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Lands End Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 293 Google reviews · Running trail in San Francisco, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Lands End Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic hiking trails and outlooks for the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific and the bay, plus for sunset.
What runners say about Lands End Trail
“We lucked out that we had beautiful, clear weather in San Francisco when we arrived on our first day and enjoyed beautiful sunset.”
“Overall though we love the serenity of the trial and was super quiet with just a few others on a weekday morning.”
“It’s a trail that’s suitable for all ages as I saw kids and older folks.”
Lands End Trail is a stunning coastal hike that’s both easy and accessible for everyone. Parking is relatively hassle-free, and the views along the trail are absolutely breathtaking. The entire trail is about 3.5 miles and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
Lands end is very beautiful and easy to moderate hiking trail in San Francisco. The trail offers amazing view of the Golden Gate bridge, steep dramatic cliffs and Pacific ocean. It's beautiful anytime of the day but surreal around sunset. The trail can be started either from the Sutro baths or from Eagle view point.
Beautiful trail that borders the coastline with beautiful views of the bridge and the Western side of San Francisco. The trail is great for walking and hiking, and besides one flight of stairs, is also very nice to run on.
This trail was absolutely beautiful, I went around 9 AM and ended my hike around 12 noon and the weather was perfect. It’s best to go in the morning to beat the crowd and enjoy the sounds of nature. Definitely bring water and pace yourself there’s lots of stairs.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful✨ trail is wide enough to be easily shared with other wonderful people :) Did I mention the carazzzy surfers?”
“It does get a bit hilly about one-half mile in from the start of the trail, so grandma and grandpa may have to end it there as you and the kids continue🫢”
“This location is not the trailhead and you will need to cut through the golf course and the rough to the stairs of the trail.”
“Overall though we love the serenity of the trial and was super quiet with just a few others on a weekday morning.”
“Lands End Trail is a stunning coastal hike that’s both easy and accessible for everyone.”
Plan your run at Lands End Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenps.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near San Francisco
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lands End Trail Eagles Point
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Coastal Trail
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Sand Ladder
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Batteries to Bluffs Trail
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Strawberry Hill
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Hill in a lake reaching 430 feet with Golden Gate views & a man-made waterfall, accessed by bridges.