Sausalito is famous for its cycling, with bike shops, outfitters and rental merchants, and helpful guides and routes planned out for the novice or experienced rider. One of the most popular and scenic routes from downtown Sausalito is to ride through the Marin Headlands and enjoy the fresh sea air and beautiful views while getting your exercise in. Perfectly located for an after-work ride or a casual late-planned trip, the Marin Headlands offers cyclists spectacular views and scenery without having to travel far from Sausalito.

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is made up of outdoor spaces from the northwest side of San Francisco to the southwest side of Marin County and is comprised of several distinct areas that showcase what the natural atmosphere was like in the San Francisco Bay Area before development. The Marin Headlands is a special part of the GGNRA and is an open-space area that allows hiker, cyclists, and even those out for a scenic drive to enjoy the outdoors without having to travel far. The Marin Headlands contains one of the most awarded and recognized children’s museums in the nation, a leading marine mammal rescue center, historical markers and information surrounding the armament sites lining the cliffs, and more points of interest to stop during a ride if you are so inclined.

This is the perfect place to get out and enjoy the outdoors, explore and see the sights, and enjoy yourself for a few hours or a whole day!

Ride the Marin Headlands Loop

Taking a bike out for a spin in the Headlands is easy and can be a great way to simply get out and relax for a bit or to challenge yourself and ride. The loop itself is approximately 20km and depending on skill level and speed can be either fairly brief or a longer ride.

Starting in downtown Sausalito, follow Bridgeway out to Second St. and turn left following that until it curves and becomes South St. South St. will curve and become Alexander Ave. which will take you into the Marin Headlands itself. Once you have crossed under Highway 1, Alexander Ave. becomes Conzelman Rd. and marks the start of your journey through the Headlands.

Once you have climbed the hill on Conzelman Rd, you will see a marker forBattery Spencer near the top. This is a great place for a stop if you are so inclined, and you can easily follow the trail on foot to one of the most spectacular vistas over the Golden Gate Bridge anywhere in the area.

Once you’ve passed over the top of the hill, you will want to continue on Conzelman Rd. past the junction with McCullough Rd. (just stay left). Staying on Conzelman Rd. will allow you breathtaking views and vistas and gives you a chance to really see the beauty of the Marin Headlands. After several kilometers, you will come to another junction, this one with Fort Barry Rd. This is also a great stopping point as there is a Nike Missile site here with historical and other information for those who are interested. This is also the prime place for a detour to se the Point Bonita Lighthouse (on foot) located nearby.

Follow Fort Barry Rd. on to Bunker Rd. and turn right to begin the trip back to Sausalito. While there are several additional turns and loop-extensions available, staying on Bunker Rd. will eventually take you right back to Alexander Ave. and if you turn left you will be headed right back to downtown Sausalito.

This loop can be expanded significantly with detours and side trips to explore Rodeo Lagoon, the Visitors Center, The Marine Mammal Center, and many other interesting sites. Take a look at the GGNRA website for maps and details before you go and build a ride to suit your interests!

Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Building 201
Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415)561-4700

Marin Headlands Loop:

View Marin Headlands Loop in a larger map