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 may be obtained at the Pleasant Hill, Pleasanton, Fairfield, and Alameda Scout Shops or by completing and returning the Trail Trekkers Order Form to the GGAC Service Center.
Click on any of the images below to get details for each hike.
The RIM ROVERS-RIM OF THE BAY patch program encourages hiking and mountain climbing for Scouts. There are six mountains surrounding the Golden Gate Area Council to hike, and finishing each mountain earns a patch and a “rocker” with the mountain name. Camping is available for overnight stays. For Scouts, these hikes can count towards rank requirements and merit badges. Cub Scouts are not approved for these hikes. When hiking, Scouts should observe and obey park regulations, respect private property, and pack out any litter they come across. Patches can be obtained by completing and sending in an order form. The park folders contain information about the trails and natural history. Scouts should line up along roads before crossing for safety.
Patches can be obtained by completing and sending in the Rim Rovers Order Form.
Click on any of the images below to get details for each hike.
The Golden Gate Area Council’s Highlander program started in 2003. The program encourages young people involved in the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturing groups to explore the outdoors. There are 14 hikes in total, each with its own patch. The first patch is the center patch, and each subsequent one is a rocker. The patches can be purchased from the Pleasant Hill Scout Shop or through the mail with a patch order form. Most young people can complete the hikes, but some are harder, and they should only be attempted by Boy Scouts or Venturers. You can also camp overnight at each site. You need to get approvals ahead of time and follow Scouting guidelines to make sure you are safe and courteous on your hike. Obtain maps and other information from California State Parks, USGS maps, or the individual hike pages. Enjoy yourself and take advantage of the beautiful outdoor areas within the Golden Gate Area Council!
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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