Gerbode Valley Loop
A variation on a classic 9.5 mi Marin Headlands loop that starts and ends at the less crowded Gerbode Valley trailhead.
The Details
Location: Marin Headlands
Trail Start/End: Gerbode Valley Parking Lot
Distance: 9.5 mi
Ascent: 2,147 ft
Type: Loop
Parking: Lot
Fee: No (free)
Water: None
Bathroom: Yes, in parking lot and on trail
The Flight Plan
0.0 - 0.25 mi
From the Gerbode Valley Parking Area, begin by crossing Bunker Road and running along the shoulder until it intersects with the Julian Trail.
0.25 - 1.8 mi
The Julian Trail will climb gradually until it reaches a small parking lot with a bathroom at the roundabout where McCullough Road and Conzelman Road intersect. Stay left and cross McCullough Road onto Slacker Trail.
1.8 - 3.4 mi
After a short, strenuous climb, you will be running along a ridge line with views of the Golden Gate Bridge to your right and the valleys of the Marin Headlands to your left. Stay on Slacker Trail, which will turn into the SCA Trail. The SCA Trail ends at a somewhat confusing intersection with Wolfback Ridge Road. Continue straight, either by staying on the trail or by taking a few steps on the road, onto the Alta Trail.
3.4 - 4.2 mi
The Alta Trail begins by winding through a rainforest-like grove of trees before emerging onto a rolling fireroad above Sausalito. Continue until reaching the H-shaped intersection with the Bobcat Trail.
4.2 - 4.9 mi
Getting onto the Bobcat Trail requires a quick left onto a very short trail, then a right onto the Bobcat Trail itself. Once on the trail, follow it until an uphill push brings you to the intersection with the Marincello Trail.
4.9 - 6.4 mi
Follow the Marincello Trail's enjoyable, steady downhill into Tennessee Valley, where there are bathrooms, a small parking lot, and the Miwok Stables.
6.4 - 7.6 mi
Continue towards the stables, turn onto Old Springs Trail. The trail will climb until it intersects with the Miwok Trail.
7.6 - 9.07 mi
Turn right onto the Miwok Trail and begin the descent back into Gerbode Valley.
9.07 - 9.14 mi
When the Miwok Trail intersects with the Bobcat Trail, turn left onto a short section of the Bobcat Trail, then right onto the Rodeo Valley Trail. This trail intersection always feels odd.
9.1 - 9.5 mi
Follow the Rodeo Valley Trail until you see a short trail on your right leading to the Coastal Trail. Take this and then make your first right to return to the parking lot.
View from the Julian Trail climb
The SCA Trail
View of Sausalito from the Marincello Trail on a cloudy day
Tips
Accessing the Marin Headlands typically requires driving through a 1-way tunnel, which can often get backed up during weekends, so try to arrive early.
Prep for no available water - check out the Gear Reviews for ways to carry water while trail running
Pack layers, even if you think you don’t need them. Weather can vary in the Marin Headlands (I once got caught in a hail storm!)
