- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Land's End Trail
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
160 reviews for Land's End Trail
Where the heck am I? Surely can't be in the city.
Where in the hell am I going? Just start here (Sutro Park) and, um take the Coastal Trail.
Why in tarnation am I RUNNING my clumsy, weak-ankled ass up and down this trail? Because you need the exercise! And, because all that effort makes the view even MORE beautiful!
Actually, the old man brought me here - so, I was thinking he was getting all romantic on me all of a sudden... guess the fog messed with my head a little (it sure messed with my hair). Instead, we got in a great workout in a beautiful setting. Sure, you can make this trail anything you want: a nice walk with the dog, a romantical stroll with the SO, or an excellent breathtaking (in more ways than one) workout.
Although the rock labyrinth kinda creeped me out (reminded me of a scene in Pet Sematary), I kinda wish that I would have walked it, after seeing the trance-like state it put someone else in... not.
Wish I could quit 24hr and join mother nature's gym!
Not too many hippies on the trail, so it's a nice getaway from San Francisco life.
The view when you reach the end is just breathtaking. Fun to go with your dogs ( if you have them). Not really a good idea if you have small children.
Dress warm- it gets foggy!
So Land's End was on the "pro-side" on my list as I slowly calculated and analyzed the differences between San Francisco and New York. I was debating whether or not to move back to San Francisco (where I was born and raised) from Queens, New York.
Being close to nature, having places where I can reflect, relax, and ground myself were goals I had in the top 5 of my list. The image that came to mind as I wrote that description was Land's End.
I remember coming here many years ago with someone I was dating at the time and working out our relationship troubles. There was something about being among the trees and foliage while watching the waves hit the rocks and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance that helped us calm down, concentrate, and not attempt to yell at each other. We talked and walked along the trail which not only helped us let out steam physically and emotionally, but it helped ground us at the same time. We would realize that our problems were so miniscule, that the world offered so much, and how we took a lot for granted.
Although that relationship has been over years ago, and I would hide my face if I ran into him anywhere today, the lesson from my experience was how valuable this place really is. Needless to say I've brought others there since then and every time I feel even more connected to the world.
California, you must continue to conserve and preserve your natural wonders like Land's End Trail. Your residents will appreciate and love you for it.
Love it here. It's a nice, paved trail with amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Makes you forget that you're still in the city, with all the trees and small animals scurrying around. It's a great place to get away for a while, just make sure you bring a jacket-it gets pretty cold once the sun goes down.
And if you're directionally challenged like me, they have the occasional sign directing you to various hot spots nearby.
Love this walk, but a word to the wise stay away at dusk. Too many creepy dudes crusing for some action and lurking in the bushes.
Creeps aside, the walk is gorgeous. The views incredible, beach access is fun.
5+++ stars if possible!
LOVED it...simply gorgeous views as you do this walk!
We started at the Cliffs House and walked to this trail. We had to cut our walk short because it was getting dark(i forget which trail we ended at but we ended up walking through the gorgeous homes to catch the muni). I can't believe all these trips to SF and I've never been here...I will for sure be returning next time and plan to spend more time here.
A perfect place to go for a run.. the scenery is so amazing that I ended up taking off my ipod and just ran with the sound of the ocean in the background. There are numerous vantage points to gaze into the rocky sides of the park meeting the ocean or beautiful viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Just an amazing walk, it just has this affect and makes you forget that your in the city. The trail just winds around with it's ups and downs allowing for great views of the Golden Gate. I liked the little fact posts that were displayed along the trail. Who knew that there so many wrecks off that point. A definite must for any local and any visitor.
The world is not flat.
Yet, walking on Land's End trail makes you feel as if you're standing on the edge of the world. You cautiously lean over to the side and you know you're secretly thankful you're wearing your sturdy rubber-soled shoes, (and also glad that the trees and shrubbery are there as a barrier) because that sheer drop into the cold, choppy waters of the Pacific is something you don't want to happen.
