Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
20.00 ft (6.10 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
1.60 mi (2.57 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

There are nearly limitless hiking opportunities in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, especially on the Marin Headlands. Unfortunately, many do not allow dogs, but the Lagoon Loop and the nearby Rodeo Beach is an exception.

A hike on the Lagoon Loop Trail can start either at the Rodeo Beach parking area or in the visitor center parking area. There is minimal elevation change, and the views of the lagoon, historic Fort Cronkhite, and Rodeo Beach are constant and beautiful. The lagoon is home to large numbers of migratory birds and several fish, including the endangered tidewater goby. The lagoon is typically cut off from draining into the ocean in the summer and fall and is subject to high levels of algae, but during the rainy season it drains through the sandbar of Rodeo Beach and the water quality is higher.

This short hike can be combined with a visit to the nearby restored Nike missile site and many historic gun batteries going back to pre-World War I times.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Varied and interesting trail. Lots of birds. Dogs allowed.

Cons

Part of the loop runs along the road.

Trailhead Elevation

40.00 ft (12.19 m)

Features

Historically significant
Whale watching
Wildlife
Bird watching

Suitable for

Horseback

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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