With so many options, youre bound to find the perfect spot to hike! About The 9.4-mile Tomales Point Trail is a popular onea moderate trek that passes by herds of grazing Tule elk and heads right to the end of Tomales Point, with Bodega Bay on its north side and the Pacific on its south. For the ultimate Bay Area views, follow the North Ridge Trail, which snakes its way up the 788-ft Mount Livermore in a 5.9-mile loop through pines, oaks, and dramatic wildflowers. If tall trees, babbling creeks, and dirt pathways are your calling, the Palos Colorados Trail in Oaklands Joaquin Miller Park is one of the best Bay Area hikes for you! landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. Its perched above Ocean Beach and overlooks Seal Rocks, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. Beautiful trail! This western San Francisco parkland is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA)and features several trails, and with easy access to the Sutro Baths, Golden Gate Bridge, and both Baker and Marshall beaches. Located in the 500-acre Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland, this easy trail is good for hikers of any experience level. Someone said that going counterclockwise would be easier but Im not convinced. , which is best seen along the Round Top, Volcanic, and Skyline Loop Trail. More frequent foggy days are no less beautiful, shrouding groves of cypress and eucalyptus in a moody fine mist. Castle Rock Trail is a scenic loop trail in the western part of Mount Diablo State Park, and is one of the more popular places to go hiking near San Francisco and the Bay Area. Some steep uphill at the end but worth it for views! Prepare for the heat, depending on the time of year and day you go. The 5.5 mile Stream trail is a great out-and-back tour of the park, following trout-rich Redwood Creek through lush woods. at the first fork you can take a right and go up the steep part which has more overgrowth or keep straight, you can take the trail all the way to the cliff which is absolutely gorgeous. Youll hike along Webb Creek, pass a few waterfalls, and even climb up one waterfall via a fixed ladder. You can walk the entire 16.4 miles or simply go as far as you want and then turn around youll be able to catch absolutely stunning views basically the entire hike. Difficulty:Easy on the loops, strenuous on the canyon and hillside trails, Trailhead:Visitor Center at 1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, Note:Loops are wheelchair and stroller accessible. 2. Head to the other end of the open summit to descend via the Sunset trail (for the most spectacular light, do this loop in the evening). 1. Vicente Flat Trail. Unlike many state and national parks, Mori Point is dog-friendly, so your pup gets a day out, too. Located within the popular Mount Diablo State Park, Four Peaks Loop is one of the most renowned East Bay hikes. Check here for rates. But why admire it from a distance when you can get up close and personal? Last update on 2023-07-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. From forested pathways to coastal trails, these are the best hiking trails in the Bay Area to explore this weekend. For Sara, one of the best moments of every journey is turning a corner or climbing above a ridge and an epic view reveals itself. Best Hiking Trails in the Bay Area: See You in San Francisco. hard to go wrong with this hike. There are plenty of parking spaces in the lot if you manage to arrive early in the morning. Located on the highest point in San Francisco, this trail brings you through parts of the citys natural rainforest areas. By clicking subscribe, you are verifying this is your information and in response to your request, you consent to receive e-mail communications from California.com about their news, events and offers. Best Hikes in SF Bay Area | List | AllTrails Some of the best Bay Area hikes are located in the Marin Headlands just north of the iconic bridge. Note that you need a National Parks Pass to get into the trail area, or you can pay a day visit fee to enter. Willow trees, horsetails, and red columbine grow along the creek. Tamalpais SP website and/or Muir Woods NM website. Overall wasnt bad at all for how long of a hike it is from the very entrance. Dust off those boots; it is time to go walking. The path involves steep staircases and brings you along the coastline to the Eagles Point Overlook, where youll catch incredible vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge. Located in the Point Reyes National Seashore area, Tomales Point is one of the most stunning places to go hiking near San Francisco and the Bay Area, in our opinion. Need a quick dip for your feet after savoring the panorama of San Francisco Bay and the Sierra Nevada? If the citys famous fog isnt too heavy, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island from the 64-acre Twin Peaks Nature Area. Looking for the best hiking trails in San Jose? No such fear here; the best hikes in the Bay Area offer something for every skill level, with views to boot. Best Bay Area San Francisco Hikes - REI Co-op Journal Best Hiking Trails in the Bay Area: 15 Stunning Hikes Green rolling hills and big skies offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, especially on sunny days. Sunny days yield views far out into the ocean and north to the hills of Marin, with Golden Gate views worthy of a postcard. 