You can access this trail from the Seacliff neighborhood (find parking along El Camino del Mar and 32nd Ave) or from the parking lot near the Sutro Baths (coming from Point Lobos Ave). I'd say allot at least an hour or so for a leisurely hike on this 1.5 mile trail which gives you plenty of time to stop and shoot photos.
Gawk at the wide expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Take in the dramatic views of the coast, with the surf personally responsible for carving these rocky cliffs. You'll pass twisted cypress trees, rock formations, poison oak (!) and the verdant surroundings will surely inspire you to write a poem. (or maybe just read one)
All through the hike, I kept asking myself: "am I still in San Francisco?"
Hearing the fog horn in a distance reminded me that indeed, I still am.
I love SF.
An escape from reality into nature. If you are sick of being surrounded by cars and busy streets this is a nice little escape for a hike, walk, run or a picnic. For me it is an escape from work other than yelping at work XD. I work at the SFVAMC and a group of co-workers and I make this a daily lunch time walk. The escape that we need from the office to clear our minds, get some exercise and chitchat. I have been walking this trail for almost 2 years now. When i get out there and see the lovely view it takes all the stress away. Even on a foggy day it is still nice to be out here.
I remember the first time that Marie came to visit me at work and this was before we started going out. I told her there was a beautiful trail nearby my work and that we should go for a walk. It started off as a pleasant walk as the weather was gorgeous. We talked, walked and enjoyed the sun. Anyone that has walked this trail knows that there is a hill that leads to the golf course and then eventually the legion of honor. That hill holds special memories for Marie and me. We were walking up the hill and Marie was crackin a joke about me and it was starting to get on my nerves :P so I grabbed her close and kissed her till she was out of breath ;) THE HEART MARKS THE SPOT!!
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
This is an awesome escape from the city if you don't plan to leave the city anytime soon. I recommend you come here to hike or enjoy the scenery. I feel lucky that I get to come to this when ever I have work.
I have a dream: to meet a hot guy with a dog.
To achieve my dream, I spend a lot of my free time in parks or wandering on hiking trails. Today I went hiking on Land's End Trail and met:
* A pretty grey Pitbull mixed puppy....with its very nice female owner
* Two gorgeous Labrador Retrievers....with their elderly married couple owners
* And....a beautiful Golden Retriever (omg my favorite!!)....with a super hot guy (SCORE!!!).....anddddddd his girlfriend trailing behind. Dammit!
No success on the manhunting, but Land's End Trail is a gorgeous place to spend an afternoon, and you are guaranteed to meet lots of canine friends to play with along the way...just no guarantee on their owners.
The trail isn't too challenging, but still leaves you feeling like you've had a bit of a workout. Dangerous areas are clearly marked with some light fencing and signs warning of death. At each death sign, there was at least one person climbing over the fence to explore further. Interesting choices people make....
As always in San Francisco, dress in layers. It tends to get foggy in this area, so start with a light jacket and you can strip down once the hike warms you up.
Enjoy!
I am a poor college student. That means I like parks, I like walks, I like nature (aka I like free stuff) and I like experiencing new things. The hike is not difficult--more like a nice stroll with amazing views, but the beauty of the bridge is absolutely stunning. I walked, I talked and I enjoyed the company on a lovely San Francisco afternoon.
Overall, there's not much you can say. Wear appropriate shoes and bring a camera, because everything about this trail is perfect. I really just don't have the words to further describe it.
Having been born and raised in San Francisco, how could I not discover Land's End until now? I don't know. Maybe Golden Gate Park was just too convenient for me that I didn't explore what other wonderful parks and trails SF has to offer.
It's a great hike and whether you're with a large group of people or just with your special someone, you'll have a good time. There's breathtaking views as you make your way up the hills, concluding with the beautiful ocean sea. Nature made Land's End. Before Nature takes it away, I'd recommend a visit. Soon. =D
July is not a good month to be living in the Central Richmond.
The weather is a total mindfuck. Each day I leave downtown at 6 PM and it's sunny. Cross Van Ness and it starts getting foggy. Over Divisadero and up the hill, it just gets worse and worse. By the time I get cross Masonic, it might as well be February in London.
However, this is offset by being a 10 minute walk to the Land's End Trail during the month of August. I mean wow. I can walk this trail back and forth for hours and never get tired. There are some steep peaks marked dangerous and I love walking out on them and looking down. If you've got the time, take the stairs down to the maze and hit the beach at low tide. The wrecked ship is cool, but more surreal is the old bathhouse that collapsed on to the beach several years ago.
Another little game I like to play is to time the cargo ships coming in to the bay vs. leaving. They travel about twice as fast when they're going back to Asia - thanks to having nothing to carry. Yay trade deficit!
A very easy trail at the beginning from the Sutro Baths parking lot but as it closes near the Eagle Point bifurcation, the paved road becomes a dirt road. Dogs are present with owners but not all owners abide with the leash requirement nor pick up after their dogs. Bad owners!
Do watch out for the poison oak along the side of the road.
It's a great way to spend all day on this trail, get exercise and rejuvenate from the fresh air. If you plan to spend the day here, pack a lunch to enjoy it while sitting on one of the wooden benches or look-outs along the way. The ocean view is free and awesome.
One of my two favorite running/hiking trails in the Bay Area. The other one is Strawberry Canyon trail in the Berkeley hills. The spectacular views of the sunset, the ocean, the Bridge, the Marin headlands, the rocks, and the trees and flowers, always give me that extra boost of energy to keep me running forward.
The running trail offers all kinds of terrain to suit your taste - flat dirt paths, steep up and down hills, dangerous cliff edges, through the forest.
For months my goal had been to run through those long and steep uphill steps at about the midpoint of the trail without having to slow down to a crawl to catch my breath. And I am proud to say, three weeks ago, I finally did it!! :))
Misty, mysterious, murderous...
An evening walk through this trail was pleasant; the noises of the city are far away and the quiet sounds of wildlife are comforting. My first experience with the trail was spooky, as the fog was rolling in on the horizon. The path can be uneasy and there are some steep hillsides and cliffs--just a trip over a branch away. Signs warn of imminent death from risky diversions from the path. Better than: "Gorgeous Views: Do Not Enter." It's also unsettling that the vast, swallowing ocean is so near. But I did see a cute pod of dolphins. And the views...I ain't never seen nothing this good back east in Virginia.
I'm looking forward to returning at a sunnier time of day to see the baths and the shipwrecks. This tip of the land does not disappoint.
Things that cool off a bad mood situation:
1. Reading Günter Grass, The Tin Drum, on the beach.
2. Machete. I'd hire him.
3. Three lattes in one day and text dating advice to a friend of mine.
4. Take a nice stroll down Land's End Trail.
What another little gem along this beautiful coast and so blessed that we live in a city that plays host to so many cool trails. This one wraps around the bluffs facing out towards the gateway and winds in and out of native landscaping with fantastic views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
What I enjoyed about this trail, were the numerous other trails that branched off the main strip. On my walk back I took the trail up towards the VA hospital. This one meanders up a well maintained view, with lots of floral and bay views. Jogging back down drove up my heart rate.
You can access the trail on either end of the trailhead, although I prefer parking at the lot near the Cliff House. It is free and monitored frequently by SFPD.
Very cool trail.
I stumbled onto this trail after passing my old chomping grounds called "The Scary Spot,"
Brought the pup here and it was a nice walk. I like the stairs the most. great cardio running up the stairs with the dog prancing around.
On the next nice day, I will do it again and enjoy the ocean breeze.
I have a soft place in my heart for this trail.
This trail used to be part of my 6 mile routine run around the central Richmond area. It's one of the things I miss most since my boyfriend moved out of the city and I no longer frequent the Richmond area as much. It's a perfect trail-y jog complete with tourists-as-obstacles, stairs, sand, gorgeous views of the Pacific, and ample shade. I've taken many people here in all months and no matter how foggy it is, it's still a breathtaking view. Seriously, it's a gem.
And it's a mild enough trail for your older, out-of-town relatives if they want to hike.
I miss it. Wish it existed on the East bay!
A great addition to your catalog of runs- you forget you're in SF and feel more like you're in Oregon. Suggest heading up there on foggy days when it won't be as congested and you'll get in some good alone time.
Ditch the headphones on this one.
Yup, still a moderate hike. This place is truly soul-stirring. I thought it was just me, romanticizing the beauty of this hike. But really--- it's not. I went here today with a friend that needed some good decompression time. And boy oh boy, he was surprised at least a few times. this screams a true testiment to how magical this place can be. i had a great time picking mussels from those mussel beds (had to clime down to the "do not enter for your safety" area). and I definitely pushed myself physically... with all the real hiking we did alongside the sutro bath hills. Took some time to be adventurous and sat right at the edge of cliffs....... Now that I think about it... maybe I shouldn't have done all those scary and death-defying scenary/adrenaline climbs. BUT!!!! you'd sure be missing out if you didn't. Awesome times one thousand.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/9/2009
This is a great spot. The coastal trail says, "easy" but I'd have to differ and say "moderate."… Read more »
I came here with two friends to do a little hiking in San Francisco. Not knowing exactly what to expect, and only hearing such good things about this place (see below reviews)- I was pleasantly surprised!
Near the Sutro Baths is a really cool cave with two openings where you can see the waves crashing in!
The actual trail is pretty short, but we went off the paved trail and romped around in the vegetation. THAT is the way to do it. The view is absolutely gorgeous! I'm use to seeing the Golden Gate Bridge from the bay side so it was really neat to see it from the Pacific Ocean side.
I highly recommend going and romping around off trail.
It's all been said so I'll be brief...
Land's End is spectacular. It's gorgeous in the sun, it's stunning in the fog. The air is fresh and the views are insane.
Ocean Beach and Sutro baths are just down yonder if the trails aren't long enough.
Great, great place to go for a weekend run, hike, bring the doggies, the kids, the midget in the trunk...everyone will love it.
My favorite walk/hike ever for these reasons:
a) views, views, views
b) leashless dogs
c) no bikes
d) side trails that lead you to even better views
e) easy parking
f) restaurants nearby for when you are done; park chalet or cliff house
Ok, so this is the most amazing run I have ever been on in the two years I've lived in San Francisco.
You start near Sutro Heights Park, go through Lands End, up through the most amazing housing you have ever seen (all with the Golden Gate bridge in the back ground), through China Beach and up to Baker Beach. You can run all the way to the Golden Gate bridge which is just beyond Baker Beach and then loop back down. The whole thing is about 7 miles, some hills, some steps, flat areas, shade and sun- ALL along the coast line.
I am so blown away at the beauty in this city and this run absolutely warmed my heart yet again.
If you haven't already, you must at least walk this route- your appreciation for San Francisco is sure to grow!
There are a lot of things I adore about the Outer Richmond, not least of them being this trail. It is stunning, and great for running and hiking, and even when it's VERY early, foggy, and cold, it's amazing to see the fog covered GG bridge and the beautiful ocean. I never liked to run, but trails like this make it not only bearable, but enjoyable! If you haven't checked it out, you must. It 's gorgeous!
Sometimes you find yourself angrily rushing about the Financial District getting to and from work, just trying to stay alert enough not to get run over by a bus crossing Market. And you forget that you are just miles away from the Pacific ocean and the beauty of Land's End.
