Chip Trail and Northern Viewpoints

Stop on Fort Funston Historic & Scenic Tour, a free self-guided tour.

The Chip Trail offers a quieter alternative route through Fort Funston's northern section, winding through dunes and scrubland before emerging at spectacular coastal viewpoints. This trail is less trafficked than the main Sunset Trail, providing opportunities for solitude and wildlife observation. The path passes through varied terrain including stabilized dunes, patches of coastal scrub, and eventually reaches dramatic overlooks of the Pacific Ocean. From the northern viewpoints, you can see across the Golden Gate to the Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais on clear days. The trail's name reflects its connections to the area's recreational history. These northern sections of Fort Funston showcase the transition zone between urban San Francisco and wild coastal environment. The trail eventually connects back to other Fort Funston paths, allowing for various loop combinations. Benches at viewpoints provide rest stops where you can absorb the scenery, watch for migrating whales during season, and observe the constant interplay of wind, sand, and sea that shapes this unique landscape.