Visitors looking forward to exploring the historic Point Bonita Lighthouse this week must revise their plans. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area has announced that the lighthouse, a storied beacon still guiding ships through the treacherous Golden Gate straits, will be temporarily off-limits due to a recent landslide that has obstructed access. According to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area's official social media post, the landslide has led to the trail's closure, leading to the lighthouse. Park officials expect to have the path cleared and to reopen the lighthouse next Sunday.
The Point Bonita Lighthouse in the #MarinHeadlands is closed today following a small landslide partially blocking the trail. Staff are working to clean it up and the lighthouse is set to reopen for its normal schedule on Sunday, January 12. pic.twitter.com/7lFiH9HXoI
— Golden Gate National Recreation Area - Alerts (@GGNRANPSAlerts) January 6, 2025
The Point Bonita Lighthouse is a staple of local heritage, having stood since 1855 in the Marin Headlands. Managed by the U.S. Coast Guard, the lighthouse remains a vital navigation point for maritime traffic. The usual access point for the public is a steep, half-mile trail starting from a designated parking area. Even though the lighthouse opens its doors to visitors only seasonally during the winter, with operations limited to two days a week, the unexpected closure disrupts a key period for lighthouse tourism. An added inconvenience came last summer when a suspension bridge offering alternate access was closed for repairs. However, it has been open since December 5, 2024, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Those keen on catching a glimpse of the historic edifice or mapping out coastal hikes in the surrounding headlands during the closure will have to wait until park staff have remediated the landslide aftermath. Despite the closure, the Coast Guard's operation of the light remains uninterrupted, ensuring continued safety for vessels navigating the converging currents in the gateway to the Bay.
