Rodeo Beach, Wolf Ridge Loop, and Costal Trail from Muir Beach

Near: Sausalito
Trip Type: Hike
Length: 5 miles
Elevation: 0 - 800 ft
Vegetation: Coastal scrub
Surface: Paved and dirt
Last Visit: 8/20/16

Rodeo Beach and Muir Beach are some of the most scenic beaches north of San Francisco and both are dog friendly and the trails around these beaches are the nicest of the few dog friendly options in the Marin headlands.  The most natural circuit is to climb up and around "hill 88" above Rodeo beach and explore the old WWII fortifications guarding the Golden Gate (voice control OK on this loop).  For the best sweeping ocean views, start at Muir Beach and hike south along the Costal Trail (leash required).

Permits and Rules

No permits required here, but keep in mind many trails in the headlands don't allow dogs.  See the Golden Gate Recreation Area website for full maps with current pet restrictions.  Currently the Marin Headlands/Fort Baker map shows trails on which dogs are allowed and where they can be off-leash.

Trailhead

Start at Rodeo Beach (Alexander Ave exit off 101 and west on bunker road to the end) or Muir Beach (off highway 1, south of the Muir woods turnoff).

Routes 

If starting from Rodeo Beach, take the Costal Trail north to Wolf Ridge, making sure to check out some of the old bunkers facing the sea.  At the ridge you can continue on a short spur to the summit of Hill 88, then back track to take the Wolf Ridge trail around the back of the hill and return to the beach via the south end of the Rodeo Lagoon.  Dogs can be off-leash under voice control around this whole loop.

Rodeo Beach from the Coastal Trail

Old Artillery Battery on the Coastal Trail 

Rodeo Beach from Hill 88.  It seems like it's always foggy when I visit this part of the headlands.

Tennessee Valley from Wolf Ridge

From the intersection with the Wolf Ridge trail, you can also continue on-leash along the Costal Trail, crossing the Tennessee Valley and making it to Muir Beach in about 6 miles one-way from Rodeo Beach.  It's a bit of a trek beach-to-beach and back, but Muir Beach is the only beach I know of that comes with an old english inn that will serve you beer (or iced tea) and shepherd's pie on the lawn with your dog.

The Coastal Trail

The Coastal Trail

Fogbank offshore on a particularly nice day.  It's often cool and foggy in the headlands.

Muir Beach from the Coastal Trail