Which Sidewalk Can You Use?
For walkers
East side, always. It is 10 feet wide, opens at 5:00 am and closes at 6:30 pm in winter or 9:00 pm in summer, when the gates shut on their own. You share it with cyclists in the morning on weekdays and all day at weekends, so keep right. The walking page has everything else.
For cyclists
Weekdays, east until 3:30 pm, then west until closing, then east again overnight; press the buzzer at the gate after hours and security opens it. Weekends and holidays, either side until closing. The limit is 15 mph, 5 mph around the towers, and walkers have right of way. The cycling page covers the ride from the Wharf. Both guided tours know the rotation; the Sausalito tour crosses with a guide who does.
The west sidewalk faces the ocean. On a weekday after 3:30 pm it is the quietest place on the bridge, and only cyclists get it.
Frequently asked questions
Can pedestrians use the west sidewalk?
No. The west sidewalk is for cyclists. Walkers stay on the east side. Sunset options are on the best-time page.
Which side is better for photographs?
The east side, since it is the only one walkers get, and it faces Alcatraz and the city. Off the bridge, see the viewpoints page.
What happens to cyclists after closing?
They use the east sidewalk through the security gates; press the buzzer and it opens remotely. Details on the cycling page.