell Trail to Cross Marin Trail to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and back along the road to the trailhead for a 4.3-mile-long (6.9-km-long) loop hike.

The Bolinas Ridge Trail continues south from the Jewell Trail junction with grasslands initially on both sides of the trail. The trail begins to run along the edge of a Douglas fir and coast redwood forest 2.4 miles (3.8 km) from the northern trailhead. The trail skirts along the edge of the woods, staying mostly out from under the tree canopy for the next 3.3 miles (5.3 km).

The Shafter Grade Road/Trail descends to the east 5.1 miles (8.2 km) from Bolinas Ridge Trail's northern trailhead. The Shafter Grade connects with the Cross Marin Trail at the southeast boundary of Samuel P. Taylor State Park and provides options for loop hikes in excess of 10.3 miles (16.5 km).

The Bolinas Ridge Trail more completely enters the forest 5.7 miles (9.1 km) south of its northern trailhead. South of here, far-reaching views are few and far between.

The Randall Trail descends west to Highway 1 (aka Shoreline Highway) 0.5 miles (0.8 km) later. Continuing south through the forest for another 1.6 miles (2.6 km) brings the hiker to the McCurdy Trail, which similarly descends west to Highway 1. Starting from either the Randall or McCurdy Trailheads, combining the appropriate sections of the Randall, Bolinas Ridge, McCurdy, and Olema Valley Trails results in an 8.1-mile-long (13-km-long) loop hike.

The Bolinas Ridge Trail remains in the forest for another 1.7 miles (2.7 km) as it winds to the south before encountering a drier 1-mile-long (1.6-km-long) section of the ridge dominated by fragrant chaparral. From a few sections of this part of the trail, one can look south to Bolinas Lagoon, Stinson Beach, Bolinas Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. Hikers will reenter the redwood forest and find shade along the southernmost 0.5 miles (0.8 km) of the Bolinas Ridge Trail and at the small parking area along the Fairfax-Bolinas Road.

This route description alone is not a substitute for a trail map. Print out Point Reyes National Seashore's South District trail map (3,422 KB PDF) before your visit, or pick up the trail map at the Bear Valley Visitor Center on your way. (While designated as part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Bolinas Ridge Trail and most of the trails referenced on this page are managed by Point Reyes National Seashore.)

Always check current conditions before heading out into the park and familiarize yourself with park regulations . Please practice Leave No Trace principles.

Visit the park's Hiking at Point Reyes National Seashore page for hiking tips and information about trail etiquette and safety.

Visit the park's Trail Advisories and Closures page for current information about closed trails, trails blocked by trees, or other temporary hazards or advisories.

Accessibility The parking for the Bolinas Ridge Trailhead on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard consists of two roadside pullouts that are mostly unpaved. There is a narrow V-shaped chute/gate that prevents cattle from escaping at the trailhead which might be difficult to pass through for some users. Cyclists must lift their bikes over this feature. The trail surface is mostly compacted soil. While the footing is typically even, rain and heavy traffic can make the trail muddy and rutted in various sections. The trail/road is eight to ten feet wide in most places, and traverses through open grasslands, shrubs, and forests. Steep grades exist at various locations.

This hike on nps.gov

Coastal Trail

17 mi one way · about 3,500 ft of climbing · 13 ft–901 ft · asphalt, gravel, native, sand surface · bike, hiking, horse, c

ViewsHistoryVisitor centersBeaches

338 ft 796 ft · 1.6 mi high 803 ft

Along the way RODEO BEACH USS San Francisco Memorial Battery Godfrey Overlook Eagle's Point Lookout Golden Gate Overlook Lifesaving Station Overlook Mile Rock Overlook Observation Deck PACIFIC OVERLOOK Lands End Lookout Visitor Center

Trailheads Lands End Trailhead 155 ft Drive there · Sutro Heights Entrance 193 ft Drive there · Trailhead - CHECK! and NAME! 215 ft Drive there · UPPER FISHERMANS TRAIL 303 ft Drive there

Crissy Field Promenade

1.2 mi one way · 9 ft–14 ft · paver surface · bike, hiking, horse

12 ft 11 ft · 0.1 mi high 12 ft

Crissy Field Restored Wetlands the Park Service's write-up

1-2 Hours · dogs allowed

Start Crissy Field

Photo at dusk of the marsh at Crissy Field with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background
Crissy Field at dusk Photo: Alison Taggart-Barone

Explore and walk around the restored wetlands of Crissy Field.

Originally a coastal wetlands occupied seasonally by the Ohlone people, the Crissy Field area has seen more changes in use than any other site in the Presidio. The Crissy Field Promenade runs along the bay and has spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay.

Along your stroll, look out for shorebirds and wildlife living in the wetland habitat

Accessibility Crissy Field Accessibility Crissy Field has accessible parking, restrooms, trails, picnicking, seasonal beach mat access, and beach wheelchairs (by request). There are two areas in Crissy Field, East Beach and West Bluff. Both areas have several accessible parking spaces. . East Beach has: An accessible restroom facility, a concrete building adjacent to the parking lot. An accessible dog washing station is also available here. An accessible picnic area for family and group picnicking. West Bluff has: Generally accessible picnic sites, an accessible Accessible restrooms near the Warming Hut There is an amphitheater that has accessible seating along the top row, here you also find an accessible picnic table Torpedo Wharf is usable, but has cracked and heaving asphalt, please proceed with caution. The Crissy Field Promenade is generally accessible and relatively flat. Beach Wheelchairs area available by reservation at least 5 days in advance. Please contact us for more information.

