This hike feels like it’s one constant climb up Coastal Trail, but it’s got some spectacular views of Tennessee Valley and even Muir Beach.
Location: Marin Headlands in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Length: 4.0 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Shade: open
Parking: the lot at Tennessee Valley Trailhead, or along the road nearby
Public Transportation: none
WC: toilets at the parking lot
Dogs: not allowed on most trails, check the map for other trails that allow dogs in the Headlands
Hiked: Nov 2024
Trail Route
Start at Tennessee Valley trailhead. Follow Tennessee Valley Trail for 1.1 miles, then turn right onto Coastal Trail. You’ll head up the hill for 0.7 miles. At the juncture, turn right again to stay on Coastal Trail (but take a moment to admire the ocean views first!). Hike another 0.7 miles, all uphill, then find Fox Trail heading down the hill back to Tennessee Valley Trail. You’ll hike on Fox Trail for 1.1 miles, then follow Tennessee Valley Trail back to the parking lot.
Notes
We started this hike without knowing much about the terrain, so the climb up and up and up was unexpected and not entirely welcome. However, the views were spectacular and we lucked out with truly beautiful weather. I enjoyed the hike enough to come back to the Headlands the following weekend, and I plan to explore more hikes in the area.
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