Kirby Cove

Kirby Cove is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, in the Marin Headlands, just west of the Golden Gate Bridge and is located eight miles north of downtown San Francisco, at historic Battery Kirby. The moderate 2 mile round-trip trail and cove offer views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge and the northern California Pacific Coast. The Cove features a pristine coarse-sand beach with great views - when it's not foggy - of the Golden Gate Bridge and northern San Francisco. The steep, mile-long trail to the cove begins at the parking area above Battery Spencer on Conzelman Road. The path descends through Monterrey pines and cypress, Blue Gum eucalyptus, coastal sage and colorful Lupine along the hillsides. Temperatures are usually between 50-55 degrees for the lows and 60-65 for the highs. Fog is prevalent in the summer months from May-Sept. Hiking, picnicking and taking in the awesome views from Kirby Cove are the park's most popular activities. Battery Kirby is a historic army battery used from 1898-1934. Kirby Cove offers four overnight camping sites and one day-use picnic site, all reached via driving the steep access road. The day-use site is available as an accessible camping/picnic site to persons with physical disabilities. Campsites are available for use only by prior reservation but anyone can walk down the road to enjoy the vistas and picnic on the bluffs or beach.