national dog pet policy info.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Located in the state of California

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is a U.S. National Recreation Area protecting 82,027 acres (33,195 ha) of ecologically and Historicly significant landscapes surrounding the San Francisco Bay Area. Much of the park is land formerly used by the United States Army. GGNRA is managed by the National Park Service and is one of the most visited units of the National Park system in the United States, with more than 15 million visitors a year. It is also one of the largest urban parks in the world, with a size two-and-a-half times that of the consolidated city and county of San Francisco.

  • Pets are allowed at most exterior areas
  • Parking areas and along paved roads
  • Must be restrained or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
  • Dogs must wear a collar with current tags at all times
  • Pick up after your dog at all times – Leave no trace
 

Marin County

LocationRegulation
Alta Trail (Formerly Alta Ave) Between Marin City/Oakwood ValleyOn-Leash OR Voice Control
Muir Beach (Excluding lagoon)On-Leash OR Voice Control
Oakwood Valley Trail to Alta Trail (Formerly Oakwood Valley Fire Road)On-Leash OR Voice Control
Homestead ValleyOn-Leash OR Voice Control
Rodeo Beach and South Rodeo Beach (Excluding lagoon)On-Leash OR Voice Control
Golden Gate Bridge to Marin Headlands Visitor Center (Coastal Trail to SCA Trail; SCA Trail to Slacker Trail; Slacker Trail to Julian Trail; Julian Trail to Coastal Trail) (Upper Fisherman’s Trail also available)On-Leash OR Voice Control
Old Bunker Road Loop (Rodeo Beach Parking Lot along Coastal Trail to Old Bunker Road; Old Bunker Road to Fort Cronkhite Trail; Fort Cronkhite Trail to Lagoon Trail; Lagoon Trail back to Rodeo Beach parking lot)On-Leash OR Voice Control
Orchard Trail (Formerly Orchard Fire Road) and Pacheco Trail (Formerly Pacheco Fire Road) connectors to Alta TrailOn-Leash OR Voice Control
Wolf Ridge Loop (Coastal Trail to Wolf Ridge Trail; Wolf Ridge Trail to Miwok Trail; Miwok Trail to Lagoon Trail)On-Leash OR Voice Control
County View Road connector trail to Miwok TrailOn-Leash Only
Fort Baker (Excluding Chapel Steps Trail, on the pier, and Battery Yates)On-Leash Only
Oakwood Meadow Trail (formerly Oakwood Valley Trail) to the junction with Oakwood Valley Trail (formerly Fire Road)On-Leash Only
Coastal Trail (Between Hill 88 and Muir Beach via the Pirates Cove Trail)On-Leash Only
Miwok Trail (Between Tennessee Valley parking lot and Highway 1)On-Leash Only
Rhubarb TrailOn-Leash Only
Batteries Loop Trail around Battery Smith-GuthrieOn-Leash Only
South Rodeo Beach TrailOn-Leash Only

San Francisco County

LocationRegulation
Baker Beach (North of Lobos Creek)On-Leash OR Voice Control
Crissy Field* (Excluding Wildlife Protection Area and fenced areas)On-Leash OR Voice Control *Leashes required all year except from May 15 to July 1 at west end of Crissy Field beach
Fort Funston (Excluding 12-acre closure and Coastal Trail north of Horse Trail intersection due to erosion)On-Leash OR Voice Control
Fort MileyOn-Leash OR Voice Control
Lands EndOn-Leash OR Voice Control
Ocean Beach from the north end to Stairwell 21On-Leash OR Voice Control
Ocean Beach from Stairwell 21 to Sloat Blvd*On-Leash OR Voice Control *Leashes required all year except from May 15 to July 1
Fort Point Trails (Excluding Torpedo Wharf and inside the fort)On-Leash Only
Fort Mason (Excluding the community garden)On-Leash Only
Sutro HeightsOn-Leash Only

San Mateo County

LocationRegulation
Milagra Ridge TrailsOn-Leash Only
Mori Point TrailsOn-Leash Only
Rancho Corral de TierraOn-Leash Only
Sweeney Ridge Trails (Excluding the Notch Trail)On-Leash Only

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Inside buildings (unless service animal)
  • Never leave your pet unattended or alone inside a vehicle
  • Never off leash – unless inside a vehicle, tent, dog crate or other portable kennel
  • Untagged dogs or dogs with uncurrent tags
  • Excessive barking

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Extreme range of weather
  • Extreme heat
  • Venomous Snakes
  • Poisonous Plants
  • Spiny and prickly plants
  • Predatory animals
  • Be aware of animal traps and hunting areas
  • Swim safely, extreme water areas
  • Ticks and biting insects
  • Do not drink from waterways
  • Bring plenty of drinking water

Leash Laws: Most parks require dogs to be on a leash in some or all areas, however, some parks allow dogs off leash in certain locations, please consult the parks website before going off leash, Thank you!

  • Consult the park website before traveling all information is to be used as a guide.
  • Respect local wildlife.
  • Leave no trace – What you bring in, you bring out.
  • If you are visiting during the hottest months of the year, a “palm test” is recommended before walking your dog – place your hand on the pavement for a minute and see if it is comfortable there. If the pavement feels hot to your palm, it will be hot to your dog’s paws.

(415) 561-4700

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Website

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Camping

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Hiking

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Volunteer

We do our best to keep all information current and accurate - If you see an error or think we have missed something please contact us directly.

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We do our best to keep all information current and accurate - If you see an error or think we have missed something please contact us directly.

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