Land's End Trail
El Camino del Mar & 32nd Ave
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
San Francisco, CA 94101
- Good for Kids: Yes
24 reviews
Neighborhood: Mission
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52 Reviews for Land's End Trail
Really lovely mini-hike on the Coastal Trail that's great for both a kick-back hike (mostly flat, with some paved areas) and somewhat strenuous hiking (as many folks have noted, there are lots of stairs on the offshoot trails, and to get down to the water can be quite steep).
But the main reason to go is for the beautiful views of the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate Bridge. If you look hard enough, you can check out a few remnants of shipwrecks too. Highly recommend checking out the labyrinth down Mile Rock trail that sits on the edge of a cliff.
The Seacliff neighborhood that bookends one end of the trail has some beautiful houses to admire as well.
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Views for every moment of this walk. When the weather's right (or wrong, depending), I love coming back into civilization after being wind-whipped by this place. You get that "I've been through the harsh wilderness and survived" kind of feeling, even though you were just easily strolling through a well groomed and varied path. Lovely.
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There should only be one rating available for this trail, five stars. It is incredible, I love how you can go ten minutes from your house in SF and find yourself looking out on a breathtaking view. Land's End Trail is something all visitors to SF should check out (I'm kind of scared to say that since I'd hate for this place to turn into another Fisherman's Warf).
It was super windy today but I feel like that just made the hike more enjoyable, it was amazing to watch the big waves breaking against the rocks at the bottom of the cliffs. I'll definitely be back and feel like I should add this to trail to my outdoor running schedule.
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If you can, go during a week day. Preferably before 1 o'clock.
If you have the time, take the side path down to Mile Rock Beach. It is a very terrific place with some oddly beautiful fallen pieces of home that are now covered in graffiti. Just remember you have to walk 100 stairs or so back up.
Way back when we were young men, my friend Paublo would make some insane comments which I always disagreed on:
"Democrats are evil"
"Rush Limbaugh for president"
"You're going to hell"
We got to know each other better on an Arizona road trip. Paublo was one with the desert and would insistently talk about the cloud formations over the barren miles of road before us. I could hear the satisfaction in his voice when he remarked on the variation of clouds in the distance, all while grinning at the sky.
I would be thinking, "Are you f#%*!#@g retarded?"
Instead, I wanted him to be more like me, i.e. naturally impressed by gorgeous cars, amazing architecture, exotic vacations and expensive restaurants. I thought Paublo was a simpleton for being pleased with the mundane. Kind of like that character from Of Mice and Men.
It dawned on me much later that BECAUSE Paublo was easily impressed by the simple--such as a the splash of ocean against your feet, the turning color of leaves, or the way clouds reflect on a sunset--that MORE happy moments came his way because he didn't take for granted the simple treasures. How much MORE did quiet moments of enjoying the earth, wind and sky come his way each day? The answer . . . they came his way MORE than mine. Paublo wasn't foolish at all, and he remains one of my best friends to this day.
This day, I'm glad I don't have to drive to Yosemite or the Grand Canyon to take in a million dollar view. On a clear day, I can just head out to Land's End to take it in as much as I want.
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I really love this trail. If you're a gym body but not that athletic (like me and every Jessica Alba wanna-be), this place would be great for you. It is pretty challenging for a run and extremely serene for a walk. It has great views of the Golden Gate Bridge! Try it once and you will go back.
Plenty of parking, a bit hard to find the first time, lots of dogs and tourists on the weekend, and a good escape from the busy city.
I've been hiking this trail for years. For years, it wasn't as heavily traveled & it was a best kept secret. Now there are a lot of people coming to hike along the cliffs. I usually try to hit it during the week and avoid the crowds during the weekend. My pooch loves this trail sooooo much. She'd like to explore this trail, everyday..if she could.
I can't believe I've been living here for almost 2 years and it's taken me this long to visit this part of town.
I'd heard about this trail earlier from some friends who went, but didn't think anything of it. Then lately, I've been on this kick to go out on weekends, get some fresh air, and maybe go to some areas of town I hadn't been yet to do some urban "hiking". After a failed attempt a couple of weeks ago (where the foul cold weather encouraged us to go to a bar instead), I thought this weekend would be perfect.
And it was.
The trail starts at Point Lobos Ave and El Camino Del Mar at one end (if you follow the road past the Cllff House and on up the hill to the first intersection, that's it) then follows the coast through Lincoln Park, past the Legion of Honor, and comes out at end of the Park at El Camino del Mar and 23rd Ave.