12886 reviews. Tam) is too big and beautiful to include one hike on the list. This east bay area park spans more than 20,000 acres and, on a clear day, you can see for hundreds of miles from the 3,849-foot peak of Mount Diablo. Located on Angel Island, this Bay Area hike is suitable for all skill levels, is family-friendly, and partially paved. We hope you enjoyed this guide to the best San Francisco Bay Area hikes. As one of the most scenic trails in the Marin Headlands, the Tennessee Valley trail is an easy and incredibly beautiful pathway to tackle, especially if youre on a time crunch. Along the way, youll find wooded trails, scenic bridges, and some views of the city and the surrounding nature areas. Also a historic site, Angel Island served as an immigration and deportation center for mostly Chinese immigrants in the 1800s. Golden Gate Bridge & Park, and the Presidio, 5. Photo: Photo by Joshua Sortino on Unsplash. The island does feature an additional 13 miles of foot trails, including a fairy easy loop to the top of its highest peak: the 781-foot-tall Mount Livermore. Discover the best of California. Expect ample foot-traffic on this moderate trail, which includes a climb that can be fairly difficultso definitely pace yourself. I loved it. Or try the shortest route and simply drive to the Summit Visitor Center and take an easy 1-mile stroll along the Mary Bowerman Interpretive Trail. The park is also home to more than 200 species of native plants. Toss a light, waterproof shell in your pack so youre prepared for any sudden showers. Located in the Mount Tamalpais area, this trail is the perfect spot for a family outing or a solo hike through some beautiful, shaded areas of northern California. About 10 million years old, the volcano is the source of volcanic rocks scattered all over the. A wide array of trails form a 3.7-mile network; try the 1.2-mile Creek to Peaks" trail, which starts along Islais Creek and heads towards Twin Peaks with city and bay vistas. Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of towering redwoods, meandering hillsides, and endless ocean views with these 9 'don't miss' hikes. There is no shortage of great hikes around San Francisco, with options for all levels of experience. Highlights include a grove of some of the oldest coast live oak trees in the city and a herd of American buffalo. Other than that very nice. The foot-traffic can be heavy at times, but this all-level combo of mostly multi-use trails still provides an excellent urban reprieve. DJ Born Again has the crowd rocking at Changed Life Church in Pittsburg on a recent Friday night, where young worshipers wear casual outfits and baggy pants in place of dress suits and skirts . Our guide serves up 15 awesome trails for hikers of all fitness and experience levels. This easy trail features seaside trails and stunning views of the rocky Marin Headlands bluffs. Check out the full guide here. Trailhead:Crissy Field Center, 1199 East Beach. Note: As of June 2021, areas of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park are closed due to wildfire. TOMALES POINT TRAIL Location: Inverness Parking: There is free parking at Pierce Point Ranch, at the end of Pierce Point Road. Tomales Point Trail, Point Reyes National Seashore, 10. Trails wind through the thick groves of these fragrant giant trees and make you feel completely removed from city life. Mount Tam, as its known locally, dominates the Marin County landscape. Explore one of 1 easy hiking trails in Mount Diablo State Park that are great for the whole family. Good views. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Its a very popular location for visitors, so arrive early to beat the crowd. Your local real estate experts are here to help you navigate the ins and outs of the Bay Area luxury housing market. Hot and hilly! On one side, you get gorgeous city views from a birds eye perspective. Parking near Ace Hardware and a strip mall nearby (we went to the burger place after, would recommend that as well!). Loved the view. For a more challenging loop back, climb up to Coastal Trail and connect to Wolf Ridge, Miwok, and Old Springs to return to the parking lot. Hike the challenging Mount Diablo Four Peaks Loop to admire stunning vistas of the Bay Area. On a bright, sunlit day, the Golden Gate Bridge is a disarming sight, an elegant feat of engineering straddling the steel blue expanse of the Bay. Be careful at high tide and check the website for weather alerts before heading out. