1. Pt. Bonita Trail in Marin Headlands

Distance: 3.7 miles
Shaded: 10%
Elevation Change: 350'
Hiking: 9
Difficulty: 4 Can be very windy.
When to Go: Good anytime. Often great weather in fall and winter.
This hike explores the beach, coastal area and old military fortifications from Rodeo Beach to Pt. Bonita. Great views along the coast. For the latest trail information, call the Marin Headlands Visitor Center 415-331-1540.
This map looks best on a high-resolution monitor displaying 256 shades of grey. The map and hike description are excerpts from the book, Hiking Marin, 141 Great Hikes in Marin County, ©2006 by Don and Kay Martin.
 
The hike starts at Rodeo Beach in the Marin Headlands
 
Getting there from Hwy 101:
At Golden Gate Bridge take Sausalito Exit L on Alexander Ave. Follow signs for Marin Headlands and Conzelman Rd. R on McCullough Rd. L on Bunker Rd. to Rodeo Beach.

0.0 From the Rodeo Beach parking area, head south along the beach. Up ahead, notice Bird Rock extending from the shoreline. To the west of Bird Rock lies the "Potato Patch", a dangerously shallow sandbar that can increase the height of northerly swells.
0.3 Junction #1. Follow the trail up the ridge through the iceplant.
0.5 Junction. Take the old road right towards the YMCA building.
0.8 Junction. Skirt the YMCA area and follow the road to the right..
1.0 Junction #2 with the lighthouse trail. Take the paved road right past Battery Mendell. Be sure to follow the road counterclockwise to get the best views.
1.2 Bird Rock overlook. Great views of the coast north and south. To continue the hike, take the trail along the cliff past the two "pillboxes".
1.4 Far end of Battery Mendell. Continue along the clifftop another 70 yds. to a sign and a view down to the remains of a wrecked ship. Then backtrack and take the trail towards the lighthouse. Note: An unofficial trail continues along the unstable cliffs towards the radar tower. If you take it, be sure to loop around the tower to another trail, rather than try to go down the steep cliff.
1.6 Junction #2. Take the road right towards the lighthouse. Ahead, at the low point on the trail, you can see remains of the Life Saving Station established in 1899 because of the more than 20 shipwrecks on the nearby Marin coast. The hike returns to the entrance road.
1.9 Junction #2 with the entrance road. Take the main road right.
2.0 Junction. Head right uphill towards Battery Wallace.
2.3 Junction #3. Option: A trail right drops 250' to a small sandy beach that offers shelter from the wind and great views. Otherwise follow the road sign that says "Beach" past the old missile site.
The Nike missile site is open the first Sunday of each month.
2.8 Junction #4 and Visitor Center. It's worth a stop at the Visitor Center to see the displays. Then, take the Lagoon trail left.
3.7 Back at the parking area with water, tables and restrooms.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this web site is only a general guide. We do not accept liability or legal responsibility for trail conditions, trail information, errors or omissions.

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