If you start at Point Lobos end, it's flat, paved and wide (wheel friendly: wheelchairs, strollers, or bikes) with a great lookout point where you can see the GG Bridge. As you progress the paved path gives way to a still very easy dirt path (however, not so good for wheels unless you are on a bike), down a couple of steps, then you're behind the Legion of Honor. There's a side route down to a beach. Lots of steps but well worth it for the view. If you continue along the main path there are many more steps. Or if you want, you can cut up to the Legion of Honor (recommended for cyclists).
Pretty crowded on nice weekends so probably not the best trail for runners or cyclists.
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I love, love, love this trail. My girlfriend who is an avid runner introduced me to this trail and I always bring out of town guests, family and friends to this trail. It has the most magnificent views of the Golden Gate Bridge...this past weekend I brought along the husband and the dog and the camera too and took over a hundred photos. I never get tired of looking at the Golden Gate Bridge no matter how many times I've seen it. When I was getting married, I even thought of getting married here with the Golden Gate Bridge behind us, it is that scenic here. I would definitely have to say one of my favorite spots in the city, right up there with Chrissy Field.
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hiking and dating are fairly similar experiences. land's end is like a good lover to me; always something beautiful to behold, just difficult enough to traverse, and i am rewarded with new discoveries through each cliff and crag.
navigating through a new trail is like going on those first few dates. the giddiness and excitement of something new, taking much more cautious steps initially and the time to stop, examine and memorize the small details of the journey. sometimes, i expect to find other people on the same journey, on this same route. and oftentimes i know i am the only one. the masculine pungency of pine needles; the salty sea spray like a tickle of lips on skin.
if a trail is too easy, i tend not to come back to it. mastering a trail on the first go will only make me think twice about coming back. the challenges arouse, and i have a spirit for adventure. i want my trails to have enough complexity to always lead me somewhere new. i want my chest to heave, my skin to glisten with sweat, my breath quick and deep.
excitement. the thrill of a steep hill, the slip on a boulder on the shore. sometimes falling yet never permanent scars. just a nick here or there to remind me i am human, i bleed and i have been hurt before.
i see the footprints of others who have walked here before, and sometimes am disappointed with the refuse of so many before me. i carry my pack which ultimately becomes a depository for this litter as i come to love a place so i shall also be its keeper. i should like to say i apply the same tenderness and understanding in life.
the moment of pure bliss. sunset over the pacific, warm orange glow against the mountains to the north and the brick red gate. the sound of waves rhythmically lapping the shore. very few things can compare to this site. the soul feels full like when i am touched by love.
stand too still in one place for too long, and the chill in the air eats down to the bone. so i always move forward. and moving forward creates warmth again, and the cycle is repeated until the end.
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I feel so privileged to have discovered this trail. It offers an unimaginable view of the coast and edge of our wonderful city and is the prefect treat for a good day in the sun. I expect many more mornings spent exploring this area.
yet another great park in san francisco. this one raps around the ocean to the bay with awesome views. you can see sea lions, dolphins, sharks, cliffs, cool trees, etc. i'm glad it's open again. a really cool place. also home to the legion of honor
A great trail to enjoy that is close and convenient. Try this trail when you want to go for an easy, beautiful and rewarding hike, but only have a few hours to spare.
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With daylight savings upon us, this would be my first choice for a convenient close hike that is literally 5 minutes away. Those of us who live in the Richmond District of SF are always so thankful for the surrounding trails that encourage us to exercise. I am one-of-those that does not have an ipod attached to their head, but instead chose to listen to the waves pounding, glimpse at the stillness of the water, the sun setting, the newly planted vegetation. Except for the occasional "idiot" trying to bike the trail, it is a most pleasant way to end the day. The trail itself is a 1.5 miles ( one way), but you can extend that many times over by hitting one of the side trails with stairs going down to the beach or the 125 stairs on the main trail. What more can we ask for - a golf course on one side, "the trail" and the sound of the ocean on the other.
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I came here to do some martial arts training years ago with a teammate. I was new to SF at the time and was absolutely floored by how beautiful it is. This place is beautiful and speaks volumes of how visually appealing San Francisco is and can be. If you want to walk or run a trail solo, with friends, or your dog(s), this is definitely a place to experience.
Parks For All Forever!
What a great hiking spot in my neighborhood. My boyfriend and I ventured around in the cold, windy weather, skipping from one trail to another soaking in all the views and listening to the waves pounding on the large rocks below. It was nice to see other couples and families enjoying these trails.
There was one "duffus" on his mountain bike in the "no bike" area. What a dork, all dressed up in his spandex. ANYHOOPS...
I love this trail and can't believe I've only found it just today.
Parks For All Forever!
