Miwok, Marincello and Bobcat Trail

Miwok, Marincello and Bobcat Trail is a scenic 8.2-mile loop trail in the Marin Headlands offering panoramic Bay Area views

Trail Overview

• Distance: 8.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,177 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Type: Loop
• Location: Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, particularly March through November

Trail Description

The Miwok-Marincello-Bobcat loop combines three of the Marin Headlands' most scenic trails into one rewarding hiking experience. This moderately challenging route offers sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Pacific Ocean, while traversing through diverse coastal ecosystems.

Getting There

The trailhead begins at the Tennessee Valley Parking Lot:

• From Highway 101, take the Mill Valley/Stinson Beach exit
• Follow Shoreline Highway/CA-1 for 2.2 miles
• Turn left onto Tennessee Valley Road
• Follow to the end (approximately 1.5 miles) to reach the parking lot

Trail Sections

1. Miwok Trail (First Leg)

• Begin at Tennessee Valley Parking Lot
• Take Miwok Trail heading north
• Steady climb with switchbacks
• Panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Muir Beach
• Native coastal scrub and grassland habitat
• Watch for raptors soaring overhead

2. Marincello Trail

• Connect to Marincello Trail at the junction
• Wide, well-maintained fire road
• Gradual descent with stunning Bay views
• Historical significance: Site of abandoned 1960s development project
• Look for wildflowers in spring
• Clear views of San Francisco skyline

3. Bobcat Trail

• Turn onto Bobcat Trail for the final leg
• Narrow single-track trail
• Mixed terrain through coastal chaparral
• Seasonal creek crossings
• Wildlife viewing opportunities
• Returns to Tennessee Valley

What to Bring

• Water (at least 2 liters per person)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Layer clothing (fog and wind conditions can change rapidly)
• Sturdy hiking shoes
• Trail snacks
• Camera
• Trail map or GPS device

Trail Conditions & Seasonality

• Spring: Peak wildflower season, moderate temperatures
• Summer: Morning fog common, afternoon clearing
• Fall: Clearest weather, warmest temperatures
• Winter: Can be muddy after rains, green hillsides

Wildlife and Nature

Flora

• California poppies
• Lupine
• Coastal sage scrub
• Native bunch grasses
• Coast live oak

Fauna

• Red-tailed hawks
• Turkey vultures
• Black-tailed deer
• Coyotes
• Western fence lizards

Trail Etiquette and Regulations

• Dogs allowed on leash
• Share trail with mountain bikers and equestrians
• Stay on marked trails
• Pack out what you pack in
• No smoking on trails
• Parking lot gates close at sunset

Safety Considerations

• Limited cell phone coverage in some areas
• Steep dropoffs on certain sections
• Watch for poison oak along trail edges
• Bring layers for variable weather
• Check weather forecast before starting
• Trail can be exposed during hot days

Nearby Attractions

• Tennessee Valley Beach (3.6 miles round trip via Tennessee Valley Trail)
• Muir Beach (4 miles north)
• Rodeo Beach (2.5 miles west)
• Mount Tamalpais State Park
• Muir Woods National Monument

Best Photography Spots

1. Miwok Trail ridge viewpoint (Golden Gate Bridge)
2. Marincello Trail vista point (San Francisco skyline)
3. Bobcat Trail meadow (wildflowers in spring)
4. Wolf Ridge intersection (360-degree views)

Conservation and History

The trail system traverses land originally inhabited by Coast Miwok people. Today, it's protected as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, preserving both natural habitat and cultural history. The Marincello Trail follows the route of a planned 1960s development that was successfully opposed by local conservationists, helping establish the Marin Headlands as protected parkland.

Trail Variations

• For a shorter hike: Take Miwok to Marincello (4.5 miles out and back)
• For more challenge: Add Wolf Ridge Trail extension (adds 1.5 miles)
• For coastal views: Connect to Coastal Trail via Bobcat Trail