This hike on nps.gov

Great Meadow Paths

0.8 mi one way · about 20 ft of climbing · 26 ft–83 ft · paver surface · bike, hiking, horse

Visitor centersTunnels

38 ft 60 ft · 0.1 mi high 60 ft

Along the way RAILROAD TUNNEL ENTRANCE WEST GOLDEN GATE NRA HEADQUARTERS

Merrie Way Trail

0.2 mi one way · about 30 ft of climbing · 161 ft–191 ft · paver surface · bike, hiking, horse

161 ft 191 ft · 0.1 mi high 191 ft

Trailhead Lands End Trailhead 155 ft Drive there

Milagra Ridge Trail

0.6 mi one way · about 50 ft of climbing · 90 ft of descent · 613 ft–697 ft · native surface · hiking

653 ft 613 ft · 0.6 mi high 697 ft

Trailhead Milagra Ridge Trail 644 ft Drive there

Miwok Stables Road

0.2 mi one way · about 20 ft of climbing · 204 ft–235 ft · native surface · bike, hiking, horse

223 ft 235 ft · 0.1 mi high 235 ft

Trailhead TENNESSEE VALLEY TRAILHEAD 200 ft Drive there

Mori Ridge Trail

1.2 mi one way · about 800 ft of climbing · 243 ft–1,052 ft · native surface · bike, hiking, horse

371 ft 1,052 ft · 1.1 mi high 1,052 ft

Trailhead Mori Ridge Trail 236 ft Drive there

Notch Trail

1.0 mi one way · about 450 ft of climbing · 727 ft–1,051 ft · native surface · hiking

727 ft 1,051 ft · 1.0 mi high 1,051 ft

Trailhead Notch Trail at Skyline College 702 ft Drive there

Owl Trail

1.1 mi one way · about 10 ft of climbing · 300 ft of descent · 195 ft–486 ft · native surface · hiking

486 ft 208 ft · 1.1 mi high 486 ft

Trailhead MUIR BEACH OVERLOOK TRAIL 488 ft Drive there

Park Trail

1.1 mi one way · about 100 ft of climbing · 200 ft of descent · 82 ft–300 ft · bike, hiking, horse

285 ft 82 ft · 0.6 mi high 285 ft

Explore Sutro Baths and Sutro Heights Park the Park Service's write-up

1-3 Hours · dogs allowed

Start Sutro Bath Ruins

The Sutro Bath Ruins with the Pacific Ocean in the background.
Sutro Bath Ruins

Explore the ruins of the Sutro Baths and Sutro Heights Park .

Learn about Adolph Sutro and his influence on San Francisco and Land's End while taking in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Accessibility This is a generally accessible activity. Accessible parking is available nearby at the Lands End Lookout Visitor Center and along Point Lobos Ave. There are gravel pathways in Sutro Baths and in Sutro Heights Park that are generally accessible.

This hike on nps.gov

Sunset Trail

0.2 mi one way · 183 ft–184 ft · sand surface · bike, hiking, horse

183 ft 183 ft · 0.2 mi high 184 ft

Trailhead Coastal Trail at Funston Lot 184 ft Drive there

Sutro Baths Trail

0.2 mi one way · 70 ft of descent · 37 ft–103 ft · asphalt surface · bike, hiking, horse

Views

103 ft 37 ft · 0.2 mi high 103 ft

Along the way Overlook

Explore Sutro Baths and Sutro Heights Park the Park Service's write-up

1-3 Hours · dogs allowed

Start Sutro Bath Ruins

The Sutro Bath Ruins with the Pacific Ocean in the background.
Sutro Bath Ruins

Explore the ruins of the Sutro Baths and Sutro Heights Park .

Learn about Adolph Sutro and his influence on San Francisco and Land's End while taking in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Accessibility This is a generally accessible activity. Accessible parking is available nearby at the Lands End Lookout Visitor Center and along Point Lobos Ave. There are gravel pathways in Sutro Baths and in Sutro Heights Park that are generally accessible.

This hike on nps.gov

Sutro Heights Trail

0.1 mi one way · 183 ft–189 ft · asphalt surface · bike, hiking, horse

189 ft 183 ft · 0.1 mi high 189 ft

Explore Sutro Baths and Sutro Heights Park the Park Service's write-up

1-3 Hours · dogs allowed

Start Sutro Bath Ruins

The Sutro Bath Ruins with the Pacific Ocean in the background.
Sutro Bath Ruins

Explore the ruins of the Sutro Baths and Sutro Heights Park .

Learn about Adolph Sutro and his influence on San Francisco and Land's End while taking in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Accessibility This is a generally accessible activity. Accessible parking is available nearby at the Lands End Lookout Visitor Center and along Point Lobos Ave. There are gravel pathways in Sutro Baths and in Sutro Heights Park that are generally accessible.

This hike on nps.gov

Trail

0.5 mi one way · about 20 ft of climbing · 40 ft of descent · 11 ft–293 ft · hiking

ViewsPicnic areas

262 ft 253 ft · 0.1 mi high 262 ft

Along the way WARMING HUT PICNIC AREA West Bluff Picnic Area Battery Godfrey Overlook Golden Gate Overlook National Cemetery Overlook

Trailhead Trailhead - CHECK! and NAME! 215 ft Drive there

27 more mapped segments without a name are on the map, not in the list.

More hikes the Park Service describes

Write-ups that name no single mapped trail, in the Service's words.

About these trails

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-14 and simplified for the map. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do", unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.