On clear days I love nothing more than to take the long drive up the Great Highway and park at the Land's End trail and take the gorgeous hike around the Sutro Baths and Fort Miley headed to the breathtaking views of the GG bridge. Whenever out of town visitors come they aways want to see the GG bridge and I find myself forgetting just how pretty it actually is, until I do this short hike and see the views for myself. The trail is great and the views are stunning, and if you take the time to read the plaques you can learn about the ship wrecks and light houses that were in the area. When you look out to the ocean you really feel like you are at the edge of the world, and not just the edge of San Francisco. All and all, this is a great place to relax and take visiting family or friends to show them another side of the city.
This a beautiful place to go for a walk or run.
If you like to get unique photos of the area, this is a great place for that.
There are also great volunteer opportunities which include helping to clean up this area.
It is a great escape from all the hustle and bustle of the area.
Stop for a breather and take in the scent of the water.
Whenever we go up to San Francisco, and the weather is nice, we try to take at least a little stroll on this trail. It is just that beautiful and pleasant.
It can be quite chilly under the shaded areas. So, definitely wear layers.
It's beautiful!
Land's End allows me to feel like I've left the city for a little while and to get rid of my concrete claustrophobia.
I try to get out of the city to go for a hike every chance I get and usually head to Pt. Reyes or the headlands, but when a car just isn't available, Land's End is perfect.
The hike is actually more of a walk along the cliffs and has spectacular views.
Check out the labyrinth:
http://flickr.com/phot...
Nice trail. Great views. Too bad there's a sign at Painted Rock that reads:
"DO NOT ENTER: PEOPLE HAVE FALLEN TO THEIR DEATHS".
That just makes people more interested in crossing the barrier.
Beautiful view. Many different trails to get lost on. Get it lost on. Man I am crazy fun.
It's a simple trail, anyone should be able to do it as long as they know how to breath deeply and walk.
Good for a "get to know you" date.
SFCritic
Yup... this is the shit. Love the view and the wind.
Gosh this trail is what I needed today. I just got back feeling very refreshed and in tune with myself. This morning, I wasn't feeling too "cheery" and while I was in the shower I decided I should go check out a trail. Fort Miley came first to mind and I'm so glad it did. Must have been fate. So I got my backpack, grabbed my sister and went for it.
Beautiful day in the city and what better way to spend it than outside, right. Plus I love how the greatest things in life are truly FREE. No one can buy that breathtaking view or the feeling you get when you're on that small hike. I walked and walked, taking pics after pics. I think there's like 3 or 4 official named trails to go on, but there are plenty more man-made trails that you can wonder off on. Go ahead, try it. It's safe.
Instead of going down to the beachy area, my sister and I decided to walk the other way. I'm glad we did because after you go down the kinda long set of stairs than up and glance over the edge. TAAAA DAAAA! you found it. It comes out of nowhere, well at least for me and is GORGEOUS.
My sis and I took pics of the circle of rocks, which we kept referring to it as the "sign". Than we wondered around and it's cool cus there's the 2 benches that you can sit on and watch the view or take pics. Everyone on the trail is at ease and very nice ( who wouldn't be)
This place is definitely a place to go when you feel to stressed or just want to appreciate mother nature. Yes, this place is the best =)
I found this trail over a year ago in a book I have on SF walks. Quickly realized it is one of San Francisco's best kept secrets! It must be somewhat of a secret, because even on beautiful summer weekend days, there is plenty of free parking still available...how amazing is that? Anyway, I have come back again and again. It's also a great place to bring folks who are visiting SF.
