Hike Muir Beach to Tennessee Valley
Details
Distance
7 miles
Elevation Gain
1800 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Liane Lovitt
While most hikes make you work for the view, this 7-mile out-and-back boasts non-stop, killer views of the California coastline. With opportunities to hike down to crowd favorites such as Muir Beach and Tennessee Valley, and the chance to explore one of the coast's tiniest coves, this hike has it all.
Head out from the southwest side of the Muir Beach parking lot and catch the Coastal Trail. Keep an eye out for the tiny Pirate's Cove about 2 miles in, and scramble down to a secluded spot that's perfect for a break. From there, climb back up and continue down the wide dirt road. Then, take a right on Tennessee Valley Trail. Follow the trail 'til you reach the beach, and when you're ready, follow it back the way you came. This trail packs a punch with its 1,800-foot elevation gain, but follows the Marin bluffs for some truly epic views.
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Reviews
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Gorgeous coastal views!
This trail far exceeded my expectations! With a variety of views and a spectacular walk along the coastal cliffs, this is one of my favorite hikes in NorCal. The wild sweet peas were also a treat along the trail.
5.0
Beautiful Hike!
Iļø did this hike starting from the Muir Beach parking lot, going to Coastal Fire Trail, then Tennessee Valley, and then to the Coastal trail. Iļø was trying to do about a 7 mike hike, but the directions Iļø was following werenāt too clear about which trail to take (often times there were two different Tennessee valley trails.) But Iļø followed the Tennessee valley trail (the one that was always going uphill) for about 2 miles. About 2.5 miles in we stopped to eat and had an INCREDIBLE coastal view. We hiked back on the Coastal trail and then went backdown the Coastal fire trail. Iļøt ended up being about 5 miles total. Such a fun and beautiful hike. We saw deer and fawns too!
5.0
Great Hike Close to SF
I typically do this hike in reverse starting at the parking lot for Tennessee Valley (from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Tennessee Valley parking lot is ~20 mins). As Liane mentioned, Pirate's Cove is a great stop off -- if you've got a little more time, throw some sandwiches in your pack and have lunch there.
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
