The Agave Trail runs along the southern side of Alcatraz Island, away from the cellhouse crowds. It is open only outside the seabird nesting season.
Details
- Type
- Trailhead
- Accessibility
- Limited accessibility
The route
The Agave Trail follows the lower south shore of the island, named for the agave plants growing along it. It gives walkers a quieter circuit than the main path to the cellhouse, with views across the bay toward San Francisco and the bridges.
Seabirds
Alcatraz supports nesting colonies of seabirds, including Brandt's cormorants and pigeon guillemots, which nest on the island's bluffs. These birds are sensitive to disturbance during the breeding season, so the trail and other parts of the island close to protect them.
Seasonal access
The trail is open only when the birds are not nesting, generally from about mid-October to mid-January, and is closed roughly February through September. Check current conditions before a visit, since opening dates shift with the birds' return each year.