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California
San Francisco Bay Area Region
Marin Headlands State Park
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Marin Headlands State Park © Rishi
Marin Headlands State Park © Rishi
Marin Headlands State Park © Rishi
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MARIN HEADLANDS STATE PARK
MARIN HEADLANDS STATE PARK
Marin Headlands State Park is a stunning natural landscape known for its rugged coastline and scenic vistas. It features rolling hillsides covered with native plants and wildlife including deer, foxes, coyotes as well as numerous bird species. The park offers several hiking trails that lead to panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean or San Francisco skyline. Historic military installations like Fort Cronkhite add an element of history while Rodeo Beach provides opportunities for beachcombing and surfing.

History of the Area
The Marin Headlands, located in California's Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), has a rich history. The area was originally inhabited by the Miwok tribe for thousands of years before European contact.

Spanish explorers arrived in 1769 and claimed it as part of Alta California under Spanish rule until Mexico gained independence from Spain. In the mid-19th century, American settlers began to arrive following Mexican-American War which led to U.S control over this region.

In late 1800s and early 1900s, military installations were built due to its strategic location at entrance of San Francisco Bay. Fortifications include Battery Spencer and Hawk Hill used during World Wars I & II respectively.

Post-war era saw attempts at residential development but public opposition prevented these plans leading towards conservation efforts instead.

It became part of GGNRA when established by Congress in October1972 providing protection while allowing recreational use such as hiking or bird-watching today.

Camping
- Bicentennial Campground: Offers three sites with picnic tables and BBQ grills, no water available.

- Hawk Campground: Three primitive campsites accessible only by foot or bike, offers pit toilets but no potable water.

- Haypress Campground: Five walk-in tent sites near Tennessee Valley Trailhead; drinking water is not provided.

- Kirby Cove campground: Four campgrounds offering stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline.

- Rodeo Beach Camping Area: No established camping area here but overnight parking for self-contained RVs allowed.



Trails
- Rodeo Valley Trail: A 3.4-mile loop trail, it offers views of wildflowers and is good for all skill levels.

- Miwok Trail: This moderate-level hiking path stretches over a distance of approximately 8 miles with beautiful ocean vistas.

- Coastal Trail to Battery Townsley Loop: Approximately 2.7 miles long, this trail features stunning coastal scenery and historic military sites.

- Bobcat-Bonita Lighthouse Route: An easy-to-moderate level hike that covers around five miles round trip through rolling hillsides leading up to the lighthouse at Point Bonita.

- Hawk Hill via Old Bunker Road & Julian Trails : It's an uphill climb on paved roads about two mile out-and-back route offering panoramic bay area views from its peak.

- Tennessee Valley Beach Pathway : Easy flat terrain covering roughly three mile return journey ending in breathtaking beach view perfect for families or beginners hikers .

- Slacker Ridge Via McCullough And Wolfback Ridge Roads : Short but steep one-mile trek providing unparalleled Golden Gate Bridge vista ideal for sunrise or sunset hikes .

- SCA-Miwok-Marincello-Ridge-Fire Road Loop :
Moderate difficulty six-mile circuit featuring diverse landscapes including grasslands , forests , ridges overlooking San Francisco Bay Area .

- Marin Headlands Visitor Center To Muir Beach Overlook:
Fourteen Mile point-to-point track traversing multiple terrains like meadows, woodlands showcasing Pacific Ocean panoramas along the way suitable experienced trekkers only due high elevation changes throughout course

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Area Campgrounds
Golden Gate Trailer Park
2000 Redwood Highway
Greenbrae, CA
415-924-0683
Marin Park Inc
2140 Redwood Highway #J1
Greenbrae, CA
Candlestick RV Park
650 Gilman Avenue
San Francisco, CA
415-822-2299
San Francisco RV Resort
700 Palmetto Avenue
Pacifica, CA
650-355-7093
Audiss RV Park
820 Kains #108
Albany, CA
510-525-3435
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Directions from San Francisco to Marin Headlands State Park:

- Start on US 101 North.
- Take Exit 439 for Sausalito/Marin City.
- Turn left onto Donahue Street.
- Continue straight at the traffic circle, staying on Donahue St.

From Oakland/Berkeley Area:

- Begin by heading west towards I580 W/I80 E
- Merge with I580 W/I80 E and continue until you reach exit number two which is Sir Francis Drake Boulevard/US -101 South/San Rafael
- After exiting, keep right at fork in ramp and merge into US - 101 southbound

Once You Reach The Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza:

- Keep going north past the toll booths (no charge) but be prepared to take a sharp turn off immediately after them.

Arriving At Conzelman Road:

-Take an immediate right just before reaching tunnel entrance; this will lead you up hillside via winding road known as Conzelman Rd.

Reaching Hawk Hill Parking Lot:

-Follow signs directing visitors uphill toward parking lot atop ridge line offering panoramic views of Pacific Ocean & city skyline below

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California
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California State Parks

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