Rodeo Lagoon Hike
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marin


This is an excellent hike for those just beginning to take nature hikes with scouts. Rodeo Lagoon in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a natural lagoon formed by beach buildup. It generally catches fresh water that flows down the valley from ridges above, but waves ocasionally wash over the beach during winter storms, forming brackish water.

Hike Description
Start the Rodeo Lagoon Trail Loop at the picnic area. First cross the footbridge, heading north towards Bunker Road. Go left towards the ocean, following the path around the lagoon. Be carefull; when the lagoon is full of hikers may find themselves close to road, so be sure young boys keep safely to the trail.

Be on the lookout for migratory birds to identify, flowering coastal plants, and of course, poison oak. When you reach the beach take some time to identify the multi-colored pebbles you'll find there (namely chert, greenstone, jasper, carnelian, agate, and more).

Before you continue on the Rodeo Lagoon Loop, and if you have a couple of extra hours and lots of energy, you can head south along the beach, take the trail up the bluff and explore the batteries and bunkers you'll find up there. This would add a mile and a half and some steep climbing to your hike by the time you return to the beach. If you don't have time save the bunkers for a seperate trip.

Return to Rodeo Lagoon Loop and continue to follow the path back to the picnic area.


Hike statistics
Distance: 1.5 mile round trip
Time: One hour
Elevation gain: Minimal
Grade: None
Suggested age: Tigers to Webelos
Suggested season: Hikeable all year round

Maps
GGNRA "Marin Headlands Trails",available at park headquarters.

Rambler's Guide to Trails on Mt. Tamalpais and the Marin Headlands, Olmstead & Brothers Map Company

Access
By Car: Take the Alexander Ave exit when heading north on US 101 after the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge. Double back under the freeway at the first left turn and go up Conzelman Road for about one mile. Turn right on McCullough Road for less than a mile, and then turn left on Bunker Road and continue for two miles to the parking area.

Activity suggestions and other comments
Have the scouts see how many different colored pebbles they can find, and see if anyone can find one of the rare carnelians, which are a deep orange-red unlike any other pebble found here (The beach was once named Carnelian Beach.)

Historical and Natural Features
Rodeo Lagoon is located in the Marin Headlands. Part of the Golden Gate Recreation Area, and is rich in wildlife, flora and interesting geology; and not far away are reminders of both World Wars and the Cold War.

Rodeo Lagoon was formed naturally by the action of ocean waves building up a berm of sand and pebbles. Rain water and run-off collect in the lagoon where ocean water washes in to make the water brackish. The character of the lagoon changes with the tide and the time of year, so visitors enjoy returning often.

Migrating birds use the lagoon as one of their stops along their migratory routes. Brown pelicans are common in the summer, and many kinds of ducks (mergansers, canvas backs, buffleheads and others) rest there in the winter.

The pebbles on the beach are starlingly colorful. They include chert, greenstone, carnelian, jasper and other kinds of stones. At low tide the south end of the beach offers a tide pool for examining the surf habitat. Please remember not to collect specimens of any kind from the park.

Guided walks around the lagoon start at the visitor center; call for information. The California Marine Mammal Center is located behind the visitor center. Visitors can see rescued seals and sea lions recuperating from injury or illness. Up on the bluffs on the south end of Rodeo Beach are many historic relics of the World Wars: bunkers and batteries which once protected San Francisco Bay. Not far from Battery Alexander there is what remains of a NIKE missile base (call the park to find out about tours).

Administration
Golden Gate National Recreational Area (GGNRA)
Marin Headlands Headquarters
Building 1050
Fort Cronkhite, CA 94965
For information call (415)331-1540


Park Facilities
Picnic area and visitors center
Restrooms at visitor's center and at the lagoon
There is no food available


Limitations and Cautions
Be careful of traffic near Bunker Road
Watch for poison oak




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