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A mega-popular run hitting many Bay Area attractions in one fell swoop.


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Map Key

2.9

Miles

4.6

KM

96%

Runnable

260' 79 m

High

159' 49 m

Low

192' 58 m

Up

192' 58 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (1°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Views

Overview

A mostly easy run with amazing views and great options to extend your visit with other activities. Explore the remains of Sutro Baths, have lunch at the Cliff House, visit the Legion of Honor art museum, and embrace the fantastic tourist attractions that make this area justifiably popular.

Runner Notes

Expect crowds - both runners and hikers.

Description

From the large parking area and helpful visitors center, follow the trail into the woods as it wraps around the very northwest tip of the city. Several viewpoints open up and it's worth stopping at each to enjoy the views. You might have cold fog or crisp sun, but either way, this moody trail delivers.

The trail is built on the bed of an old rail line, so it's mostly dead-level. One short section has been re-routed around an eroded part of the cliff and has a long, steep section of stairs. You could optionally turn around at the stairs to avoid that difficulty and still have a wonderful run. Also, be sure to take the little detour on Mile Rock Trail!

History & Background

This trail is built on the remains of an old rail line. In the 1880's the Cliff House and Sutro Baths were being built on the west end of the city, which was miles from downtown at the time.

A private train was built to connect the tourist attractions, and at 5 cents a ride, was quite a bargain for the amazing views it gave riders then, and runners today.

Contacts

Shared By:

Nick Wilder

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 67 votes

#1

in Lands End

#139

Overall
  4.5 from 67 votes
5 Star
61%
4 Star
28%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Lands End

#16

in California

#139

Overall
39 Views Last Month
12,292 Since Sep 2, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

22%
10%
64%
2%
2%
0%

Photos

The Golden Gate Bridge is on display from the Coastal Trail.
Mar 19, 2016 near San Fra…, CA
View of the Bridge.
Oct 28, 2015 near San Fra…, CA
Iceplant in bloom.
Oct 28, 2015 near San Fra…, CA
Great panorama views of the other side of Golden Gate Bridge and Marin.
Dec 17, 2015 near San Fra…, CA
Golden Gate Bridge
Oct 28, 2015 near San Fra…, CA
Running the steps that bypass the eroded trail section
Oct 28, 2015 near San Fra…, CA

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Jun 28, 2020
Casey Kastendiek
4mi — 2h 00m
Sep 14, 2019
Miguel Casas
May 26, 2019
Ilge Akkaya
May 19, 2018
Dana Gates
3mi — 0h 40m
Aug 19, 2017
santosh bhadri
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