San Francisco: North

Golden Gate National Recreation Area/Marin Headlands

Wikimedia

The Marin Headlands, also known as the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, are one of the most spectacular wild spots within proximity to a major city that we’ve experienced. Just over the Golden Gate Bridge, the Headlands are a hilly area of roads and trails with great views of the bridge, bay, and the city. It’s what you see on the left as you’re crossing over the Golden Gate Bridge. There’s a huge variety of options for running here. We’ve provided a few recommendations below. Note that the main vehicle roads do not have a shoulder in sections, although in most areas are not heavily trafficked. Trail running here offers huge variety and mileage but can be challenging and remote — be aware of coyotes and mountain lions. The park of the Headlands closest to the GG Bridge are really hilly, but there are some good, flat running options at Rodeo Beach and on the Tennessee Valley.

  • Vista Point to Rodeo Beach One-Way. 5 miles one-way, 600 foot gain.  Have a buddy and want a challenge? Then run the 5 miles from Vista Point to Rodeo Beach and have someone (or Uber) pick you up!  A real hill challenge with unbelievable views, especially the first 3 miles! Good spots to pull over for views. Take Conzelman Rd. from Vista Point, and at 2.6 miles, take the cut off for Field Rd., and then take that to Rodeo Beach, passing the Visitor Center. Some sections of road don’t have a shoulder – run facing traffic. It’s about 5 miles along the road from Vista Point to Rodeo Beach along the road and about 6 miles using the off-road ‘coastal trail’. Most of the elevation gain is at the beginning, grades of 6-7%. Note: Option to shorten by using the pedestrian ‘tunnel’ of Conzelman Rd. to connect to Bunker Rd. (foot only!)
  • Conzelman-Bunker Loop. 5.5  miles, 800 ft. elev. gain. This is a good opportunity to do a loop of some of the most spectacular sections, starting from Vista Point over the GG Bridge. Combination trail and road, can be done in either direction. In our map, run out the SCA trail right off Conzelman Rd., near Vista Point. Then connect to McCullough Rd. & Bunker Rd. At the intersection with the the Coastal Trail, take the trail back, and then Conzelman Rd. a the rotary. This is a hilly run – 800 feet of elevation gain, with grades of up to 10%. Note: we take the SCA trail because pedestrians are not allowed in the Bunker Rd. tunnel.
  • Rodeo Beach Area. If you have a car and want some flat, lovely running, drive to  Rodeo Beach. You can do the lovely 1.5 mile loop around Rodeo Lagoon, and enjoy some of the flatter roads and trails in the area. Great ocean views. Ample parking.
Essentials
  • Depends on route chosen
  • Vista Point is a good starting spot
  • If you don't have a car, Vista Point over the GG Br. is a good launching spot

Comment on this Route/Share a Photo!

Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!

Subscribe
Notify of

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Essentials
  • Depends on route chosen
  • Vista Point is a good starting spot
  • If you don't have a car, Vista Point over the GG Br. is a good launching spot