Battery Recharger

Hike Hill 88 and Battery Townsley Marin Headlands

Hike Hill 88 to Battery Townsley in Marin Headlands

So close, yet far enough to get swept up in iconic coastal scenery—that pretty much defines this classic hike in the Marin Headlands. Go on a winding 5-mile loop hike that brings together the best of the headlands. Starting from the main Rodeo Beach parking area, head east along the road next to Rodeo Lagoon and its resident great egrets.

Within a half-mile veer left and into Gerbode Valley on the Miwok Trail. You’ll be sharing this wide fire road ascent with hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. Keep an eye out for red-tailed hawks. At the junction, you’ll connect onto Wolf Ridge Trail and meander next to the rolling hills of the headlands.

Hike Hill 88 and Battery Townsley in the Marin Headlands

When you reach the Coastal Trail, detour uphill briefly to the high point, Hill 88, an old military site that has a tremendous view over Rodeo Beach, the Marin coastline, and even south to San Francisco. Follow the Coastal Trail back to Rodeo Beach, descending the rock-and-log stairway to reach Battery Townsley.

This site was San Francisco’s most secret World War II military fortification, and home to a vast network of underground tunnels during the Cold War. (It was even used as an underground research facility.) The magnificent views from this battery go up and down the coast and to the Pacific’s horizon.

Park in the main lot at Rodeo Beach and head east, lagoon side, crossing the street in 0.5 mile to reach the signed trailhead for Miwok Trail. Take Miwok up to the junction, then take Wolf Ridge Trail left, to Coastal Trail. At Coastal Trail head left and briefly uphill to Hill 88. Return to Coastal Trail and follow it all the way down to Rodeo Beach, stopping at Battery Townsley.{Covid-19 October 2020 Update: Battery Townsley is currently closed for public entry though you can still take in the views.}

Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View