The first time I walked this trail, it took my breath away with the gorgeous views of the bay and the Golden Gate bridge. You get to those views pretty much immediately! It's a fairly easy walk, although if you go far enough you get to a moderately long set of stairs. Also, there is a side trail down to Mile Beach that also involves a decent number of stairs (totally worth it...check out the starfish and mussels on the rocks at the beach). At the far end of the trail I always turn it into a loop by going up to the road (El Camino del Mar?) and walk back past the golf course and the Palace of the Legion of Honor. Then I go to the far end of the Legion of Honor parking lot to pick up the trail again. The first time I did this walk, there was a huge Chihuly sculpture "Sun" just outside of the Legion of Honor - it was just another unexpected burst of pleasure that day. As was the "little fennel forrest", which I call the area where there is a ton of wild fennel, much of it 8 feet tall. After I finish the loop towards the GG bridge, I may do a small loop in the other direction, towards the Sutro Baths and the Cliff House. This is fun especially if I'm bringing out-of-town visitors. At the end of this ~2-3 hour walk, the Cliff House is a convenient place with restrooms (yay!) and to consider for a meal (although I've only ended up actually eating here once).
I feel so amazingly lucky to live in a city as diverse and beautiful as San Francisco.
Parts of this city really give you that city feel- hustling and bustling, taxis, tall buildings, a myriad of cheap eats line the street blocks.
Other parts, such as Land's End Trail, give you that country feel. If there is a warm and sunny day in your near future, do yourself a favor and experience Land's End Trail. It's a gorgeous, long walk, with breathtaking views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Tip: Stop by Angelina's on 22nd and California before the walk and pick up some gourmet snacks. Bring water!
Land's End is a fairly historic spot within the City limits. It's perhaps the most peaceful and humanistically silent yet naturally loud and commanding location in the City. Having lived off Fulton a few years back, I'd mountain bike to the egde and swing on those huge ship ropes totally vurnable to the cold whipping winds and thunderous crashing of the Pacific waves.
I guess there was at one point monsterous sized guns mounted into the hillside to defend the City from a potential Japanese air raid during WWII. Even before that, seamen's women and children would wait impatiently for thier searward hero to emerge from the thick low lying fogbank.
A very special part of the City indeed.
Oh! what a glorious weekend! Sunshine and clear skies throughout a holiday weekend in January? Methinks so!
Hiking this trail is a splendid way for non-motorists to enjoy a beautiful, scenic hike while staying within reach of Muni. If you live in the city and don't have a car, try it out.
Ahhhh, I love my beautiful city.
I recently visited a friend in Maui and thought the drive to Hana and the beaches there were amazing. However, I think we have some pretty incredible views and beaches here in our little town of SF too!
Despite the foggy and cold rainy days, Land's End is a great trail to do for either a nice walk with breath-taking views or a good trail run (but pick a non-weekend day since the trail can be busy).
You can take 48th Street which becomes El Camino Del Mar and make a right and follow it along and it pretty much drops you to the beginning of the trail and the infamous sign you see on posters that say "Land's End."
The trail goes as far out as the new re-furbished Sutro baths near the Cliff House restaurant (by Ocean beach).
You can do a photo tour and get full directions at this link: http://sanfrancisco.ab...
The best trail for walking and jogging in SF - it's usually not crowded, there's ample free parking, the trees provide shade even during the hottest days, and the sound of the foghorn adds a serene feel as you gaze at the coastline and the waves crashing against the rocks. While the streetcar no longer runs along the trail, the incredible view remains along with the wide paths that are perfect for a stroll or jog. The walk is suitable for all ages and for dogs as well.
You're far enough away from the traffic to really feel like you're in another place and yet you're close enough to the city that you're not going to run into a snake or mountain lion.
Not only is Land's End Trail gorgeous, it has history as well; you may be able to spot shipwrecks off the coast and the memorial as well as the remains of the bullet ridden USS San Francisco WWII cruiser can be found in the Vista Point parking lot off 48th Avenue.
I usually start at Vista Point and jog over to Mile Rock Beach where I climb up and down the stairs a couple of times and jog up to the cliff area where the labrinyth is. Then I continue on, up the other flight of stairs, down the winding path and eventually to the end of the trail by Eagle's Point. If you wanted to keep going, you could jog up to the Legion of Honor (turn right) or jog down to China Beach (turn left).
The trail is about 3 miles round trip. The parking lot on Merrie Way was recently finished, providing even more free parking.
