In brief:
0.7 mile loop to a spectacular viewpoint and bird watching hotspot.
Distance, category, and difficulty:
This 0.7 mile loop hike is easy, with 200 feet in elevation change.
Exposure:
Full sun.
Trail traffic:
Moderate.
Trail surfaces:
Dirt trail and steps.
Hiking time:
1/2 hour or more.
Season:
Nice any time, best in autumn for birdwatching.
Getting there:
• From northbound US 101 in San Francisco County, cross the Golden
Gate Bridge and exit at Alexander (the first exit past the view point turnoff). At the base of the exit ramp bear left, then turn left onto Alexander, pass under 101, and just before the merge back onto 101, turn right onto Conzelman. Drive uphill on Conzelman Road to the roundabout junction with McCullough. Continue on Conzelman 0.6 mile, to roadside parking just before Conzelman becomes one way.
• From southbound US 101 in Marin County, exit Sausalito (the last
exit before the bridge). Drive uphill on Conzelman Road, and follow Conzelman to the roundabout junction with McCullough. Continue on Conzelman 0.6 mile, to roadside parking just before Conzelman becomes one way.
GPS coordinates* for trailhead:
Latitude
37°49'37.20"N
Longitude
122°29'57.66"W
(* based on Google Earth
data, shown as degrees, minutes, seconds)
Trailhead details:
Side of the road parking. No entrance
or parking fees. Pit toilets at edge of parking
lot. There are handicapped-designated parking spots, and the trail is wheelchair accessible, but it is poorly suited to chairs. No maps or water available at trailhead.
Gas, food, and lodging:
Gas, restaurants, and stores about 6 miles north in Marin City. There are
a few camping options in the Headlands, including small camps at Kirby Cove
and Bicentennial.
Rules:
No dogs.
The Official Story
NPS's GGNRA page.
Marin Headlands Visitor Center 415-331-1540
Map Options:
• Parks Conservancy Hawk Hill page
• Map
from GGNRA (download Marin Headlands Trail Map)
• Tom Harrison Maps' Southern Marin Trail Map (order
this map from Amazon.com) is a good guide to the area.
• A Rambler's Guide to the Trails of Mt. Tamalpais and the Marin Headlands,
map from Pease Press (order from Pease Press) is useful.
Go to Bay Area Hiker Home page