Alcatraz Island (affiliated area)
Alcatraz Island, referred to as "The Rock," is the site of the first lighthouse and US fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary now off-limits to the public, and the 18-month occupation by Indians of All Tribes that saved the tribes. Along with the rich history of the island, there is also a natural side with gardens, tide pools, bird colonies and magical bay views.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Brian O'NeilEntrance Fees: Free
Sights: Old Point Loma Lighthouse; Point Pinos Lighthouse
Important Dates
By The Numbers
Acres: 18.00Highest Point: (130 feet)
Annual Visitation: 13,486,824 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :37.801028 / -122.438360 (map it)
State: CA
Nearby Big City: San Francisco, CA
Gateway Communities: San Francisco, CA
Nearby Airports: San Francisco International Airport (SFO); Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Green Features
Has Volunteer Program? : YesIn Detail
Activities & Programs Things To Do There are no formal guided tours of Alcatraz as such - visiting the island is primarily a self guided experience which you can do at your own pace. Park Service staff offer numerous fre ... read more.
History People While the people most often associated with Alcatraz Island are the infamous inmates of the United States Bureau of Prisons (1934 to 1963), many others - before and after the well known penit ... read more.
Just For Kids For Kids Many families planning a visit to Alcatraz worry about bringing children to a former penitentiary - they often ask us if it is appropriate for them. Our answer is a definite yes! Our experi ... read more.
Lodging & Dining Lodging There is no lodging available on Alcatraz Island. Lodging is available in the City of San Francisco, and the surrounding Bay Area. The ferry terminal is located near the Fisherman's Wharf ar ... read more.
Natural World Nature & Science Many visitors to the island have no idea that Alcatraz is a premiere spot for viewing colonial nesting seabirds. Most seabirds nest on inaccessible offshore rocks. The determined bi ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Management The U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service administers Alcatraz Island as a unit of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GOGA). GOGA is part of the Central California Coa ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Plan Your Visit The most important thing to know when planning a trip to Alcatraz is that all access to the island is through a private ferry company under contract with the National Park Service, A ... read more.
Preservation Support Your Park If you are interested in opportunities to help support Alcatraz Island in our efforts to preserve and protect these cultural and natural resources, we recommend the following ways ... read more.
Sights to See Places In 1850 Alcatraz was declared a military reservation by President Millard Fillmore, and by 1859 troops were permanently garrisoned at the post on Alcatraces for the defense of the Bay Area. C ... read more.
Visitor Services Maps ALCATRAZ ISLAND MAP This is a general map of the island showing various structures. For your safety, please listen to the announcements at the dock, since various areas of the island are closed ... read more.
Who's Who at the Park Bookstore The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy operates several shops on Alcatraz. In addition they have an online store featuring books, videos, and many other items related to the island. Fo ... read more.
Alcatraz In Depth
News from the Parks
Colorado Section of Vast Bike Network is 1,000 Miles
January 5, 2009 - 12:43pm
More than 1,000 miles of the 50,000-mile bikeway being spliced together throughout North American lies in Colorado. The Colorado portion is part of the Great Parks section, which includes 2,518 miles from Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, to Mesa Verde National Park outside of Durango.
January 5, 2009 - 12:43pm
More than 1,000 miles of the 50,000-mile bikeway being spliced together throughout North American lies in Colorado. The Colorado portion is part of the Great Parks section, which includes 2,518 miles from Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, to Mesa Verde National Park outside of Durango.
Ranchers Oppose Yellowstone Bison Relocation
January 5, 2009 - 12:32pm
Ranchers are voicing concern about plans to relocate some Yellowstone Park bison to Indian reservations in Montana and Wyoming. The ranchers are worried about the animals' history of carrying brucellosis, a disease that causes domestic cows to miscarry.
January 5, 2009 - 12:32pm
Ranchers are voicing concern about plans to relocate some Yellowstone Park bison to Indian reservations in Montana and Wyoming. The ranchers are worried about the animals' history of carrying brucellosis, a disease that causes domestic cows to miscarry.
A Trip to Yosemite National Park via YARTS is a Must for Valley Residents
January 5, 2009 - 12:31pm
The YARTS bus sped up Highway 140 from Merced into the foothills. It passed Mariposa and stopped at the entrance to Yosemite National Park. A sign read, “Chains required.” The driver parked, and deftly fitted the chains over the tires. A horde of enthused travelers lined up outside the bus, but there were no more seats. Instead of turning them away, the kindly driver allowed them to board the bus and stand in the aisle for the remaining 13 miles of the trip.
January 5, 2009 - 12:31pm
The YARTS bus sped up Highway 140 from Merced into the foothills. It passed Mariposa and stopped at the entrance to Yosemite National Park. A sign read, “Chains required.” The driver parked, and deftly fitted the chains over the tires. A horde of enthused travelers lined up outside the bus, but there were no more seats. Instead of turning them away, the kindly driver allowed them to board the bus and stand in the aisle for the remaining 13 miles of the trip.
Nene Killed on the Road in Haleakala National Park
January 5, 2009 - 12:21pm
An adult nene was killed on the road at Haleakala National Park on Dec. 28. Motorists traveling to the park are asked to drive slowly and cautiously. Visitors reported the dead nene to Visitor Use Assistant Tony Manion at 7:30 a.m. Park Ranger Chad Riggin retrieved the dead nene from the road near mile marker 16.
January 5, 2009 - 12:21pm
An adult nene was killed on the road at Haleakala National Park on Dec. 28. Motorists traveling to the park are asked to drive slowly and cautiously. Visitors reported the dead nene to Visitor Use Assistant Tony Manion at 7:30 a.m. Park Ranger Chad Riggin retrieved the dead nene from the road near mile marker 16.
Life's a Beach: U.S. Virgin Islands are Calling You
January 5, 2009 - 12:19pm
Don't just sit there. Pick a destination and plan a vacation, maybe to someplace a little exotic, where national parks come with tropical beaches, and boats rather than big RVs are a common mode of transportation. You can enjoy all that without fretting over currency exchange rates or making sure that your passport is up to date if you head to a little paradise called the U.S. Virgin Islands.
January 5, 2009 - 12:19pm
Don't just sit there. Pick a destination and plan a vacation, maybe to someplace a little exotic, where national parks come with tropical beaches, and boats rather than big RVs are a common mode of transportation. You can enjoy all that without fretting over currency exchange rates or making sure that your passport is up to date if you head to a little paradise called the U.S. Virgin Islands.
