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Muir Beach Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.4 (38)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Bay Area
  4. …Golden Gate & Marin
  5. Marin Headlands
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“If you want to experience rugged California coast, this loop is perfect for you! ”

Phil DiGirolamo
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Map Key

5.8

Miles

9.4

KM

Loop

889' 271 m

High

14' 4 m

Low

1,164' 355 m

Up

1,164' 355 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

36%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers

Overview

From beach level to ridgetop and descend! As you make your way along this beautiful set of trails you'll be immersed in the rugged California Coast. From doubletrack to singletrack, flat to steep, you'll be experiencing all of the things that a great route should encompass.

Need to Know

You'll be crossing private land at the Green Gulch Organic Farm. Close the gates behind you to keep unwanted grazers out.

Description

Start this route from Muir Beach, at the well marked trailhead near the swimming beach. As you leave the parking lot, cross the bridge and head left. Once you come to the California Coastal Trail go right and head up the trail.

You'll climb steadily for almost a mile to meet up with the Pirates Cove Trail. This is one of the most magnificent single rack trails along the rugged coast. As you slowly descend down to Pirates Cove, making your way down toward the water, your peek into Pirates Cove will open up. The spur down to the beach is very steep and the beach is not always accessible because of the tide or the crashing waves. Use caution here! Oh my, what a steep climb back up to the ridge. There are plenty of stairs in this section, and they are not so evenly spaced.

Once at the intersection with the Coastal Trail, turn left and continue on past the Fox Trail. Turn right on to the Coyote Ridge Trail. A short way ahead and the Middle Green Gulch Trail will appear on your left. Take this trail to descend into the Green Gulch Organic Farm. Did you find the "Hope Cottage" tucked into the hillside?

If it is a clear day, your view to the north will extend across Highway 1 to include the Dias Ridge and Point Reyes. As you come up to the farm, be sure to close the gate behind you and leave no trace. If you have a carrot or apple, the horses there will be your new best friend. Once you leave the farm there is another gate to close. Your exit will put you right back where you started!

Notice that across the street sits the Pelican Inn, the oldest coastal inn in this part of California.

History & Background

The Green Gulch Organic Farm is a working farm with inservice programs. It is part of the Zen Retreat Center and is open to public visitors. Did you see the Hope Cottage tucked into the hill? At the Pelican Inn plan to have lunch or snack in the bar, restaurant or out on the lawn.

Contacts

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

Shared By:

Phil DiGirolamo
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 38 votes

#1

in Marin Headlands

#278

Overall
  4.4 from 38 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
39%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Marin Headlands

#39

in California

#278

Overall
109 Views Last Month
48,362 Since Apr 5, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
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56%
9%
34%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Northward bound backpacker taking in the view with his morning snack.
Feb 18, 2016 near Tamalpa…, CA
Great views on the Coastal Trail.
Apr 25, 2016 near Tamalpa…, CA
View Down Pirates Cove
Nov 6, 2017 near Tamalpa…, CA
Muir Beach.
Apr 25, 2016 near Tamalpa…, CA
This is the perfect place to take a break and soak up the view.
Apr 12, 2016 near Tamalpa…, CA
Trails above Tennessee Valley.
Apr 25, 2016 near Tamalpa…, CA

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 23, 2024
Katrin S
Apr 14, 2024
Fanny Suárez
Incredible. Flowers everywhere! 5.8mi
Nov 10, 2023
Manoj Abey
5.8mi — 3h 30m
Jul 28, 2023
Kevin Coen
Hiked to top of ridge and back. Mile in mile out. Gorgeous views 2mi — 1h 15m
May 7, 2023
Private User
Mar 20, 2023
David Scott
Aug 28, 2022
Fanny Suárez
Nov 13, 2021
Han Zhang

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