A fantastic hike that offers great views of Angel Island, Highway 101 and Golden Gate Bridge as the route meanders through green rolling hills. The destination is Black Sands Beach, a long sandy beach with few visitors.

Location: Marin Headlands

» Official Trail Map: Good map showing various trails.

Route in brief:

To Black Sands Beach (3.3 miles): From the parking lot, follow the Coastal Trail for 3.2 miles all the way to Conzelman Road where a parking lot for Black Sands Beach is located. Then follow Upper Fisherman's Trail for 0.1 miles to reach Black Sands Beach.

Beach Walk (0.8 miles): Walking the entire length of the beach contributes about a mile to the overall distance. In the west end of the beach there is a rocky formation beyond which the beach continues for another 0.2 miles.

To Parking Lot (3.3 miles): From Black Sands Beach, follow Upper Fisherman's Trail for 0.1 miles, then follow Coastal Trail for 3.2 miles all the way back to the parking lot. You may make a side trip to Slacker Hill, adding about 0.4 miles to the overall distance.

Location: Parking lot on Conzelman Road, close to Highway 101 . No street address. Parking area is visible in Google Maps if you zoom in sufficiently.

Google Maps:

Parking Fees: None (last visited: March 2012)

Capacity: About 40 cars.

Latitude: 37.832760     Longitude: -122.482238

Panoramic views of Golden Gate Bridge and Angel Island.

Relatively secluded beach full of black sand.