Great Marin County Hikes – Rodeo Lagoon to Point Bonita Lighthouse

Take in lagoon, dune, and ocean views en route to 19th-century lighthouse. 

Any day of the week, you can enjoy most of the 4.5-mile round-trip stroll from Rodeo Lagoon to Point Bonita Lighthouse. To reach the pièce de résistance, though, the Point Bonita Lighthouse, schedule this walk from Thursday through Monday, when the tunnel to the lighthouse is open (12:30–3:30 pm). Note: In August 2024, the lighthouse was closed “until further notice” for repairs to the suspension bridge that leads to the historic structure, but this remains a worthwhile hike for its views.

Rodeo Lagoon and Beach

Begin on the Rodeo Lagoon Trail Loop near the Fort Barry chapel (often on map apps as the Marin Headlands Visitor Center, though it no longer serves this function). Pick up the trail at the west end of the parking lot, to the right of the restrooms, and walk west toward Rodeo Beach. The path deposits you at the beach; continue toward the ocean another 200 feet to an unmarked trail that leads south (left) up a dune dense with iceplant and rich with Pacific and lagoon views.

Dune with a View, Lighthouse with a Better One

At a few points, the dune trail gets close to the cliff edge; if this makes you nervous, look for paths through the iceplant a bit more inland. Catch your breath on the bench atop the lagoon, then continue to the parking lot for Battery Alexander. Turn right (west) on Field Road to get to the tunnel that leads (when open) to the lighthouse.

Off to War

After a visit to the lighthouse or the tunnel entrance, backtrack to the decaying but atmospheric Battery Mendell, just off Field Road north of the Point Bonita parking lot. The views from atop the battery are great. Follow Field Road past the Historic Nike Missile Site back to the chapel lot.

Missile Site Option

Fascinating docent-led tours of the missile site, part of the U.S. missile defense system during the Cold War, take place on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 12:15, 1:15, and 2:15 pm. Unless your group is larger than ten people, you don’t need a reservation. Call 415-331-1540 to confirm that tours are taking place; weather or other issues can cause last-minute closures.

Rodeo Lagoon to Point Bonita Lighthouse Details

Difficulty level:  Easy to moderate.

Why locals love it:  Varied lagoon views; shorebirds; ocean; lighthouse; battery.

Cut to the chase:  Field Road travels between the chapel and the lighthouse trailhead; you’ll miss the lagoon and dune trails, but you’ll save about 1.5 miles.

Reward yourself:  Have a snack or a meal at the Farley Bar at Cavallo Point in Fort Baker. From the chapel, take Bunker Road east through the tunnel under U.S. 101; after emerging from the tunnel, turn left onto Bunker Road East and follow signs to the lodge.

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Getting Here

By Car

The easiest way to visit the headlands is by car. 

If heading north from San Francisco:  After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, take the Alexander Avenue exit, and turn right; after a tenth of a mile, turn left onto Bunker Road to the Baker-Barry Tunnel. Once through the tunnel, continue west on Bunker Road and south (turn left) on Field Road to the trailhead at Fort Barry chapel. 

If heading south on U.S. 101 from anywhere in Marin: Take the Alexander Avenue exit and turn right. You’ll pass under U.S. 101 before turning left (about a quarter-mile from the exit) on Bunker Road to reach the Baker-Barry Tunnel. Once through the tunnel, continue west on Bunker Road and south (turn left) on Field Road to the trailhead at Fort Barry chapel. 

Info

Trailhead
948 Fort Barry, Sausalito 94965

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More Hikes Locals Love

Abbotts Lagoon
Battery Mendell to Battery Townsley
Coastal Trail to Bass Lake and Alamere Falls
Coastal, Wolf Ridge, Miwok Trails Loop
Dipsea Trail
East Peak Mount Tamalpais
Mount Tamalpais Muir Woods Loop
Olompali State Park
Rodeo Lagoon Trail Loop
Roy’s Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Steep Ravine to Matt Davis Loop
Tennessee Valley
Tule Elk Preserve

This story first appeared online in 2017; it was most recently updated in 2025.