How to Hike Battery Construction 160 from San Francisco

Many outdoor enthusiasts in the San Francisco Bay Area seek out trails that combine natural beauty, historical intrigue, and physical challenge. Among these, the hike to Battery Construction 160 stands out—not as a widely advertised destination, but as a hidden gem for those who appreciate military history, panoramic views, and off-the-beaten-path exploration. Located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), Battery Construction 160 is a forgotten coastal artillery battery built during World War II, nestled along the rugged cliffs of the Marin Headlands. While not officially marked on most trail maps, its accessibility via established hiking routes makes it a rewarding destination for hikers willing to go beyond the usual tourist trails.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough on how to hike to Battery Construction 160 from San Francisco. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend escape or a visitor seeking authentic, lesser-known experiences, this tutorial will equip you with everything you need to know—from transportation and trail navigation to safety protocols and historical context. By the end of this guide, you’ll not only know how to reach Battery Construction 160, but also understand why this site deserves a place on your hiking itinerary.

Step-by-Step Guide

Reaching Battery Construction 160 requires careful planning, accurate navigation, and a willingness to explore beyond marked trails. The journey begins in San Francisco and culminates at a concrete relic of Cold War-era defense strategy. Follow these steps to ensure a safe, successful, and enriching experience.

1. Plan Your Departure from San Francisco

The most efficient route begins in San Francisco, ideally in the northern neighborhoods like the Richmond or Sunset Districts, where parking is easier and public transit access is more reliable. If you’re using a personal vehicle, aim to depart by 7:00 AM to avoid traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge and to maximize daylight for your hike.

Public transit users can take the Muni 28 bus from downtown (e.g., 4th and Market) to the Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza. From there, transfer to the Golden Gate Transit 70 bus, which runs every 30–60 minutes and terminates at the Marin Headlands Visitor Center. The total transit time is approximately 90 minutes from downtown San Francisco.

2. Enter the Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Upon arriving at the Marin Headlands Visitor Center (located at 900 Sedgwick Ave, Sausalito, CA), you’ll need to pay the standard GGNRA entrance fee of $10 per vehicle or $5 for pedestrians/cyclists. This fee supports trail maintenance and historical preservation. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, you’re exempt from the fee.

At the visitor center, pick up a free paper map or download the GGNRA mobile app (available for iOS and Android) for offline trail navigation. Battery Construction 160 is not labeled on most printed maps, so rely on digital tools and GPS coordinates for accuracy.

3. Begin Your Hike: Head to Rodeo Beach

From the visitor center, drive or walk to the Rodeo Beach parking lot, located approximately 2 miles down the main road. This is the official trailhead for your ascent. Rodeo Beach is a popular destination in its own right, known for its black sand, tide pools, and views of the Pacific. However, your goal lies beyond the beach.

At the parking lot, locate the trailhead marked for the “Rodeo Beach Trail” and “Battery Townsley.” Follow the paved path uphill past the restrooms and picnic area. After approximately 0.3 miles, the trail turns to dirt and begins a moderate climb. Watch for a small sign indicating “Battery Townsley” to your left—this is your first key landmark.

4. Navigate to Battery Townsley

Battery Townsley, a larger and more prominent coastal battery, is the primary reference point for locating Battery Construction 160. It’s situated at an elevation of about 300 feet and offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. The trail from Rodeo Beach to Battery Townsley is approximately 1.2 miles one-way and gains about 350 feet in elevation. The path is well-maintained but can be steep in sections, especially after rain.

Once you reach Battery Townsley, take a moment to explore its two large gun emplacements, observation deck, and underground ammunition rooms. The site is open to the public and features interpretive signs detailing its role in coastal defense during WWII. This is also your opportunity to reorient yourself using your GPS or map.

5. Locate the Trail to Battery Construction 160

Battery Construction 160 is not directly connected by a labeled trail. It lies approximately 0.6 miles northwest of Battery Townsley, along a faint but passable footpath that branches off from the main trail near the western edge of the battery’s concrete perimeter.

Look for a narrow, worn path heading uphill between two large eucalyptus trees, just beyond the westernmost gun emplacement. The trail is unmarked but clearly visible in dry conditions. It climbs steeply through chaparral and grassland before leveling out near a ridge line. Use your smartphone GPS to confirm your direction: Battery Construction 160 is located at 37.8122° N, 122.5076° W.

Caution: This section of the trail is not maintained. Loose rocks, poison oak, and uneven terrain are common. Wear sturdy hiking boots and avoid this path after heavy rainfall when erosion increases the risk of slips.

6. Arrive at Battery Construction 160

After a 15–20 minute climb from Battery Townsley, you’ll emerge onto a flat, grassy plateau with a large, circular concrete structure partially buried in vegetation. This is Battery Construction 160. Unlike Battery Townsley, which housed 16-inch naval guns, Construction 160 was designed as a 6-inch gun battery with a single emplacement and an underground command post.

The structure is in a state of controlled decay. The gun platform remains intact, though the barrel and carriage have been removed. The underground bunker entrance is partially collapsed but still accessible with care. Look for rusted metal hatches, ventilation shafts, and remnants of electrical conduits. This site was never fully operational during WWII, which adds to its mysterious allure.

Take your time exploring. The views from this vantage point are among the most dramatic in the Marin Headlands—on clear days, you can see the Farallon Islands, the Pacific coastline stretching south to Point Reyes, and the entire span of the Golden Gate Bridge.

7. Return Route and Final Notes

To return, retrace your steps back to Battery Townsley. From there, you can either head back to Rodeo Beach or continue along the Coastal Trail to the Headlands Center for the Arts and the historic Fort Barry area. If you’re short on time or energy, consider parking a second vehicle at Fort Barry and hiking a loop.

Always carry out everything you carry in. Battery Construction 160 is a protected historical site. Do not remove artifacts, graffiti, or disturb the structure. Leave only footprints and take only photographs.

Best Practices

Hiking to Battery Construction 160 is not a casual stroll. It requires preparation, awareness, and respect for both nature and history. Follow these best practices to ensure a safe, responsible, and enjoyable experience.

1. Check Weather and Trail Conditions

The Marin Headlands are notorious for sudden fog, wind, and microclimates. Even if San Francisco is sunny, the Headlands can be shrouded in marine layer. Always check the National Weather Service forecast for Sausalito or Point Reyes before departure. Avoid hiking during or immediately after heavy rain, as trails become slippery and erosion increases.

Visit the GGNRA website for real-time trail alerts. Battery Construction 160’s approach path may be temporarily closed due to landslides or wildlife activity.

2. Dress Appropriately

Temperatures can vary significantly between sea level and the ridge tops. Layer your clothing: start with moisture-wicking base layers, add a lightweight fleece or insulated jacket, and top it off with a wind- and water-resistant shell. Even in summer, coastal winds can drop temperatures by 15–20°F.

Wear closed-toe hiking boots with ankle support. The terrain is rocky and uneven. Avoid sandals or running shoes. Gloves are recommended for navigating brush and climbing over debris near the battery.

3. Carry the Ten Essentials

Regardless of trip length, always carry the Ten Essentials:

• Navigation tools (map, compass, GPS device)
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, hat)
• First aid kit
• Knife or multi-tool
• Fire starter (waterproof matches or lighter)
• Shelter (emergency bivy or space blanket)
• Extra food
• Extra water (minimum 2 liters)
• Extra clothes (including rain gear)

Water sources are nonexistent along this route. Fill up at the Rodeo Beach restrooms before starting your hike.

4. Respect Historical Integrity

Battery Construction 160 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Harbor Defense System of San Francisco Bay. Tampering with the structure, removing metal, or carving graffiti is illegal and carries fines up to $5,000. Take only photos and leave only footprints.

Do not enter the underground bunker if the entrance is unstable. The concrete is over 80 years old and may have hidden structural weaknesses. Observe from a safe distance.

5. Practice Leave No Trace Principles

Stay on established paths to prevent erosion and protect native plant species like coastal sage scrub and California poppy. Do not feed wildlife—raccoons and foxes are common in the area and can become aggressive if conditioned to human food.

Pack out all trash, including food wrappers, tissues, and biodegradable items like apple cores. Even natural waste can disrupt local ecosystems.

6. Hike with a Buddy

While not mandatory, hiking with at least one other person is strongly advised. Cell service is unreliable in the Headlands. If you get injured or lost, having someone with you increases your chances of a timely rescue. Inform someone not on the hike of your planned route and expected return time.

7. Time Your Hike Wisely

Start early to avoid afternoon fog, which can obscure views and reduce visibility on the trail. The full round-trip hike (Rodeo Beach to Battery Construction 160 and back) takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on pace and exploration time. If you plan to watch the sunset from Battery Construction 160, ensure you have a headlamp and know your return route well.

Tools and Resources

Success on this hike depends on using the right tools and accessing reliable information. Below is a curated list of digital and physical resources to enhance your preparation and experience.

1. Digital Mapping Tools

AllTrails – Search for “Battery Townsley Trail” or “Rodeo Beach Loop.” User-submitted GPS tracks often show the unofficial path to Battery Construction 160. Filter by “Most Popular” or “Most Recent” for updated conditions.

Gaia GPS – Download the GGNRA base map and enable topographic layers. Use the “Off-Trail Navigation” feature to plot a direct route from Battery Townsley to Battery Construction 160 using the coordinates 37.8122° N, 122.5076° W.

Google Earth Pro – Use the historical imagery slider to view how the site has changed since the 1950s. You’ll notice vegetation overgrowth and structural decay, helping you anticipate terrain.

2. Official Resources

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Website – www.nps.gov/goga – Provides trail maps, alerts, and historical background on all military installations in the Headlands.

Marin Headlands Visitor Center – Located at 900 Sedgwick Ave, Sausalito. Open daily 9 AM–5 PM. Staff can provide printed maps and answer questions about trail conditions.

3. Historical References

“Coastal Defenses of San Francisco Bay: A History of the Harbor Defense System” by John R. Hinton – A comprehensive academic text detailing the construction and purpose of Battery Construction 160. Available at the San Francisco Public Library and via interlibrary loan.

“The Forgotten Batteries: WWII Coastal Artillery in the Golden Gate” – A 2018 documentary by the National Park Service, available on YouTube. Features interviews with veterans and archival footage of Battery Construction 160’s construction.

4. Mobile Apps for Navigation

OSMAnd – An open-source offline mapping app that works without cell service. Download the OpenStreetMap data for the Marin Headlands before your hike.

Gaia GPS – Offers offline map downloads and waypoint marking. Ideal for marking Battery Construction 160 as a destination.

ViewRanger – Allows you to record your own trail and share it with others. Useful if you want to document your path for future hikers.

5. Photography and Documentation

Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the battery against the ocean backdrop. A drone is prohibited in GGNRA without a special permit, so ground-level photography is your only option.

Consider keeping a field journal. Note weather conditions, plant life, and any artifacts you observe. This contributes to citizen science efforts and helps historians track site degradation.

Real Examples

Real-world experiences from hikers who’ve reached Battery Construction 160 illustrate both the challenges and rewards of this journey. Below are three anonymized accounts that highlight different perspectives.

Example 1: The History Buff

“I’m a retired Navy veteran who served on coastal radar installations in the 1980s. When I first heard about Battery Construction 160, I had to see it. I hiked it last October with my grandson. We found the rusted shell casing of a 6-inch shell near the bunker entrance—still intact. I didn’t touch it, but I showed him how to identify the markings. He’s now obsessed with WWII history. The silence up there, with the wind and the ocean… it felt like stepping into a time capsule.”

Example 2: The First-Time Hiker

“I thought I was just doing a ‘cool hike’ on Instagram. I followed a TikTok video that showed a ‘secret bunker.’ When I got there, I realized it was real—no signs, no crowds. I got lost trying to find the path back. My phone died. I had to use the sun and a compass app I’d downloaded earlier. I ended up walking back to Battery Townsley and took the Coastal Trail. I cried when I saw the Golden Gate Bridge again. I’ll never underestimate a trail again.”

Example 3: The Conservation Volunteer

“I’ve been part of the GGNRA volunteer trail crew for five years. We’ve cleared poison oak from the path to Battery Construction 160 twice. Tourists leave beer cans, cigarette butts, even a child’s toy. We’ve installed a small plaque near the trail junction: ‘Respect History. Leave No Trace.’ We’ve seen a 70% reduction in litter since. This site isn’t just concrete and steel—it’s a memory. We owe it to the soldiers who built it to preserve it.”

FAQs

Is Battery Construction 160 open to the public?

Yes. As part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Battery Construction 160 is accessible to hikers during park hours (sunrise to sunset). No permit is required to visit, but you must pay the standard entrance fee or possess a valid America the Beautiful Pass.

Can I drive to Battery Construction 160?

No. There is no vehicle access to Battery Construction 160. The site is located on protected parkland and requires a hike to reach. The nearest parking is at Rodeo Beach or Battery Townsley.

Is the hike suitable for children?

The hike to Battery Townsley is family-friendly, but the final leg to Battery Construction 160 is not recommended for children under 10 due to steep, unmaintained terrain and potential hazards like loose rocks and poison oak. Older children with hiking experience and proper footwear may manage the route with close supervision.

Are there restrooms at Battery Construction 160?

No. The nearest restrooms are at Rodeo Beach and the Marin Headlands Visitor Center. Plan accordingly.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are permitted on the main trails but must be kept on a leash at all times. They are not allowed in the underground bunkers or near sensitive historical structures. Clean up after your pet—dog waste is harmful to native wildlife.

How long does the entire hike take?

Expect 3.5 to 4.5 hours for a round-trip hike from Rodeo Beach to Battery Construction 160 and back. Add extra time if you plan to explore Battery Townsley, take photos, or rest at the summit.

Is it safe to explore the underground bunker?

It is not recommended. The entrance is partially collapsed, and the interior may contain unstable floors, sharp debris, or hazardous materials. Observe from outside. The structure is protected under federal law, and entering may violate preservation statutes.

What’s the best time of year to hike?

Spring (March–May) offers the most pleasant weather and wildflower blooms. Fall (September–November) provides clear skies and fewer crowds. Avoid summer fog and winter rains, which make trails slippery and visibility poor.

Do I need a permit for photography or filming?

Personal photography and casual video recording do not require a permit. Commercial filming or drone use requires authorization from the National Park Service. Contact the GGNRA media office for details.

Why isn’t Battery Construction 160 better known?

Unlike Battery Townsley or Fort Point, Battery Construction 160 was never fully armed or operational. It was built as a contingency plan during WWII and decommissioned before seeing active use. As a result, it received less historical attention and remains largely undocumented in mainstream tourism materials.

Conclusion

Hiking to Battery Construction 160 from San Francisco is more than a physical journey—it’s a passage through time. This forgotten artillery battery, tucked into the windswept cliffs of the Marin Headlands, offers a rare opportunity to connect with a quiet chapter of American military history. Unlike the crowded viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge, Battery Construction 160 invites solitude, reflection, and reverence.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ve equipped yourself not just to find the site, but to understand its significance. You’ve learned how to navigate safely, respect its preservation, and honor the men and women who once stood guard here, never knowing if their guns would ever fire.

This hike is not about ticking off a destination. It’s about presence. The crunch of gravel underfoot, the salt-laced wind against your skin, the silence broken only by the cry of a raven overhead—these are the true rewards.

As you plan your next outdoor adventure, consider choosing trails that challenge not just your legs, but your curiosity. Battery Construction 160 is one such place. It doesn’t shout for attention. It waits. And when you find it, it speaks volumes.

Go with care. Leave with respect. And remember: the most powerful landmarks aren’t always the ones with signs—they’re the ones you discover for yourself.