Such a great find in the Headlands, I love taking photos of old graffitied buildings and this place is one of the better ones. That being said this is a hike! I love hiking, no problem but when I first when with a photographer friend he couldn't handle the hike, so we had to turn around. Treat this as a hike first and for something easier to get in and out for photography there are many bunkers in the Headlands that are better suited for this. The hike is about 4 miles RT and uphill the whole way. It's not super steep but it's a constant incline. It took me a little more than an hour to get to the top. I thought it was quite beautiful with such a depth of field with views of the ocean, city, Tennessee Valley, Mount Tam, and the East Bay. Sounds of the ocean waves and ocean buoys were always in the distance, it felt very maritime. Tons of birds chirping and wildflowers as well. The headlands are rather cool and foggy for the majority of the time. I'd avoid this hike on a sunny 80-degree day with no clouds because there is no shade. read more

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When it comes to the Marin Headlands, there are so many wonderful hiking trails to explore. The hike up Hill 88 is definitely one of them. Hiked this trail as a loop from Rodeo Beach and back last summer, and it was absolutely stunning. What I love about this hike is that you can extend or shorten it to your liking. The actual hike up to Hill 88 and back is only about 3.2 miles roundtrip, but it's all incline on the way up. As you make your climb, views of the coast will meet you at every stop. Going up the Coastal Trail is mostly paved, but once you reach the top, it turns into a dirt path surrounded by beautiful shrubbery. On the way up, you'll pass by the old Battery Townsley and several different scenic viewpoints. Once you reach the old bunker at the top, you'll know that you've made it to the end of Hill 88. From here, you can explore bunker hill, turn around and head back to the beach, or continue hiking along several different trails. I connected to Wolf Ridge and the Miwok Trail which looped me back to Rodeo Beach. If you plan on doing this loop, expect about a 5 mile-ish hike. Since it's most downhill, the descent back is pretty easy and enjoyable. There are tons of colorful wildflowers and rampant wildlife along the these trails. I would encourage anyone to start hiking as early as possible to avoid the crowds and to secure parking. I started my hike from Rodeo Beach in the morning, and there was plenty of free parking. The Coastal Trail is usually heavily trafficked, but connector trails aren't as popular. Most people were wearing masks, and many of the trails are wide enough to social distance. Also, these trails are pretty much completed exposed. Sunscreen, shades, and a hat is kind of a must (especially during the summer). It gets windy as you make your way back down, but it feels good when it's warm out. There's definitely a lot to explore on Hill 88 and beyond. Would highly recommend this hike if you're planning on traversing the headlands. read more

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Well worth the hike, and I say this as someone who thinks 3 miles as impossible. You can hit the battery townsley and another small graffitied battery on the way up too. I went on a sunny day that turned very foggy and Misty at the end. BRING A JACKET it will be windy up there. The photos were amazing and it was nice to finally be in an urban feeling abandoned place again, the graffiti was pretty incredible and the views and wildlife on the way up are awesome. Lots of lizards and flowers. Definitely visit if you're into urbex. I'm so glad they let this be accessible instead of closing it off. It is truly the best part of this area besides the marine mammal center to me. read more

Hill 88 - Hiking Near Me - Mill Valley, California

For my 88th #YelpChallenge2020 review, that honor goes to Hill 88. I just thought that would be very appropriate. So Hill 88 was originally 1053 feet above see level and was flattened on top to install a radar control station for the Nike Missile Missile Site SF-88 across and below the valley by Point Bonita Lighthouse. There's several ways and trails to get to the top and the two most popular starting points are from Muir Beach, which is the longer route and the closer Rodeo Beach, located below Marine Headlands. A third and much longer route is via the Tennessee Valley Trail from Tamalpais Valley. My usual route is the taking the Rodeo Beach Coastal Trail then switching to the Coastal Trail, which will lead directly all the way up to the top of the hill. If you want to take a loop, head back down Coastal Trail and take the Wolf Ridge Trail then switch to the Miwok Trail, which lead you back down Rodeo Lagoon. Or you can also do the reverse and start from this end. However way you want to do it, it will lead you to some great views of the entire valley. It's typically foggy in the morning and the fog would usually burn off by mid-day in the summer....or sometimes Karl just want to hang around the entire day. I've hiked when it was foggy and on a clear day, but if you want to get some views, I recommend hiking here later in the day. I've also hiked it solo a couple of times early in the morning on the mist of the fog. It was eerie getting to the top as I was the only one there and haven't seen anyone during my hike. As I was headed back down, I see a guy about 50 yards away from me and he was butt-naked. I even recorded it on my IG story as surely no one would've believed if I told 'em the story. I don't know if that encounter was scarier than being there exploring alone. We've also hiked this with a large group several times over the years, and you can always veer off any trail of your choosing depending on where you want to go on that particular day. It's quite a workout since you're constantly going up hill, but the views from up there is more than worth the reward. Make sure to stop by Battery Townsley to explore the casemates and check out the big gun. Another thing I've noticed during my many hikes are the graffiti artwork on a lot of these places. I've seen a "Pad Thai" graffiti from the North Bay, East Bay and South Bay. This guy or gal surely have been around around a lot of places. Hill 88 is a great place to hike as you will hit different peaks, valleys and different terrains. #YelpChallenge2020 review No. 88 read more

