This hike is pretty monotonous but then surprises you with a grove of eucalyptus trees wrapped in ivy.
Location: Marin Headlands in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Length: 5.0 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Shade: open
Parking: the lot at Gerbode Valley Trailhead (free)
Public Transportation: none
WC: toilet at the parking lot
Dogs: not allowed on most trails, check the map for other trails that allow dogs in the Headlands
Hiked: Aug 2025
Trail Route
This trail begins on Coastal Trail, but only for a very short section. You’ll turn almost immediately onto Smith Trail towards Rodeo Valley Trail. That’s also a short section – then you’ll hit Rodeo Valley Trail. We chosen to hike this counterclockwise, so we turned right here. It’s 1.9 miles to Alta Trail. Rodeo Valley Trail becomes Upper Rodeo Trail about 0.7 miles into it.
When you reach the crest of the hill, turn left towards Alta Trail. You’ll have to look for the marker from the road. From Alta Trail, it’s 0.7 miles to reach Bobcat Trail. You’ll hike through a wooded section, then emerge into the open again, heading downhill. You’ll find Bobcat Trail to your left at a large intersection of trails. After that, it’s about 2 miles downhill on Bobcat Trail, then you’ll see a sign for Rodeo Valley Trail going to the left. Return to Rodeo Valley Trail, then meet Smith Trail again and return via Smith Trail and Coastal Trail to the trailhead.
Notes
We hiked this counterclockwise, but it did seem like maybe the climb up was gentler going clockwise. Either direction, the highlight on our foggy morning was Alta Trail, with its eucalyptus trees covered in ivy, the falling star flowers there, and the water dripping down like rain. The rest of the hike was pretty similar, and with the fog, there wasn’t even a nice view.
Gallery
