Accessible Pathway: Yes (paved pathway, compacted earth & gravel)
Mileage: 1.4 miles one way (2.8 miles round trip)
Although it’s located within the City and County of San Francisco, the rugged coastline of Lands End feels worlds apart from city life. This beautiful stretch of land sits at the mouth of the Golden Gate, marking the entrance to San Francisco Bay.
When you arrive at the Lands End Visitors Center, you are immediately treated to great views of the coast. As you look down from the bluff you'll see the remains of a structure at the edge of the ocean. These ruins are the Sutro Baths, at one time the world's largest indoor swimming pool. The saltwater pools were fed directly by the nearby ocean at high tide and were equipped with slides and swings and springboards. In 1966 a fire destroyed almost all of the building, leaving only the concrete foundation. The National Park Service acquired the property in 1973 and the baths became a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
When you're done admiring the view of the baths, head to the North end of the parking area and on to the Lands End Coastal Trail. The trail takes you along the top of the bluff, with great views all along the way. At the trail junction that appears shortly after you start, keep to the left heading toward the water.
The Marin Headlands appear across the water and, on a clear day, the Point Bonita Lighthouse comes into view. Sitting just offshore, you may notice another odd structure. This time, a steel structure poking up out of the water. This is the base of Mile Rock Lighthouse, a lighthouse that stood much taller until its tower was removed in 1966. Today the base of the lighthouse is a helipad, but you're more likely to find seabirds visiting than hovering aircraft.
The pathway bends to the right, opening up to views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Continue along the bluff-top trail, admiring this architectural and engineering wonder. Depending on the day, the bridge's towers may be popping up above the fogline, or its bright International Orange paint can be shining brightly in the sun.
The accessible pathway continues for another half mile or so until it comes to Mile Rock Overlook, the final accessible area of the pathway. The overlook offers great views of the bridge, the headlands across the water and the beach below. When you've finally had enough of this spectacular scenery, return down the pathway that brought you to the overlook, enjoying the view from the reverse direction.
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