This hike starts off gentle, then climbs up steeply to Alta Trail, where there’s a nice view.
Location: Marin Headlands in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Length: 2.6 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Shade: mostly shaded
Parking: along the road on Tennessee Valley Trail
Public Transportation: none
WC: none
Dogs: allowed on this trail (on leash)
Hiked: Jul 2025
Trail Route & Notes
There are two trails through Oakwood Valley: Oakwood Valley Trail and Oakwood Meadow Trail. Both are about the same length and difficulty, and they join together after about 0.6 miles. It’s then another 0.6 miles uphill to Alta Trail, where you can turn around and head back down Oakwood Valley Trail.
This was a really nice evening hike in summertime. It was the perfect length, with enough climbing to feel like a proper workout. We took Oakwood Meadow Trail first, and it was narrow and wooded. On the way back, we took the other fork to stay on Oakwood Valley Trail, which was wider and lined with eucalyptus trees. The hike up the last 0.6 miles to Alta Trail becomes quite steep after you get out of the tree cover, but the view is worth it.
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