Muir Beach Overlook Trail

The Muir Beach Overlook Trail at Muir Beach in California is an easy 0.2-mile out-and-back trail that features stunning views of California's coast along with views of Muir Beach to the south.

This short and easy trail follows a very steep ridge that leads out to a lookout point at the end. The trail is guarded by a fence and has a few sets of stairs that lead out to the lookout point, so the trail is not fully accessible. The views to the north are mostly sea cliffs that span the length of Mount Tamalpais State Park. Directly to the south are views of Muir Beach and more of California's coastal cliffs.

History
During the early stages of the United States entry into WWII, the government set out to fortify land around the San Francisco Bay Area from enemy ships. "Fire control" stations were built along the coast which housed soldiers on the lookout for enemy ships. Equipped with a very powerful spotting scope, they could relay ship coordinates to a central communications and plotting center, so powerful guns nearby could take accurate aim at their targets. Today, what's leftover are historic base end stations nicknamed "gopher holes" by the soldiers. Two of them served Fort Miley south of Ocean Beach in San Francisco, and the south was assigned to a minefield, which paralleled the shipping channel along the Marin shore.

Parking
Hikers will find parking at the coordinates provided. The lot is large enough to fit about one dozen vehicles.

Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and their waste must be carried out by the hiker.