Lands End and Sutro Baths Trail

The Lands End and Sutro Baths Hike is one of many route options found within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area—and this one might just be our favorite, offering hypnotic views of the world’s most famous bridge, the Marin Headlands, Point Reyes, Alcatraz, and Point Reyes. Note this area is well-revered, so expect to share the path. Additionally, there are many trails that can be found in the area, so a trail GPS may prove useful.

Setting out from the trailhead and parking lot off Point Lobos Avenue, the Lands End and Sutro Baths Trail wanders north along the coastal bluff to an intersection. Here, turn left, and you will be diverted onto the Sutro Baths Upper Trail. This path will lead you down a set of stairs to the edge of the coastal headland, offering views of the bath ruins below and the Marin Headlands in the north. Admire the scenery, then retrace your footing up the steps back to the junction. Here, keep left and hike northeast up to the Coastal Trail.

The Coastal Trail will guide you past the USS San Francisco Memorial to an overlook of the Golden Gate Bridge. Appreciate the grandeur of the famous bridge, then retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead.