HIKING ALONG the crest of Coyote Ridge at the Marin Headlands features grand views of the coast and spring wildflowers.
For a moderately strenuous 5-mile loop, string together the Miwok, Coyote Ridge Trail, Coastal Fire Road and Tennessee Valley Trail.
Beginning at the Tennessee Valley parking area, hike up the Miwok Trail. This footpath is a steady climb up the eastern flank of Coyote Ridge to the grove of trees visible on the top of the ridge. From the crest of the ridge, views to north reveal Richardson Bay, Tiburon, the San Pedro Ridge, and the San Rafael-Richmond Bridge in the distance.
California poppies, yellow buttercups, blue-eyed grasses, pink checkerblooms and red Indian paintbrushes add speckles of color on the hillsides.
You can walk to the cluster of trees on the summit, which offer a shady spot to enjoy a snack or take the short-cut trail to the left, which bypasses the trees and joins the Coyote Ridge Trail.
The Coyote Ridge Trail follows the crest of the 1031-foot ridgetop. You can see east to Tennessee Valley and west into the deep ravine that leads to Muir Beach. Panoramic views also include the tall buildings in San Francisco and waves breaking along Ocean Beach. A tower of the Golden Gate Bridge can been seen through a notch in Wolf Ridge. The Farallon Islands may be visible near the horizon. Located 26 miles west of the Golden Gate, the rocky cluster of islands appears closer on clear days.
At the junction of the Coastal Fire Road, turn left. To continue on the Coastal Fire Road, immediately veer right where the fire road splits and separates from the Fox Trail. Heading sharply downhill and toward the ocean, the view of the coast is breathtaking. Take your time and fully enjoy the splendor of the rocky coastline and the ocean that stretches to the horizon.
As the Coastal Fire Road winds down to connect with Tennessee Valley Trail, Tennessee Cove comes into view. The cove and its small beach are squeezed in between tall jutting cliffs created by Coyote Ridge and Wolf Ridge ending at the coast.
Wolf Ridge on the opposite side of Tennessee Valley is bold in its appearance. It may look taller than Coyote Ridge, but the two ridges are actually within just a few feet of the same height. The old Nike Missile guidance buildings are visible on the summit of Wolf Ridge.
To reach the Tennessee Valley trailhead, leave Highway 101 at the Mill Valley/Stinson Beach exit. Turn left on Tennessee Valley Road and follow it to the parking area at the end of the road.
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