Marin Headlands - Info & Ranger Guided Programs

The Marin Headlands has an amazing richness of history and biological diversity.

The Marin Headlands is known for its unique geology, its fog-swept coastal prairie ecosystem, and its many chapters of history. Dramatic cliffs of oceanic rock offer sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and the foghorn frequently resounds over the misty lagoon and rolling hills of coyote brush and sage. The Headlands’ human history is long and layered. Today, we welcome international and local visitors, jr. rangers, hikers, surfers, students, birders, geologists, historians, and researchers. We hope you find a way in which your own lives and passions intersect with the themes underlying the story of this park.

Ranger Guided Programs, Tips, & Highlights for your visit!

See descriptions and information about ranger-led programs below or look at the calendar at the bottom of this page.

• Beginner Birding with a Ranger

  • Ranger Led Hike / Program Introducing park visitors to the wonderful world of birding in the Marin Headlands

  • Takes place certain Saturdays at 11AM at Rodeo Beach

  • More Info / Dates / Sign Up: Beginner Birding with a Ranger - in the Marin Headlands

• Hiking the Headlands with a Ranger

  • Two-mile hike that serves as an introduction to the ecology and geology of the Headlands.

  • Takes place certain Saturdays at 11AM at Rodeo Beach

  • More Info / Dates / Sign Up: Hiking the Headlands - Ranger-led Hike

• Layers of History – 2-mile Ranger Guided Hike

  • 2-mile Ranger Guided Hike and Program – uncovering the multi-layered history of the Marin Headlands

  • Takes place certain Saturdays AND/OR Sundays at Rodeo Beach

  • More Info / Dates / Sign Up: Layers of History; The Marin Headlands - A Guided Hike and Program with a Ranger

• Beach to Battery; A Ranger Guided Hike from Rodeo Beach up to and inside of Battery Townsley!

  • Find out what is hidden inside some the historic WWII batteries tucked away in the hills of the Marin Headlands and tour the interior of the fully restored Battery Townsley!

  • Takes place first Sundays at 1PM at Rodeo Beach

  • More Info / Sign Up: Beach to Battery; A Ranger Guided Hike from Rodeo Beach to the Interior of Battery Townsley

• Hike to History: Ranger Guided Trek to Hill 88

  • Join us for a Ranger-led hike through the rugged beauty of the Marin Headlands as we ascend to one of the most intriguing—and scenic—historical sites in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

  • Takes place on select weekend days - see link below for upcoming dates.

  • More Info / Sign Up: Hike to History: Ranger Guided Trek to Hill 88

• Visit Nike Missile Site SF-88 for a FREE Ranger/Docent Guided Tour and learn about the complex history of this Cold War relic

  • Free Guided Tours take place every:

    • Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

    • 12:15PM, 1:15PM, and 2:15PM

    • No reservation needed unless visiting with a large group (15 + people).

  • More Info: Nike Missile Site - Golden Gate National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)

• Visit the Historic WWII Battery Townsley

  • Open the first Sunday of each month from 12pm – 4pm

  • FREE Docent guided tours of inside the battery take place on a rolling basis

  • More Info: Battery Townsley Open House

• Visit the Point Bonita Lighthouseil

  • FREE Ranger/Docent led “Light Chats” take place every:

    • Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday

    • 12:15 PM at the pedestrian tunnel entrance!

    • Additional "Light Chats" take place as staffing permits during open hours

  • More Info: Point Bonita Lighthouse - Golden Gate National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)

• Check alerts and conditions before you go.

• Click here to download or print a map of the Marin Headlands.

• Click here to explore some hiking options.

• Many of our trails welcome dogs! Click here for dog Information.

• We seek to make our park accessible and usable to all individuals. Learn more on our accessibility page.

• See our calendar for upcoming events.

• You may lose cellular service in parts of the Headlands. Plan ahead.

• Bring your own snack and water; there are limited food vendors in the Marin Headlands.

• Picnic area at Battery Wallace, near the Point Bonita Trailhead is complete with tables and grills (no water on site).

• Marin Headlands trails can be accessed off of Highway 101 from Rodeo Avenue Exit and Trailhead, and Spencer Avenue Exit at Morning Sun Trailhead. Access is prohibited from Wolfback Ridge Road, which is private.