Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
path, then turn left at the road
that climbs a hill to the Marine
Mammal Center
7
. This was
used as a missile defense site
during the Cold War, but is now
run by volunteers who rescue
and care for sick or injured
marine mammals. Sea lions and
seals, including elephant seals,
are examined and treated
here, in specially
designed pens,
then put back
Seal at the Marine Mammal Center
7
Visitor Center
1
plunges down to the right into
the dense shrubbery.
Take this, and then continue
up the hill again, via a series
of steps that will return you to
the path at the end of the
Visitor Center parking area.
Walk across the lot and cross
Field Road going up the hill
to a three-story wooden
building, constructed at the
turn of the century. This is
listed on the National
Historic Registry and
has been officers'
headquarters, a
hospital and a missile
command center. It is
now the Golden Gate
Hostel
0
for travelers.
The Marin Headlands
also offer a wide range of
longer, more challenging
wilderness walks. Wolf Ridge
and Bobcat Trail are two popular
routes to try.
R
0 meters
0 yards
250
250
the south. Fishing boats may
be seen bobbing out at sea,
but the beach is mostly empty
of people, although
sometimes you might
see groups of children
studying the coastal
ecology: educational
programs are run by
the Headlands Institute,
based in the nearby
former army barracks.
in the sea when they have
recovered. You can watch the
vets at work and get a close
view of the mammals,
many of which are
orphaned pups. There
are also displays on the
marine ecosystem.
Tips for Walkers
Starting point:
The Visitor Center
at Fort Barry.
Length:
2 miles (3 km).
Getting there:
San Francisco
Muni bus 76 leaves from the
intersection of Sutter Street and
Sansome Street on Sundays and
major holidays.
Te l
(415) 673-
6864 (Muni). By car, drive across
the Golden Gate Bridge, taking
the Alexander Avenue exit. Turn
under the freeway, following
signs for the Headlands and
Fort Barry.
Stopping-off points:
Water is
available, but there are no
refreshment facilities in the Marin
Headlands. You will need to bring
your own picnic lunch, which can
be enjoyed at any number of
tables dotted along the trails and
on the beaches.
Lagoon to the Golden
Gate Hostel
Make your way back
down the hill and return
to the paved road that
runs past the lagoon
8
.
There is a separate
roadside pathway for
hikers, but you have to
climb over a guard rail
to get on to it. Just
before the road crosses
a bridge, you can stop
to watch the water
birds. There are plenty
of these to be seen in
this brackish lagoon with its tall
grasses. Stay on the path as
you cross the bridge. Before
the guard rail ends, a path
9
Barracks to the
California Marine
Mammal Center
From the beach, turn
inland again as you
approach the tip of the
lagoon, crossing a
wooden footbridge
5
.
Here there are barracks
6
housing various
offices, among them
the Headlands District
Office, the Golden Gate Raptor
Observatory, and an energy and
resources center. Walking past
the barracks, continue along the
Sign marking a trail
For keys to map symbols
see back flap
