Marin County Visitors Bureau

Marin County Visitors Bureau

Photo by Dennis Anderson

Hiking in Marin County

The outstanding beauty of Marin County’s landscapes make it a prime environment for outdoor recreation. Hiking is one of the best ways to explore Marin’s vistas and wildlife.

Marin Headlands
For the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco, make sure to visit the trails located at the Golden Gate Bridge Headquarters and part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). Go to: National Park Service Website — Marin Headlands for more information.

Samuel P. Taylor State Park
This popular park has over 2,700 acres of wooded countryside in the steep rolling hills of West Marin. The park features a unique contrast of coast redwoods groves and open grassland. Miles of hiking trails and fire roads make it easy to hike to the top of Mount Barnabe. Or, for a less strenuous visit, many visitors consider Devil’s Gulch the best place in the park for a picnic or a place to relax.
Go to: www.bahiker.com for more information.

Mount Tamalpais
With an elevation of 2571 feet, Mt. Tam has 200 miles of hiking trails with views of the entire county, San Francisco and the East Bay. Best visited in the spring when flowers are in bloom. Go to: www.mttam.net for more information.

Angel Island State Park
In the middle of San Francisco Bay sits Angel Island, offering spectacular views of the Marin Headlands, Mount Tamalpais, and the San Francisco skyline. Over 13 miles of foot trails and fire roads circle the island. The Northridge/Sunset loop trail leads to the 788-foot high summit of Mt. Livermore providing spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay. The paved Perimeter Road provides access the island’s several beaches and historical sites such as Immigration Station and Fort McDowell.
Go to: California State Parks Website — Angel Island

China Camp State Park
Walk through the house museum describing early Chinese settlement of the village. The park offers fifteen miles of hiking trails. The trails are heavily used during spring and summer weekends. Be prepared for crowds. Go to: www.bahiker.com for more information.

Point Bonita Lighthouse
Offers sunset and full moon tours through tunnels and footbridges. Go to: National Park Service Website — Point Bonita Lighthouse for more information.

Point Reyes National Seashore
Has many trails passing through Miwok communities and the San Andreas Fault line, and astounding views can be seen from Drakes Bay where the Point Reyes Light house sits along the coastline. Go to: National Park Service Website — Point Reyes for more information.

Tomales Bay State Park
This area, celebrated for its natural beauty, is one of constant movement: the land, the animal migrations and the seasonal wildflowers that push up through the earth. For great views, March flowers, beaches and bird-watching, it is a must see. Go to: www.tomalesbay.net for more information.

Marin Trails Guide to the Great Outdoors in Marin County: www.marintrails.com