The Golden Gate Area Council Trail Trekkers Program offers a series of hikes which are located throughout the San Francisco Bay Area that can be completed by Cub Scout age youth from 6-11 years old and their families. These are opportunities for outdoor adventures for all levels of fitness and ability.
Patches can be obtained at the East Bay Scout Shop or by completing and sending in the Trail Trekkers Order Form.
Click on any of the images below to get details for each hike.
The purpose of the RIM ROVERS-RIM OF THE BAY patch program is to encourage hiking and to bring into the lives of our Scouts a “mountain top” experience. There are six Mountains that surround the Golden Gate Area Council that you can hike up. When you finish the first mountain you get a patch and a “rocker” with the name of the mountain. Rockers are awarded for each additional hike completed. All of these trips can be accomplished in a single day. There are camping sites at or near most, if your plans include an overnight camp experience. For Scouts BSA, these activities can contribute to the Tenderfoot and Second Class Rank Requirements, the Backpacking, Camping, and Hiking Merit Badges. For Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts, these activities can be used for Webelos Walkabout, Arrow of Light Outdoor Adventurer, Arrow of Light Scouting Adventure, and the Elective Adventures Into the Wild and Into the Woods. These hikes are not approved for Cub Scout use.
Secure (where available) the park folder which shows trails and also gives a short history of the area. For example, the Mt. Diablo folder states, “From here, you can see parts of 35 of California’s 58 counties — the view is unsurpassed except by that from 19,000-foot Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa.” The park folder also includes natural history and a listing of mammals, reptiles, and plant life. Try to make your trip a “hike with a purpose” other than the earning of the patch.
Please instruct your Scouts on the need to observe and obey the regulations that are in effect in National, State, and Regional Parks. On some trips you will be given the courtesy of passing across private property. Please repay these people’s trust by keeping the area free of litter, respecting their property, and leaving the gates as you find them. Clean up and pack out any litter you may come upon. Perpetuate the good turn ideal. You will probably eat your lunch at or near the summit; be sure all bags, cans, etc., are packed out with you.
Where it is necessary to cross highways, have your Scouts line up along the side of the road and when clear and upon signal, have the entire line cross at one time. Avoid stragglers or having individuals or small groups crossing at intervals.
Patches can be obtained at the East Bay Scout Shop or by completing and sending in the Rim Rovers Order Form.
Click on any of the images below to get details for each hike.
Started in 2003, the Golden Gate Area Council’s Highlander program encourages youth in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturing to experience the outdoor wonders that exist within our Council. The program is a series of 14 progressive hikes with a center patch awarded with the first hike and a rocker for each hike. Patches are available for purchase at the Pleasant Hill Scout Shop, or by mail order with the patch order form. Many of the hikes are specific trails, but others, Briones for example, may be awarded for any hikes done within the park. Most of the hikes can be done by youth of any age, however the more difficult ones should only be attempted by Boy Scouts or Venturers.
All of the trips can be completed as day hikes, and overnight camping is available at or near every site. Specific information on camping facilities is listed for each hike. Please remember to file a tour permit and get all necessary approvals ahead of time.
While on the trail, be sure to follow Scouting guidelines with regard to courteous and safe hiking. When everyone does this, it helps to maintain the excellent reputation BSA has and allows future Scouts the same access that we enjoy today.
Maps and further information can be obtained from a number of sources. Often California State Parks have very good maps available through a visitor’s center or ranger station, in addition to informational flyers about the park. Topographic maps from the USGS can also be a good source, however they do not always contain the most complete or up to date trail information. Phone numbers for each park are available on the individual hike pages. Be sure to refer to resources on hike information for current trail or park conditions.
Finally, have fun. We are extremely lucky to have so many beautiful outdoor areas within the Golden Gate Area Council, do not let them go to waste. Get out there and go hiking!
Patches can be obtained at the Pleasant Hill Scout Shop or by completing and sending in the Highlander Order Form
Click on any of the images below to get details for each hike.
The Presidio of San Francisco Historic Trail hike was established in 1965 and has over 27 points of historic interest in which to visit. The Historic Trail Program also included a stop at the Rob Hill campsite that was provided to Scouting by the Army following World War II. The patch is a distinctive round Award featuring a Spanish Captain in helmet. The shorter Cub Scout Trail day hike was established with its own patch featuring the view of the Golden Gate Bridge in the early 1980’s.
Begin at Presidio Museum (originally an Army Hospital), and proceed southwest on Funston Avenue. Turn right and head northwest on Moraga Avenue, passing the Officers Club.
Turn right at the Flag Pole, observing the old cannons and the original Spanish Presidio Fort. Visit the Visitors Center on the Main Parade Ground (restrooms and interesting exhibits here).
Turn left on Sheridan Avenue, proceed west to Lincoln Blvd. Stop at San Francisco National Cemetery for prayer or meditation and acknowledgement of deceased veterans serving to our country.
Continue west on Lincoln Blvd., turn right on Crissy Field Avenue. Continue west on Crissy Field Avenue, underneath Doyle Drive Freeway, until it rejoins Lincoln Blvd.
Continue north on Lincoln Blvd., then turn right to hike north on Long Avenue and Marine Drive following the bay coast into Fort Point National Historic Site.
After visiting Fort Point (interesting exhibits and films here, and great views underneath the Golden Gate Bridge), hike south up to the Golden Gate Bridge Visitors Center.
Continue west, then southwest on Coastal Trail past the old cannon batteries on the western side of the Presidio. Hike south until you reach Battery Chamberlain, where Cub Scout pack members may be picked up by automobile at this point (Boy Scout hike continues as described below).
Return from Battery Chamberlain hiking north on Coastal Trail to Lincoln Blvd.
Cross over Lincoln Blvd. and see West Coast World War II memorial.
Continue north until trail on right enters Fort Winfield Scott.
Continue to the right on Ralston Avenue, with the option of entering Fort Winfield Scott fields, then continue north on Ralston Avenue as it loops around Fort Winfield Scott.
Turn left on Storey Avenue, then turn right and continue northeast on Lincoln Avenue.
After going underneath U.S. 101 on Lincoln Avenue, turn left to hike toward Golden Gate Bridge Visitor Center.
After stopping for restrooms and Visitor Center, hike 2.2 miles across Golden Gate Bridge. Troop may be picked up by automobile at Marin County Vista Point at the north end of the bridge (eastern side of U.S. 101 freeway, free direction for automobiles traveling from San Francisco into Marin County).
For Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Sea Scouts, there is the 50-Miler Award available through National
The award recognizes Scouts and Scouters who cover a trail or canoe or boat route of not less than 50 consecutive miles; take a minimum of five consecutive days to complete the trip without the aid of motors.
The patches are available at any Scout Shop. Complete the 50-Miler Award Form and submit it to one of the Golden Gate Area Council offices.
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First, try to connect the Scout and counselor in Scoutbook. If that is successful, the counselor is registered and qualified. If unsuccessful, go to the counselor’s home council and search for their Advancement Administrators. Most will have an email address for either the Council Advancement Committee or Professional Advisor. Send an email asking if the counselor has been registered and qualified for the merit badge(s) in question and the status of their Youth Protection Training. Ask California councils if the counselor has completed AB506 training and LiveScan. The unit leader’s “blue card” signature verifies their counselor credentials verification.
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