Golden Gate National Recreation Area Hike from Rodeo Beach to Hill 88

BRIEF SUMMARY A walk from California's coast that ascends through over 100 years of U.S. military history featuring WWII and Cold War structural remains. On your way up to Hill 88 you are sure to see multiple views of the Golden Gate to the south. Few hikes offer more within 1 mile of the coast than a trip to the top of historic Hill 88 in the Marin Headlands. Best of all, much of the area is dog friendly.


Trip Planning
TRAIL INFORMATION
Distance: 3.2 miles round trip (1.6 miles from the Rodeo Beach to Hill 88)
Cumulative Elevation: 813ft
High Point: 833ft
Low Point: 20ft
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Description: A walk from California's coast that ascends through over 100 years of U.S. military history featuring WWII and Cold War structural remains. On your way up to Hill 88 you are sure to see multiple views of the Golden Gate to the south. Few hikes offer more within 1 mile of the coast than a trip to the top of historic Hill 88 in the Marin Headlands. Best of all, much of the area is dog friendly.
Permit/Fees: Open year-round. No fees.
Contact: Park Office: (415) 331-1540
Water: Water and showers are available at Rodeo Beach.
Bathrooms: Bathrooms and showers at Rodeo Beach.
Address: See Google Map (Exit just North of the Golden Gate Bridge. Follow Alexander Avenue 0.2-miles; turn left onto Bunker Road. On Bunker Road, pass through one way Baker-BarryTunnel. Follow Bunker Road 3-miles and continue past Rodeo Lagoon. Head North with the ocean on your left and you will find lots of parking).
Parking: About 500 spots available. If parking is full, then wait a few minutes becaues there is a lot coming-and-going.
Book: Please send recommendations.
Map: Free Park Map
Additional Info: Consider touring Fort Chronhite and exploring additional trails around the area.
GOOGLE MAP
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Joseph D. Grant County Park - Twin Gates to Antler Point

BRIEF SUMMARY Starting at Twin Gates parking lot, this trail rolls along a ridge with views of the Santa Clara Valley, Lick Observatory, and Ancient Oaks. Rich with wild flowers in the spring and animal diversity year around, you are sure to see more than you expected on this gradual stroll.


Trip Planning
TRAIL INFORMATION
Distance: 8.0 miles from Twin Gates Parking to Antler Point
Cumulative Elevation: 1,100ft
High Point: 2,999ft
Low Point: 2,400ft
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: Joseph D. Grant County Park, San Jose
Description: Starting at Twin Gates parking lot, this trail rolls along a ridge with views of the Santa Clara Valley, Lick Observatory, and Ancient Oaks. Rich with wild flowers in the spring and animal diversity year around, you are sure to see more than you expected on this gradual stroll.
Permit/Fees: The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. until sunset. Vehicle entry fees are collected year-round, but you can skip the fee if you park at Twin Gates parking lot.

Fees are required for camping, and for use of group picnic areas. Fees are posted at the entrance kiosk.
Contact: Park Office: (408) 274-6121
Water: Only at the primary parking area.
Bathrooms: Yes, at multiple trailheads.
Address: 18405 Mt. Hamilton Rd., San Jose, CA 95140

Travel to the park by taking Highway 101 or Highway 680 to Alum Rock Avenue eastbound in San Jose. Turn right onto Mt. Hamilton Road and travel eight miles to reach the park entrance.
Parking: Over 100 spots in the primary parking area in Halls Valley. About 30 spots at Twin Gates parking lot (Parking at Twin Gates is free).
Book: Please send recommendations.
Map: Free Park Map
Additional Info: The drive up Mount Hamilton Road is a bear but it is beautiful. Take it slow and know that the drive is worth it. If you love oak trees, you are in for a treat.
GOOGLE MAP
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Palo Corona Regional Park, Carmel Valley

BRIEF SUMMARY Starting at Highway 1, the trails of Palo Corona venture through bucolic sublime that knows no greater measure. The perfect farm house, cows that welcome walkers with a nod, views of Carmel Valley and a lookout over the Pacific Coast from Point Lobos to Pebble Beach. The trails are friendly and the views are plentiful.


Trip Planning
TRAIL INFORMATION
Distance: 2.6 miles Round Trip (There are a lot of small loops available to extend your hike)
Cumulative Elevation: 810ft
High Point: 850ft
Low Point: 40ft
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: Palo Corona Regional Park, Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District
Description: Starting at Highway 1, the trails of Palo Corona venture through bucolic sublime that knows no greater measure. The perfect farm house, cows that welcome walkers with a nod, views of Carmel Valley and a lookout over the Pacific Coast from Point Lobos to Pebble Beach. The trails are friendly and the views are plentiful.
Permit/Fees: Hours: Daytime

Free Online Permit Application: Permit

Access Permit applications are processed via the MPRPD website from Monday thru Friday, excluding holidays, 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Applications are processed on a first in, first out basis. Permits will be issued a maximum of 30 days in advance of the requested permit date. It is recommended that applications be submitted at least 2 weekdays prior to the requested visit date.
Contact: General Number: (831) 372-3196 (Press "2" for Palo Corona Permits)
On Duty Ranger: (831) 659-4488
Water: None
Bathrooms: There are porta potties behind the barn.
Address: See Google Map (Shoulder of Highway 1, about 200 yards South of the Carmel River Bridge)
Parking: See Google Map (From the Monterey Peninsula, take Highway 1 south past Rio Road intersection (4-way signal light) in Carmel. Proceed south-bound over the Carmel River Bridge approximately 200 yards. Parking is allowed on the east-side Highway 1 road shoulder (on the left). Make the left-hand turn into the park entrance driveway. Pull forward onto the Highway 1 road shoulder.)
Book: Please send recommendations.
Map: Please send recommendations.
Additional Info: Make sure and check out the Big Sur Land Trust website to learn more about how they are expanding public lands: BigSurLandTrust.org
GOOGLE MAP
About Google Maps for Directions:
This is a GPS location. Just enter your "From" address in Google Maps and the directions Google provides will take you to this location.

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