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Coastal Trail: Lands End

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.5 (67)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Bay Area
  4. …Golden Gate & Marin
  5. Lands End
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“A mega-popular hike hitting many Bay Area attractions in one fell swoop. ”

Nick Wilder
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Map Key

2.9

Miles

4.6

KM

Out and Back

260' 79 m

High

159' 49 m

Low

192' 58 m

Up

192' 58 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (1°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Views

Family Friendly Stunning trail with optional rock outcrops to climb on.

Overview

A mostly easy hike with amazing views and great options to extend your visit with other activities. Explore the remains of Sutro Baths, have lunch at the Cliff House, visit the Legion of Honor art museum, and embrace the fantastic tourist attractions that make this area justifiably popular.

Description

From the large parking area and helpful visitors center, follow the trail into the woods as it wraps around the very northwest tip of the city. Several viewpoints open up and it's worth stopping at each to enjoy the views. You might have cold fog or crisp sun, but either way, this moody trail delivers.

The trail is built on the bed of an old rail line, so it's mostly dead-level. One short section has been re-routed around an eroded part of the cliff and has a long, steep section of stairs. You could optionally turn around at the stairs to avoid that difficulty and still have a wonderful hike. Also, be sure to take the little detour on Mile Rock Trail!

History & Background

This trail is built on the remains of an old rail line. In the 1880's the Cliff House and Sutro Baths were being built on the west end of the city, which was miles from downtown at the time.

A private train was built to connect the tourist attractions, and at 5 cents a ride, was quite a bargain for the amazing views it gave riders then, and hikers today.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Shared By:

Nick Wilder
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 67 votes

#1

in Lands End

#138

Overall
  4.5 from 67 votes
5 Star
61%
4 Star
28%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Lands End

#15

in California

#138

Overall
39 Views Last Month
12,292 Since Sep 2, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
22%
10%
64%
2%
2%
0%
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Photos

The Golden Gate Bridge is on display from the Coastal Trail.
Mar 19, 2016 near San Fra…, CA
View of the Bridge.
Oct 28, 2015 near San Fra…, CA
Perfect day for a walk in the park!
Apr 7, 2016 near San Fra…, CA
Iceplant in bloom.
Oct 28, 2015 near San Fra…, CA
Great panorama views of the other side of Golden Gate Bridge and Marin.
Dec 17, 2015 near San Fra…, CA
Golden Gate Bridge
Oct 28, 2015 near San Fra…, CA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jan 1, 2024
Kayla Mosebrook
Nov 3, 2023
Dahlia Li
Beautiful trail next to legion of honor
Jul 13, 2023
Jamie Lynch
Nov 24, 2022
Manoj Abey
2.9mi — 2h 30m
Nov 27, 2021
Lindsay Brady
Aug 16, 2021
Jiye Kim
Jul 21, 2021
Gady Levy
Jul 13, 2021
Tressa S
5.8mi

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