Activities in the Parks

Can’t Choose Your Own Adventure? Start Here and Go!

Share

With hundreds of miles of trails threading through 37 distinct sites across 80,000 acres of the Golden Gate National Parks, it can be hard to decide where to go and what to do. Let the Parks Conservancy’s experts be your guide! We’ve carefully curated our favorite hikes, walks, and excursions to share with you and your loved ones. There’s something (and some place) for everyone! We reveal some of the natural wonders and historical highlights you’ll experience along the way, but there are plenty more surprises for you to discover. So browse below, then grab your boots and backpack. Your national parks are waiting.

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...
Tennessee Valley trail
Hiking
  • Hikes
Tucked in the Marin Headlands, Tennessee Valley opens a clear plain to the ocean through the scrub and grasses.
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...
Habitat restoration volunteers work on Alta Ridge
Hiking
  • Hikes
Within the blissfully remote Marin Headlands, Tennessee Valley has become a prime destination spot for casual hikers, bikers, and riders.
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.
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...

Your parks need you now

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