San Francisco to the Marin Headlands

Camping in San Francisco! Who knew?
REGISTRATION CLOSED
July 31- August 3

 4 days/3 nights

CAMP/LODGING

Rating: Moderate

$475

San Francisco to the Marin Headlands Coastwalk

July 31- August 3

MODERATE: hikes of 5 to 7 miles per day; 4 days/2 night camping, 1 night lodging; 24 capacity.

$475 Adult

 

Hike where the City by the Bay meets the ocean! Enjoy the rare experience of waking up in the eucalyptus groves of San Francisco’s Presidio. Hike through western San Francisco, Ocean Beach, the Cliff House, Land’s End, and the beautiful homes of Seacliff. Crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, we make our way to the Marin Headlands. Hike through miles of wild coastal scrubs and flowery grasslands, viewing both spectacular rugged landscapes and city panoramas along the way. Wind down at the Marin Headlands Hostel with dinner, warm beds, and hot showers.

Max Capacity: 20

 

 

Highlights:

View the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge from several vantage points; an introduction to local maritime history, sleep in the only campground in San Francisco, in a grove of Eucalyptus trees overlooking Baker Beach; hike a unique mix of urban trails and wild headlands

Trip Includes:

camping & lodging fees; dinners, hot water/coffee; gear haul;

Make Sure to Bring:

cash or wallet for ferry transportation and bus transportation

Average Daily Hiking:

average 7 miles per day

Types of Hiking Surfaces

sidewalks, trails and some sandy beach walking; some stairways

Elevation Gains & Losses

moderate elevation gain/loss of 400 to 900 feet each day

Fitness Requirements

There are no fitness requirements for this trip.

 

 

 

average 7 miles per day

Types of Hiking Surfaces

sidewalks, trails and some sandy beach walking; some stairways

Elevation Gains & Losses

moderate elevation gain/loss of 400 to 900 feet each day

Fitness Requirements

There are no fitness requirements for this trip.

ITINERARY:

San Francisco to Marin Headlands Classic Coastwalk
Sample Itinerary

Subject to change (some hikes and campsites use special permits. This itinerary is not a recommendation for personal use)

Day 1:
The walk begins and ends in Tiburon (Marin County). We’ll take the ferry to San Francisco, and walk along Fishermans Wharf and Aquatic Park, pausing for lunch at Fort Mason, then hike through the historic Presidio to our campsite. We will arrive at the Rob Hill camp in time for refreshments and a tasty dinner cooked by Coastwalk volunteers. We will camp two nights at Rob Hill, overlooking the Golden Gate. The campground has restrooms and cold water but no showers. The weather at Rob Hill can be cold.

Day 2:
We will hike the Coastal Trail along San Francisco’s western shore. Then we will walk among quiet neighborhoods and along Ocean Beach. Near the Cliff House we’ll visit the ruins of Sutro Baths (recently home to a river otter named Sutro Sam). Then, we’ll take the Coastal Trail along the edge of the Golden Gate, over Lands End, past the fancy houses in the Seacliff neighborhood, and walk along Baker Beach or through Lobos Creek Dunes.

Day 3:
We’ll hike across the Golden Gate Bridge, then follow the Coastal Trail across the Marin Headlands, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and arrive mid-afternoon at the Marin Headlands Hostel. We may be able to visit Point Bonita Lighthouse.

Day 4:
We will explore the coast near Rodeo Beach, then share our final lunch near Rodeo Beach or Tennessee Valley, and then we will be shuttled back to our cars.

 

 

Jack Leutza, Ben Pease, and Marcia Popper have almost 60 years of Coastwalk leading experience between just the three of them!

Jack LeutzaJack will be your on site coordinator for the entire trip. Jack has been leading trips with Coastwalk for many years. He is the head of the San Francisco team.Recently he has become a Master Gardener. Jack and his wife lives in Petaluma, CA.

Ben PeaseBen Pease works as a cartographer specializing guidebooks and park brochures, and publishes trail maps showing the coast from San Francisco Point Reyes and Santa Cruz. An avid trail builder, he helped plan the Bay Area Ridge Trail through San Francisco. He has co-led the San Francisco Coastwalk for two decades.

Marcia PopperPart of Coastwalk’s San Francisco team, Marcia is an active member of the Coastwalking community. You’ll probably see her on a day hike, or delivering a meal in the evening.

 

For more information please feel free to explore the links below.

 

Places to Stay

links coming soon

Weather

links coming soon