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An amazing view of the city, Golden Gate Bridge, and Rodeo beach! You can also see the missile bunkers and an abandoned radar room from the Nike Missile program. We started from Tennessee Valley trail and it was a really nice even though gloomy and windy. The trail is pretty crowded and as always wear your mask, we were disappointed to see a number of people without. read more

Hill 88 - Hiking Near Me - Mill Valley, California

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A really nice hike! Beautiful views of the coastline and the city (you can see the bridge, Baker Beach, Richmond, Twin Peaks, and Ocean Beach, just to name a few notable sites). Be aware: There is basically no cover. Be prepared to be in the sun all day. If you want to see Hill 88, head up to the north from the fort's parking lot, not down across the laguna on the beach. There are a lot of cool spots to stop and take a snack. So much so that our 5.8 miler (including our detour down the beach away from Hill 88, unbeknownst to us) took about 4.5 hours. Just know that for every spot that looks like it has a cool bunker with a really cool view, there is probably another one just a little further on that has an even cooler bunker with an even cooler view. We came in November, and while it got pretty warm in the sun, once we got past Hill 88 and took the Wolf Ridge & Miwok trails back (so as not to backtrack), these were completely in the shade as they were on the eastern side of those mountains and it got really chilly really fast. There were some people doing graffiti art on the buildings at Hill 88 as well. It looked like the start to something really cool. Trail map: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hill-88-mill-valley?select=Jq7TGpIGMPxWBXXxjFEi_w#Jq7TGpIGMPxWBXXxjFEi_w read more

Hill 88 - Trail map (Saturday 2013-11-23) - Hiking Near Me - Mill Valley, California

Cool hike, great views! (If it's not foggy, that is..) the hike is about 5.6 or so miles, has a good amount of elevation and a cool abandoned radar station and missile bunkers to check out on the way. We parked at rodeo beach, and started the hike off to the right side, if you're looking at the beach. The coastal trail takes you up the hill, then take the miwok trail down another mile or so to get back. We then walked along the road for a few minutes at fort Cronkite to circle back to the parking lot. Great for a Sunday hike, and dogs are allowed on the trail. read more

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Good place for bot hiking and learning military history. Although it was foggy when I hiked here, it was interesting to see Nike missile site and learn about the Cold War. read more

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Here's what you ought to know: 1. Getting here and back is a big hike, which is perfect, if you're into that sort of thing. 2. You can park at Rodeo Beach and hike up the coast side. The trail is clearly marked, the views are awesome, and there's generally a nice layer of coastal fog to keep you from overheating. 3. Near the top, before Hill 88, you'll find yourself hiking by moss-covered bushes. Know that this moss thrives and survives only in the cleanest of air. Take in a lungful. 3. After you enjoy Hill 88, head back down via the Miwok Trail. It's a big loop, you won't have to backtrack, and you'll wind up right where you began. 4. Dogs are allowed on this trail, so make your dog happy and bring her along. (Don't head towards Tennessee Valley or Muir Beach.... no dogs allowed on those trails). 5. Bring a camera to explore Hill 88's decrepitness energized by sincerely impressive grafitti. 6. Know that this was the Nike Missile Site (think Cold War), but all of the actual stuff has been moved over near the Visitor Center (back down the hill and up another hill). If that's your thing, go see it sometime when they're open and giving tours. I found the remnants up at Hill 88 infinitely more interesting, but if you're heavily into that sort of thing, you might want to check it out as well. read more

We parked at Rodeo beach and made our way to the coastal trail. "Is this really it?" I stared at what looked like the trail, my friend said it looked more like a nature walk.. We shrugged and continued on with the two pooches we brought. Chill nature walk my butt. Because that and my thighs are what ended up on fire once we really got to the incline. Though all-trails said this one would be 3 miles out and back, we wound up veering off the coastal trail and taking an off-trail which added some distance. My mom's dog loved it. Intense cardio. Awesome views. We ended up clocking in a little over 5 miles out and back. read more

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Hill 88 is a wild ghost town in the sky, hidden way up high in the Marin Headlands. It's on Wolf Ridge, between Fort Cronkhite/Rodeo Beach and Tennessee Valley. You can barely see it from below, and it's nothing like most of the old little rusty lifeless bunker sites. This is a crazy Cold War mega-complex teeming with tons of crows dancing in the whipping wind above huge expanses of the bay and SF. It's part of the old Nike Missile program, officially SF-88C. Was apparently the radar and control center (aka the IFC, or Integrated Fire Control area) of the Nike Missile launch site that's further down the hill to the east. At the top of Hill 88, after coming through the entry gate and guard's post (this place was only open to secret and top secret military officials when in use) you get a gorgeous view while feeling like you're in the middle of a post-apocolypse world (think mad max), or in a post-apocolypse, science fiction computer game (half-life) hiding out from assassins. It feels so abadoned but haunted. It's amazing what still lies unpreserved and raw up in those hills. What's so great is there doesn't seem to be a lot of people who go all the way up (probably because you'd never expect to find all that up there, even when just a little ways below it.) I hope this review doesn't spoil that... read more

Hill 88 - Hiking Near Me - Mill Valley, California

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A lovely hike up this so called 'hill' can be very rewarding. About a 3 mile hike uphill. By the time you get to Battery Townsley, you will be panting like a dog (if you're out of shape). After stopping for a little while to catch your breath, the heavenly fog will inspire you to hike hike hike! Then, after 30 more minutes of uphill madness, YOU'RE THERE and you give yourself a big PAT PAT PAT on your back! At the top lies a ghostly little military base--or something along the lines of that-- buried in a thick fog cloud. The buildings are creepy... Tin walls with skeletons and skulls graffiti'd all over. You slowly enter a building and you hear creaking... you get really scared and then *BAM* a bird flies out from the ceiling right at you. *AAAH!* The hike down only takes about 20 minutes. Don't go down the way you came up. Go down the bike route--paved. After you finish your round trip, sit at the picnic tables by the restrooms and wait for your panting friends to finish their hike. Then go to some fancy restaurant to refill on those 600 calories you just burned. Delightful. read more

A great family friendly day hike with astonishing views and world war 2 sites. It's also well marked with a sizable parking lot, so it's easy to enjoy without preparing for too long. Highly recommended! read more

Although we didn't make it all the way up to Hill 88, the trails in this area come with breathtaking views of the bay. We ended up going down to the coastline and sat for a while just to take in the fresh air. I can't believe I've only discovered this place - what a shame. Definately coming back to do a trail run, and to also make it to the top for the 360 panoramic view! read more

The Yelp listing shows this place as located in Mill Valley. Actually I'd say it's more towards Sausalito since it's pretty much just above the Rodeo Lagoon. Anyway, this is the end destination of a hike going up on Coastal Trail starting from the Rodeo Beach parking lot. According to the hiking guide, it's over 1,000 feet up. The view is spectacular when it's a day without fog. My only disappointment is that once you're at the top it's all flat concrete, no bench or anything to sit on and enjoy. I understand about this being an old military or missile site during WWII, but still I could be rewarded a bit better for the long climb, especially with that final uphill slope at the end when I'm already worn out. read more

Amazing views from this abandoned radar station. The hike up Hill 88 from the Wolf Ridge Trail is short, but the views go on forever. Dress in layers as the weather can be cold and windy one minute and hot the next. The easiest route to Hill 88 is as follows: Tennessee Valley trailhead past the Miwok Livery to Old Spring Trail to Miwok Trail to Wolf Ridge Trail. A little side trip up Hill 88 t then back down to the Tennessee Valley Trail ending back at the Tennessee Valley trailhead. About 6 miles. Trail difficulty varies from easy to moderately strenuous. read more

Absolutely beautiful views and a great hike with dogs. It is the best view in the Marin Headlands. It should be noted that GRAFFITI IS ILLEGAL HERE. If you see anyone painting or carrying graffiti tools call the park dispatch at 415-561-5505. Thousands of our taxpayer dollars are going to keep these old buildings from becoming eyesores from aspiring "artists" who like to deface other's property and leave their litter behind. read more

One of the most beautiful and unique hikes I've been. Park at Rodeo Beach and take the Coastal Trail, follow the signs, up to Hill 88. Beautiful views at every turn, the ocean, beach, steep cliffs, Golden Gate Bridge, old bunkers, a giant artillery gun, wild flowers. At the top is an abandoned military base of sorts with tons of cool graffiti. It was like a ghost town. Bring layers though as it gets extremely windy. read more

I went up to Hill 88 for the first time earlier this week. It was a little too foggy to enjoy the view, but the fresh air and the workout was great. As for the hill itself, well, I was alone walking through those abandoned buildings with the fog and mist swirling around and the crows cawing, and all the little hairs on the back of my neck were standing up. Very creepy, but very wonderful. Perhaps a place for TAPS to investigate. Would recommend a hike here on a clear, cool day, and like the others who posted here, would say to take the Miwok trail down and make it a loop. read more

They painted all the buildings this ugly green puke color. All the old grafitti is gone. That gave the place style, now it looks ugly. Still a nice view up there though, at least they can F with that. read more

I've hiked all over the bay area in the past few years and this is an awesome hike--great scenic route, dogs are allowed, nice breeze from the ocean... there is heavy foot traffic of bikers, casual walkers, hikers and trail runners. Really easy to get to from SF (101 exit Alexander and a few miles in you're right there!). Parking is not a problem and you can hang out by the beach after making it to the top. No coverage, so bring sunscreen and a hat. The first part of the hike is breezy from the ocean, so you'll need to layer. This isn't that difficult of a hike, but you can make it longer by taking the Miwok trail back to add mileage to your trip. read more