Howl of a Good Night Hike

One of the many reasons people love the Bay Area is that great hikes in the great outdoors are accessed close to home. Take hiking the spectacular coastal Marin Headlands, just 30 minutes from the city. Haunt the Headlands this Halloween weekend on an exclusive (free) guided night hike. This Friday, October 30, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is hosting Voices in the Dark, in search of the sights and sounds of the coyote and the great horned owl, two of nature's most reclusive creatures. This 5-mile mostly flat hike allows you the rare opportunity to roam the Headlands without the crowds, while learning all kinds of cool things about the secret lives of the animals that live here. Meet at the Tennessee Valley trailhead. Bring layers, a flashlight, water, and a snack. The hike is 3 hours (6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.). Reservations required: (415) 331-1540. Limited space!

BATTERY TOWNLSEY BONUS: Also in the Headlands this Halloween weekend, discover what lies beneath on the Battery Townsley Underground Tour (Sunday, November 1, noon to 4:00 p.m.). This site was San Francisco's most secret World War II military fortification, and home to a vast network of underground tunnels during the Cold War. (It was even used as an underground research facility.) Long closed to the public, Battery Townsley's labyrinth defense system can now be explored on complimentary docent-led tours. Reach Battery Townsley by hiking a short ways up the moderately strenuous Coastal Trail, located north of the Rodeo Beach Parking lot. No reservations required, but for more information, call (415) 331-1540.