This hike started as a small loop around Rodeo Beach – Probably up to Hill 88 and around to return via Bobcat or an even shorter return via the Miwok trail.

It turned into a bigger hike.

It started just after sunrise at Rodeo Beach, so I got some nice pictures of the sun rising over the Marin Headlands.

Then a nice climb up to Battery Townsley (one of MANY old military structures all over the Marin coast setup to protect the San Francisco Bay from enemies). And upward to Hill 88 (another military outpost, which I believe was a command post for the lookouts and artillery batteries in the area).

Depending on my condition, I could have just returned to Rodeo Beach the way I came or via the Miwok trail. But I was feeling good that day so continued along the ridge to an high point that had a FAA radio beacon site on it. Great view.

When I hit the junction of the Bobcat and Alta Trails, I decided to push on and probably return via the Rodeo Valley Trail.

Then I saw the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate beyond it and decided I felt like doing a big loop of the Headlands. Thankfully, I had enough water and snacks to continue.

So onwards to Slacker Hill via the SCA Trail. With the military presence around the area, I suspect this hill got it’s name from solders talking a break here during long training hikes. Slackers. 🙂 But I can’t blame them. It was a great view of the Golden Gate and the entire area.

Coming down, my left knee started to hurt and I was thinking of aborting back to Rodeo Beach or even calling an Uber. 🙂

But since my knee only seemed to hurt when descending, I decided to climb up towards Hawk Hill. It had been a while since i got to this part of the Headlands, so figured I could always get an Uber from up there if I had to. 🙂

I almost had to, since it was all downhill after enjoying the View from on top of Hawk Hill. Fortunately, wrapping my knee controlled the pain so I could continue under my own power.

I even went out to the Bonita Point Lighthouse to look around as the sun was getting low in the sky.

A nice end to the day.

My knee was a bit sore for the next few days, but I think it was worth it to complete the full loop.

So a small loop became a BIG loop that covered pretty much the entire Marin Headlands.

Flickr album for this hike: