Rancho Corral de Tierra

 
Grassy hillside of Rancho Corral de Tierra
 

Welcome to Rancho Corral de Tierra. We invite you to connect with the newest addition to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and share the experience with your friends and family!

We are on the traditional territory of the Chiguan, a local tribe of the Ramaytush Ohlone, the original peoples of the San Francisco Peninsula. Rancho Corral de Tierra (Rancho) became a National Park in 2011. At nearly 4,000 acres, it is one of the largest undeveloped sections of land on the San Mateo Peninsula. With breathtaking coastal views, rolling hills, and soaring skies, it is a place to connect with one another and nature. From hiking through forested trails to viewing the expansive coastline, enjoy the outdoors in your favorite way at Rancho. 

 

Tips and Highlights

  • Meet other volunteers! Sign up to join our Natural Resources team every third Sunday to help restore unique coastal and grassland habitats at Rancho that are home to endangered species like the Hickman’s potentilla and the California red-legged frog.

  • The dramatic ascent of Montara Mountain, from the sea level to 2,000 feet in just over 1 mile, is a spectacular sight not duplicated anywhere else in the Golden Gate National Parks and in few other places on the California coast.

  • Visitors should be aware that the stables and farms in the area are working operations. Visitors should not enter these properties or approach the animals without permission.

  • While visiting Rancho, please note that the NPS management of the area is in its early stages. Many of the existing trails are very steep and eroded and may be difficult to traverse until they are repaired or re-routed.

  • Please park in designated parking locations and follow local restrictions. Check local public transit routes for additional access options.

  • In an emergency, call 911 or the National Park Service's emergency dispatch at 415-561-5656. Local authorities may respond faster than park rangers.

 

Where to Hike and How to Get There

Ocean View Loop: Start on Tamarind Street or Le Conte Avenue, follow the signed trail north with an out-and-back, and then continue to McNee Ranch State Park, passing through forests, meadows and have sweeping views of the ocean on this hike or ride.

Ember Ridge & Farmer’s Daughter Loop: Start on Etheldore Street and walk up Moss Beach Ranch Road, take the San Vicente Trail along the ridge, and then head down through Ember Ridge Equestrian Center. Add in extra mileage with the Farmer’s Daughter loop trail and/or Spine Trail.

Flat Top & Clipper Ridge Loops: Start and end on Coral Reef Avenue, follow the trails to Flat Top or continue further with a loop up Clipper Ridge to French Trail for expansive ocean views.

 
Pocket Map
Pocket Map: Rancho Corral de Tierra

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pocket map
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More Information

 
Visit the NPS Volunteer page to learn about other volunteer opportunities in the National Parks.
 

 

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Last updated: September 11, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Golden Gate National Recreation Area
201 Fort Mason

San Francisco, CA 94123

Phone:

415-561-4700
United States Park Police Dispatch: Non-Emergency: 415-561-5505 Emergency: 415-561-5656

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