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Golden Gate Bridge Overlook Out-and-Back

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.4 (17)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Bay Area
  4. …Golden Gate & Marin
  5. Marin Headlands
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“The perfect way to get out to the Golden Gate Bridge. ”

Phil DiGirolamo
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Map Key

5.3

Miles

8.5

KM

Out and Back

889' 271 m

High

266' 81 m

Low

1,000' 305 m

Up

999' 304 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Family Friendly Though it is a 6 mile round trip, approaching and viewing the Golden Gate this way promises to be memorable. The climb is all on the first portion up the Morning Sun Trail. The rest is mostly flat.

Overview

If you have only seen the Golden Gate Bridge by approaching from a vehicle, this approach on foot will give you a new perspective!

Description

As you climb up from the Spencer Avenue parking lot located above Sausalito, you'll work up to the Alta Trail through a series of stairs. Your views will be best to the east, and this is a popular spot to take in the sunrise or appreciate views of Southern Marin and the East Bay. All of these sights can be enjoyed while ascending the Morning Sun Trail and the Alta Trail.

Once you reach the Alta Trail turn left to head south, and cover the short distance to the SCA Trail. This singletrack will face west towards the Rodeo Valley. Way off to the west, visitors will notice Chronkite Beach and the Marine Mammal Center.

When the SCA Trail ends at the Coastal Trail, take the left and continue all the way out to Gonzelman Road. This approach to the Golden Gate Bridge can't be more impressive.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Shared By:

Phil DiGirolamo
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 17 votes

#4

in Marin Headlands

#845

Overall
  4.4 from 17 votes
5 Star
65%
4 Star
12%
3 Star
24%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in Marin Headlands

#134

in California

#845

Overall
36 Views Last Month
14,602 Since Apr 5, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate
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93%
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Add a Photo

Photos

View from the SCA Trail.
Mar 3, 2016 near Sausalito, CA
What a lucky day for me, no fog!
Mar 2, 2016 near Sausalito, CA
The beginning of the descent into the Rodeo Valley. Where is the drop off?
Mar 2, 2016 near Sausalito, CA
San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge from SCA Trail.
Dec 30, 2022 near Sausalito, CA
View of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.
Mar 3, 2016 near Sausalito, CA
Angel Island from Morning Sun Trail
Dec 30, 2022 near Sausalito, CA

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beautiful
Sep 3, 2018
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