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Going to spots like Lands End underscores how amazing this area is and how lucky we are. The breathtaking views of coast and the flora/fauna (lots of indigenous plant life...shall I point them out?) are quintessential San Francisco. You're not going to get a rigorous hike, but you'll be guaranteed a breath of fresh air type of morning/afternoon.
This trail may just make me move back to the outer Richmond someday. My absolute favorite place to run in the city. Limited concrete, nice rolling hills, some stairs to work my legs and views of the ocean and GG Bridge.
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I usually hop on this trail at 32nd and El Camino Del Mar. This part of the trail is the closest to my dwelling place. I am oh so lucky to have this trail near by...and let me tell you why...
It's a beautiful day and I'm running along this trail while being capitivated by the amazing views. Am I really in San Francisco? Oh yeah I am! There's the Golden Gate Bridge. How beautiful it looks peaking out through the cypress trees! I'm running along and I'm so happy because my sneakered feet are not pounding into concrete but on this shady dirt trail. I look over and see the ocean. I start planning my next bike ride as I catch a glimpse of the Marin Headlands. Off to the side of the main trail are trails that lead down to the beach. You can actually trek down there and run along the beach if you are feeling it. But, I decide to stay on the main trail. I round a corner and a picture perfect view of the vast Pacific Ocean spreads out before me. If I'm lucky, I can catch a glimpse of dolphins or even a gray whale. But, it appears I won't glimpse any sea creatures today. I jog up the hardest part of the trail which are steep steps that go straight up and then leads you back down onto a wider trail.
The end of the trail spits you out on Point Lobos near the old Sutro Baths and the Cliff House. You can call someone to pick you up or you can turn around and head back to 32nd and El Camino Del Mar, where you began. If you decide to turn around; then you just hiked, ran, or walked a 3.5 mile round trip.
I'm running along this trail with my Ipod and I'm completely carried away by the views and my music.
"breathe in breathe out
breathe in breathe out
breathe in
deaf dumb and thirty
starting to deserve this
leaning on my conscience wall
blood is like wine
unconscious all the time
if i had it all again
i'd change it all
got a machinehead better than the rest
green to red machinehead
got a machinehead better than the rest
green to red
and i walk from my machine
i walk from my machine"
I love this trail! Oh no, oh no! I watch my Ipod fly through the air as I fall towards the ground. Ahem, watch out for the rocks or crevices on the path...they just LIKE come out of no where!
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Spectacular views for a walk spot, really nice people using the trails, can be flat & hilly depending on which way you go. Best sunsets you'll find, but make sure you head out asap- trails can be tricky as it gets dark. Sometimes you just need some nature- this is a GREAT place to find it.
Land's End is a great trail for runs, jogs, and hikes. Once on the trail, you forget that you are in urban San Francisco. Great views throughout of the Golden Gate Bridge, and various beaches. Many forks in the trail lead off to various spots, such as the Legion of Honor. I recommend this hike in nice days. Runners: beware of the endless stairs toward the middle of the trail.
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Just another plug for this gorgeous trail - go, go, go! They're doing some construction by the Sutro Baths and that parking lot (on Merrie Way), but there's another lot at Ft. Miley. If you're walking/running, head into the trail at 48th Ave and El Camino Del Mar. That paved path leads to a spectacular lookout point (easily accessible by all)...just makes me smile, no matter what mood I'm in! The Coastal Trail is about 1.5mi, and that's where you hit the stairs and some rocky paths (difficult for my uncoordinated self). The end of the trail drops you off at the Sea Cliff (or you could break off earlier and head towards Ft. Miley/VA/Legion of Honor). Check this place out if you haven't...it's quite breathtaking and just a little off the beaten path.
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Watched the QMII roll in on this path... have spent a lot of time ambling about... being quiet and thinking... not being quiet and thinking. Awesome way to spend some free time.....
This is my favorite place in all of San Francisco. I love it here, you can waste a whole day in another world, then walk back up and you're in the hustle and bustle of metropolitan San Francisco again.
I recommend taking out of towners here, walking to the collapsed bathroom way up the beach and showing them the best view of the bridge from the south side.
There's the best marine life here as well because there aren't a ton of tourists messing with the shells.
Plus, it's a fun hike with some amazing graffiti art hidden on the destructed structures out here.
God I miss this park, even after my dog got sprayed by a skunk and we had to drive him back down town and live with him in a small apartment, it still is the most beautiful place in the Bay.
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Very pretty - you don't feel like you are in the city at all.
And you can hike down to one of the little cove beaches.
A hidden gem!
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Ah yes, Land's End. If you want to get 'away from it all' without leaving the city, this is the place. Beautiful views of the ocean, the Golden Gate and the bay. Take a detour down to Mile Rock Beach and check out some amazing tide pools.
