Tim Kizirian - Gerbode Valley Circuit: An Uncrowded Marin Headlands Loop with Surprising Quiet

Tim Kizirian here. Many folks think the Marin Headlands trail map starts and ends at Rodeo Beach, yet the northern pocket called Gerbode Valley hides a six-mile loop where you can count other hikers on one hand after 9 a.m. Here’s how I tackle it, plus why it slots nicely between breakfast in Sausalito and an afternoon crossing back to the East Bay.

Access and parking
Pull into the Conzelman Road gravel turnout just east of the big Hawk Hill roundabout by 7:45 a.m. Fourteen spots only. Trail drops north via the Julian Fire Road gate. I jot odometer reading in my field notebook—old habit from mileage logs back in audit days.

Route outline
Julian Fire Road descends gradually for 1.8 miles into Gerbode Valley. Tall grass hides early-season coyotes; keep kids close. At the valley floor, hang right onto Bobcat for a one-mile rise. Temperatures increase quickly away from fog; wind shell off after first climb.

At the junction with Miwok Fire Road, turn south and follow a second ridge. The path contours hillside, offering a framed view of San Pablo Bay one minute, Golden Gate Bridge the next. After 1.3 miles reach the saddle above Rodeo Valley; continue onto Coyote Ridge for 0.7 before picking up the connector back to Julian gate. Entire loop: just under six miles, 900 feet gain.

Time budgeting
Moving time around two hours at social pace. Add twenty minutes if photo stops or bird-watch breaks. That still puts you back at the turnout before lunch lines form at Round House Café.

Useful kit
Trail runners, 1.5 litres water, cap, wind shell. Cell reception strong on ridges. No creek crossings means no spare shoes.

Trail upkeep tip
Tiny piles of clipped brush lie trailside this season; they’re volunteer cutting debris. Kick them just off tread instead of over the edge; erosion crews reuse chips later. Small action, unseen reward.

Why bother
Gerbode Valley is audible quiet—no surf, muted Highway 1, only grass swish. View lines deliver the same postcard shots as the more famous ridge but without “excuse-me” traffic every minute. Perfect for hikers coming from Chico who already spent hours on asphalt; last thing you need is a trail jam.

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