MARIN HEADLANDS - HILL 88
Rodeo Beach to Hill 88 Loop | Sausalito, CA
★★☆☆☆
For the busy urbanite seeking a fresh escape a stone's throw away from the Golden Gate.
Last hiked 7/18/21
Length: 5.4 mi.
Gain: 1200 ft.
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Crowds: Moderate
Dogs: Yes
THE RUNDOWN
The North Bay is chock full of excellent hiking spots, from Mt. Tam to Pt. Reyes. But we think smaller, less mentioned spots like Marin Headlands deserve more credit. We decided on a whim to make a short and sweet loop on one of Marin Headlands’s more popular routes. Lined with interesting sites like eerie WWII bunkers, and eclectic art and old concrete slabs on Hill 88, this hike is perfect for anyone from casual nature seekers to history buffs.
Park at Rodeo Beach next to Rodeo Beach Coastal Trailhead. Arrive before 10am on weekends to avoid crowds.
We took a clockwise loop (plus a small detour to Hill 88) from the Rodeo Beach parking lot.
Park at Rodeo Beach next to Rodeo Beach Coastal Trailhead.
STEP BY STEP
↑ From the Rodeo Beach parking lot, proceed to Coastal Trail.
Note: the beginning portion of Coastal Trail is unpaved but it transitions to a paved trail after about half a mile.
↑ Continue straight to explore Hill 88.
↓ Return back down Coastal Trail until you meet the subtle junction to Wolf Ridge Trail on your right.
→ Make a right onto Wolf Ridge Trail.
→ Make a right onto Miwok Trail.
→ Make a right onto Lagoon Trail and return to the parking lot.
In our opinion, Battery Townsley is still worth visiting on a foggy day.
There are several decent vantage points along Coastal Trail, though visibility is better on some days than others.
Visit the somewhat eerie but highly captivating remnants of old radar towers on Hill 88.
MUSINGS
Starting from the Rodeo Beach parking lot, we quickly climbed our way up Coastal Trail which provides grand views of the ocean. Coastal Trail also takes you past the historic bunker at Battery Townsley - a fun chance to explore what's left of an important relic of World War II.
The remainder of Coastal Trail was a steady but manageable climb to Hill 88. We were blanketed in a cooling layer of fog which, despite transiently obscured views (typical California Coast!), kept us fresh and energized.
Hill 88 is the most unique part of this hike. As much as we love immersing ourselves in nature, there's something eerily beautiful about the graffiti-laden, rugged concrete walls of this abandoned missile-tracking station. We admired the artistry of the many anonymous urban artists who collectively left their mark in this unexpected location.
From there, we backtracked down Coastal Trail and descended down Wolf Ridge and Miwok Trails, then followed the contour of Rodeo Lagoon back to the parking lot. The descent was largely uneventful but gave us plenty of time to think of what to get for lunch...more in the Good Eats section!
MORE INFO
Some Reminders
It can be quite foggy here in the summer. Check the forecast before heading out and pack layers. That being said, we did enjoy our foggy hike as it never got too hot and it added a bit of mystique...
Dogs are allowed on this specific route, but check the map for other areas.
Helpful Resources
Good Eats
Yuanbao Jiaozi specializes in handmade dumplings with an assortment of yummy side dishes. Their noodle soups are worth trying, too. While you do need to go into the city (Sunset District) to get them, the drive isn't too long from the Headlands.
While you're waiting for your dumpling order, hop down a few blocks to Wonderful Dessert & Cafe. This is a seriously no-frills, down-to-earth milk tea, snack, and dessert shop. Don't expect anything fancy, but you can expect a nice cup of reliable, trusty boba from this mom and pop shop with old school vibes.