Walking trail.

Question

In September we plan on walking the lands one trail to the coastal trail to Golden Gate Welcome center. We do not plan on walking down to any of the beaches so we won’t have to walk up again! The map said it’s about 4 miles and should take 2 hours. We’re in our mid 60s and in pretty good shape. Is this doable for a Sunday afternoon? Or should we par it down?

Answer

Yes — your planned route from Lands End to the Coastal Trail and ending at the Golden Gate Welcome Center is absolutely doable for active people in their mid-60s, especially since you’re skipping the stairs down to the beaches. This is one of San Francisco’s most beautiful urban hikes, and doing it on a Sunday afternoon is very reasonable.

The full walk is roughly 3.5–4 miles depending on exact turns, and most people complete it in 1.5–2.5 hours at a relaxed pace. The trails are well-maintained, mostly dirt paths with some gentle elevation changes. You will encounter a few mild uphill sections, but nothing overly strenuous if you pace yourselves.

The biggest factors affecting difficulty are wind, fog, and weekend crowds. September is one of the nicest months in San Francisco with relatively calm weather, so that works in your favor. Trails can be busy on Sundays, but that usually doesn’t slow things down significantly — it just means more people at viewpoints.

If you want to keep the day flexible, here are a few ways to shorten or modify the route without losing the best scenery:

Option 1: End early at the USS San Francisco Memorial — This cuts the final section and saves about 0.8 miles.
Option 2: Take the El Camino del Mar sidewalk instead of the cliffside trail — Slightly less scenic but easier on footing and reduces some ups and downs.
Option 3: Skip the detour to the overlooks above Mile Rock Beach — Beautiful but the spur adds a little extra climbing.

If you're feeling good as you continue, the last stretch from Baker Beach overlook to the Golden Gate Welcome Center is mostly flat or gently descending, making the finish pleasant rather than tiring. Benches and viewpoints are spaced throughout, so it’s easy to rest whenever you like.

Overall, your planned Sunday hike should be very manageable and enjoyable. As long as you bring water, dress in layers, and take your time at the viewpoints, you’ll have a wonderful afternoon without needing to shorten the route — but you have easy backup options if needed.

Walking trail.

More San Francisco Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions