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Wolf Ridge and Hill 88 Loop
Hiking Trail
Hard
5.09 mi
1,099 ft
Amazing views of San Francisco and some interesting war relics near the Golden Gate Bridge.
This is one of the best moderate hikes in Marin Headlands. Clear weather is ideal, so you can see the distant views, but foggy days can be enjoyable, too. Apart from the vistas, it features war bunkers, hillside rock outcrops, spring wildflowers, and a chance at spotting wildlife.
Park near the Marine Mammal Center, then take the paved trail (also a service road) that heads uphill. This is the Coastal Trail, and eventually it turns to a narrow dirt path with some very steep, but short, sections. From the treeless, windswept slopes you’ll look over Rodeo Beach, the mouth of San Francisco Bay, and the city beyond. You’ll also pass several old defense structures, relics from the era of World War II.
After a final section of wooden stairs and rocky surface, the trail rejoins pavement and a mellow gradient continues to the top of Hill 88. This used to be a defense command center but is now a dilapidated cluster of mural-painted buildings on a panoramic hilltop. It’s a popular spot for photographers, and definitely worth lingering if the weather is nice.
Backtrack to the 4-way junction where Wolf Ridge Trail splits from Coastal Trail, and take Wolf Ridge. It leads to Miwok Trail, a wide dirt path that meanders down the uncrowded backside of the hill, returning to Bunker Road and completing the loop.
Sources:
Written by Jesse Weber
This is one of the best moderate hikes in Marin Headlands. Clear weather is ideal, so you can see the distant views, but foggy days can be enjoyable, too. Apart from the vistas, it features war bunkers, hillside rock outcrops, spring wildflowers, and a chance at spotting wildlife.
Park near the Marine Mammal Center, then take the paved trail (also a service road) that heads uphill. This is the Coastal Trail, and eventually it turns to a narrow dirt path with some very steep, but short, sections. From the treeless, windswept slopes you’ll look over Rodeo Beach, the mouth of San Francisco Bay, and the city beyond. You’ll also pass several old defense structures, relics from the era of World War II.
After a final section of wooden stairs and rocky surface, the trail rejoins pavement and a mellow gradient continues to the top of Hill 88. This used to be a defense command center but is now a dilapidated cluster of mural-painted buildings on a panoramic hilltop. It’s a popular spot for photographers, and definitely worth lingering if the weather is nice.
Backtrack to the 4-way junction where Wolf Ridge Trail splits from Coastal Trail, and take Wolf Ridge. It leads to Miwok Trail, a wide dirt path that meanders down the uncrowded backside of the hill, returning to Bunker Road and completing the loop.
Sources:
Written by Jesse Weber
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Mammal Center Climb | 2.01 mi | 853 ft | 8.0% |
| Coastal Trail Climb | 0.33 mi | 144 ft | 8.1% |
| Coastal Trail Climb | 0.45 mi | 213 ft | 8.9% |
| Hill 88 | 0.39 mi | 95 ft | 0.1% |
| Hill 88: Last Leg | 0.12 mi | 66 ft | 10.1% |
| Wolf Ridge Descent to Miwok | 0.67 mi | -259 ft | -6.5% |