Marin Headlands, California
Looking for the best hiking in Marin Headlands? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Marin Headlands. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Marin Headlands
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Mill Valley, California
Trojan Point
4.70.28 mi / 30 ft gainThe endlessly scenic Trojan Point can be reached by taking the Panoramic Highway to Pantoll road from Stinson Beach to the west, or Mill Valley / Highway 1 to the east. It can also be reached by taking West Ridgecrest Boulevard from the north from the Fairfax-Bolinas road. Park at the large par...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Cataract Trail Loop
4.58.7 mi / 1670 ft gainDuration: 3.5-4 hour hike at a moderate to quick pace with a short break for lunch. Starting at an elevation of 1989ft and maxing at 2001ft, you achieve 1428 of elevation gain through a beautiful peak and valley hike. From the free Rock Springs Parking Area, the basic trailheads to follow along...Read more -
San Francisco, California
McLaren Park: Philosopher's Way Loop
5.02.25 mi / 315 ft gainBeyond McLaren's family friendly playgrounds and picnic areas, there are miles of trail to explore. The Philosopher's trail is a well-marked loop (notice the stone markings along the trail with arrows etched into them). There are several parking lots available where you can jump onto the loop. No...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop from Stinson
5.05.99 mi / 1568 ft gainDipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop from Stinson is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Stinson Beach, California.Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Matt Davis-Steep Ravine Loop
4.76.62 mi / 1726 ft gainThis loop is made up of three of the most popular Marin trails and for good reason. These trails offer not only expansive ocean views, but a variety of topography and environments. This 6+ mile loop offers up waterfalls, dense forests, redwoods, and open grasslands overlooking the pacific. Starti...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Matt Davis-Coastal Trail Loop
4.76 mi / 2231 ft gainThis hike is an alternative to the famous Matt Davis to Steep Ravine Loop. The hike starts at Stinson Beach, just behind the fire Station. I recommend parking at the Beach parking lot. The Matt Davis trail is one of the best constructed trails I have ever seen. After 2.2 miles, turn left on the ...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Bayview Hill Loop
4.51.24 mi / 184 ft gainBayview Hill Loop is a loop trail that starts with a paved uphill climb and views of the bay facing toward the East Bay located in the Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco, California.Read more -
Daly City, California
San Bruno Mountain
4.03.63 mi / 781 ft gainSan Bruno Mountain is a fun, mellow hike that climbs easily on a well-graded path to the ridge line, and then drops back to the trailhead. Along the way, the trail runs along a creek, ascends through chaparral, and provides excellent views of downtown San Francisco, the East Bay hills, and the Sa...Read more -
Ross, California
Phoenix Lake Loop
4.52.85 mi / 518 ft gainEnjoy the peacefulness of making it out to the lake for a quick hike without worrying too much about challenging climbs or difficult terrain. Take the wide fire road from the car uphill and then jump on the Phoenix Lake Trail. From here, you’ll combine this trail with the Gertrude Orr and Bill Wi...Read more -
Fairfax, California
Lake Lagunitas
4.01.68 mi / 0 ft gainLocated near Fairfax, California, this trail is relatively flat and provides peaceful views of the lake as you pass over small creeks and groves of redwoods. It's good for all skill levels and is accessible year-round. It's a great trail for families and beginner mountain bikers.It can be a littl...Read more -
San Francisco, California
San Francisco Crosstown Trail
5.016.71 mi / 1975 ft gainThe San Francisco Crosstown Trail runs point-to-point from Candlestick Point to Land End. The SF Crosstown Trail officially opened in 2014. It connects park trails to neighborhoods and communities. In it's in entirety it's almost 17 miles long with 5 Sections available for those looking to bre...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Cataract Falls
4.22.81 mi / 1184 ft gainThe Bay Area is home to many beautiful waterfalls, but Cataract Falls located about an hour north of San Francisco is one of the most stunning. Be sure to head out on this hike after a recent rain. Cataract Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed near Stinson Beac...Read more -
San Rafael, California
Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site
4.74.37 mi / 988 ft gainThe Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site trail in San Rafael, California, is a moderately challenging hike. The trail spans approximately 4.37 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 988 feet. The path is well-maintained and marked, making it suitable for hikers of varying skill levels....Read more -
Daly City, California
Mussel Rock Loop
4.01.95 mi / 322 ft gainMussel rock, a three-story, 50 million year old rock that has been carried some 500 miles northwest from Southern California, is where the San Andreas fault meets the Pacific Ocean. It's also an excellent spot to drink some wine and catch a sunset. From San Francisco, take Highway 1 south towar...Read more -
Fairfax, California
Carson Falls
4.03.75 mi / 863 ft gainAre you tired of crowds on your hikes? First, shame on you for getting up so late and moving so slowly. Did you really need Philz before you got on the trail? Ok, now that you’ve been thoroughly chastised, let’s start planning a hike to the less-frequented Carson Falls. Like any of the falls in ...Read more -
San Rafael, California
China Camp Loop
4.09.23 mi / 1716 ft gainPark at the lot in the China Camp State Park. Hop onto the Bay View trail to gain to begin the loop trail. Switchbacks take you up to a long and easy path passing through shaded and open areas. Enjoy the grasslands speckled with oak trees and coyote brush. You can see the San Rafael bay and bridg...Read more