The Golden Gate Dozen: San Francisco’s Newest Cross-City Trail

The Golden Gate Dozen: San Francisco’s Newest Cross-City Trail

Join me as we explore San Francisco’s newest official urban trail—the Golden Gate Dozen!

Where every mile tells a story, and every step reveals another side of San Francisco

Recently introduced by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, this 13-mile route links together 12 spectacular national park sites stretching from Crissy Field to Fort Funston.

We’ll experience some of the city’s most iconic landscapes while discovering the history, ecology, and hidden stories that make this one of America’s most remarkable urban national parks.

Highlights include:

• Crissy Field
• Presidio Tunnel Tops
• Fort Point
• Baker Beach
• China Beach
• Lands End
• Sutro Baths
• Sutro Heights
• Ocean Beach
• Fort Miley
• Fort Funston
• And countless breathtaking coastal viewpoints along the way.

As a fourth-generation San Franciscan, I’ll share local history, personal stories, and little-known facts that bring these places to life. We’ll take a comfortable pace with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and appreciate the incredible diversity of landscapes found within one city.

Walk Details

• Distance: Approximately 13 miles
• Elevation Gain: About 1,300–1,500 feet
• Pace: Moderate (around 3 mph with frequent stops)
• Duration: Approximately 5½–6½ hours
• Difficulty: Moderate. Participants should be comfortable walking the distance and handling hills.

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Layers for changing weather
• Water and lunch/snacks
• Sunscreen and a camera

This is a wonderful opportunity to experience San Francisco as few people ever do—following a continuous route through beaches, bluffs, forests, military history, and some of the finest coastal scenery in California.

Come discover why the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is often called one of the world’s greatest urban parks.