A great way to spend a weekend morning.
For locals this trail is a sanctuary in the city! Great for walking or hiking, gorgeous views (even on a foggy day) and not a lot of tourists to ruin it. I could spend the entire day at Land's End and still have energy to visit Sutro Baths!
Best place to take a short walk/"hike" in San Francisco. Gorgeous views all the way around of Marin headlands and the bridge (especially now that they've removed some of the bushes/trees in certain spots). You can even see some sea lions at the bottom of a cliff half way around the trail (just after the 200 stairs if you're heading east). Nice way to feel like you're getting out of the city without actually leaving it.
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land's end is the best escape from the city within the city. go here alone. go here with visitors. go here with friends. especially in the summer when the days are long, this is a great place to go running or hiking after work without having to cross the bridge for an escape to nature.
Today was another beautiful day to enjoy San Francisco, and I remember reading someone's review of the Land's End Trail, so I decided to check it out.
Quite honestly, it was a little too short of a hike/walk for me. However, I'm sure it would be a great trail to run - definitely a little challenging with all the stairs, but a great workout I'm sure. (In total it's about 3 miles roundtrip, with only a few moderately difficult stair climbs).
The view is a-maz-ing. I think it's just so beautiful around the bay, the view to the bridge...aahh. I love it here.
More USEFUL information...for my ladies with the *smaller* bladders, there is a decent restroom at China Beach, the end of the trail.
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When I lived in the Richmond, one of my favorite things to do on a weekend morning was walk/run the Land's End trail. The view is gorgeous, it's not crowded, and you can truly forget that you're in the city. If you've never been, GO!
I went back today for the first time in almost a year. They've made "improvements" to the trail, mostly on the west side, the part that starts at the parking lot just above the Cliff House. They cleared a lot of trees, widened the path, and put in several concrete viewing areas. I have to admit that I kind of preferred it when it was a bit wilder, eroding trails and non-native vegetation and all. Still, it's good that the wider, paved paths have made at least part of the trail more accessible for the elderly, handicapped, etc.
A note to the guy on the bike: dude, 99% of the people on this trail are on foot, and most don't seem spry enough to jump out of your way as you zoom by, especially on the narrower parts of the trail. Slow down! Oh, and I'm pretty sure I saw a "no bikes" sign at one point...
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A very decent hike, especially for me since I'm not a big hiker. The man drove out to the city EARLY this morning so we were out at about 7:30AM. There was hardly anyone on the trail, but it was foggy, cold, and misty. I think if we had chosen to go on a clearer day, we could've appreciated the view more. But even considering the weather, it's a really nice place to go to feel like you're away from the city when you're not. Plus, it's pretty close to my house.
On a clear, warm day, this place is heaven! Breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge on one end, the stretch of cliffs, sea and coastal vegetation in between, and the Sutro Baths/Ocean Beach on the other end. You can even access the beautiful Legion of Honor from this trail. It's a short, but rigorous run thanks to the killer stairs in the middle. But I swear by those stairs because they keep this booty in bangin' shape! Definitely a great escape from fast-paced city life. I suggest treking out here on the weekend for a run/walk from east to west so you end at the Cliffhouse for brunch. Just goes to show how much San Francisco has to offer.
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Well, you have to climb over a wood thing to get there now. I guess they are afraid of people falling off the cliff, and they should be. The path has really disintegrated A LOT in the last decade. I was amazed when I went there a month ago. I was afraid my mom was going to fall. This is my favorite view of the bridge at night. Grab some 40s and your friends and BE CAREFUL and go down the path and talk and look at the bridge and listen to the fog horns.
Beautiful.
I can't count how many happy afternoons I have spent on this trail in the past year. Living right at the start of the trail near Lincoln Park has given me much joy, able to enjoy much of the beauty the trail has to offer. As an environmental writer, reconnecting with nature is very important and, walking along Land's End, truly helps to keep me sane.
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On days when I am disheartened with San Francisco, I can go walk this trail and fall in love all over again. The view of the coast line is amazing over here.
This is a beautiful trail where you'll see views that look like they're off a post card around every turn.
Strange new find... one of the trails leads to a beach and large labrinth of stones by the ocean.
The city has cleared away large parts of it at the beginning of the trail in recent months which is very disturbing, but it still can't get less than 5 stars.
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Generally, I try not to run.
Land's End Trail is one of the few places that makes running bearable.
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The path runs close to the waters edge. On a clear day you can see crazy surfers climbing with their boards along the cliffs to get the best swells. I love the smell of the ocean here, especially at night.
What a great hike down the mile rock staircase and to the bottom!
do the loop - coastal trail to el camino del mar..
we are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place ;-)
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