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); MyOpenCountry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Not only do you get to walk through one of the most scenic canyons in the park, but you also get to see Inspiration Point, Hidden Falls, and Jenny Lake. The passenger steamship ran aground during heavy fog in 1853 and became the namesake of the surrounding area. Although youre never far from a neighborhood, this trail feels surprisingly remote and gives you all the nature feels you need. For breathtaking coastline views, there are few better or more accessible hikes near San Francisco than Devils Slide Trail. 1.) This 6.8-mile loop starts at Pantoll trailhead. See the San Francisco skyline from a brand-new vantage point as you trek the five-mile loop. It was great to do a hike where you get a workout but can still talk with the people as you hike. The Best Hikes Around the Bay Area | Marquez Five Adventures But you can park at the nearby Sky Oaks lot or arrive by bike. The large parking lot at the Skyline Gate Staging Area is an easy choice to start your hike. Youll meander through rock formations, tall pine tree forests, and alpine meadows, ending at the scenic Crag Lake, which is the perfect spot to dip your toes or take a lunch break. This hike is a classic for a reason: tucked among 6,300 acres of undeveloped land, Mt. The beginning and the end of the trail passes through residence area so you will see houses around. Points of interest include mine entrances and mining equipment, remnants from old furnaces and miners homes, and a powder house (where explosives were stored ). This trail will not only give you some fresh air and moderately difficult terrain, but will also teach you a little bit about the history of Northern California. This 6-mile loop takes you from the ferry dock to the highest point on the island and back again. Check here for updated information on trail closures in this area. Layer up. Totally doable if youre willing to get a little dirty. Uphill is tough and downhill is a breeze. With the wild Pacific coastline and tranquil redwood groves so accessible, the areas bayside hikes might be less appreciated. Parking: There is free parking at Pierce Point Ranch, at the end of Pierce Point Road. Was amazing. A magical and largely unfrequented forest just minutes from downtown Oakland. Clear path, no coverage, elevation gain was manageable, Shaded, and beautiful trail, easy on knee ;). However, if youd prefer a longer pathway, hit up some of the gravel trails in Golden Gate Parks 1,700+ acres of bayside recreational space. Explore Moderate hikes in Bay Area - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. The San Francisco Bay Area is known for its fantastic hiking, and there are few better places to go for a long amble than this breathtaking corner of the world. Difficulty Rating: Easy. I almost gave up, but I'm so glad I didn't! #8 Dipsea Trail - all-in-one adventure with redwoods, ocean views, and a beach. Tamalpais (known by locals as Mt. Check here for updates on park closures. Length: 3.7 miles. I hiked this as a loop w/ the Condor Gulch trail on 03/28 & posted a vlog w/ tips/info so you can be prepared! The 788-foot peak, named for the conservationist who campaigned to form Angel Island State Park, is actually taller now than in previous decadesthe army removed part of the summit in the 1950s, but it was replaced in 2002 (the bulldozed dirt, still on the mountain, was shaped back into the historic shape of the peak). Find Walking and Hiking Trails Around the Peninsula and South Bay - POST Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Careers Alternatively, start at Stinson Beach and Pantoll will be a convenient halfway break point. This loop can span 1 to 2 miles. Fern Creek and Railroad Grade Loop. The beach is a perfect spot to watch the waves roll in, bordered by sea-carved cliffs to either side; in this hidden oasis you would never guess the park borders city neighborhoods. Since the trail boasts a 30-mile view of the coast, its a well-known. Tamalpais watershed. You understand that your consent is not a condition of purchase, and that you can opt-out at any time. Trail Camp Loop, Castle Rock: The top of Goat Rock can be one of near-perfect spots on Earth, where you can take a scalloped seat in . Mori Point is ideal for experiencing the beauty of Californias diverse landscapes and wildlife. $30 entrance fee. parking is cash only. It was formerly home to famous mercury ore mining operations (aka quicksilver). Find more details at the Point Reyes website. The trail is also an ideal option for, , but no matter how you explore it, make sure to. Along the way hikers pass among shady grows of towering redwoods, stop to gape at stunning views of the Pacific, and even encounter a waterfall. 5 miles is what I logged, highly recommend this shaded trail! The Dipsea Trail The Dipsea Trail officially starts in Mill Valley and starts with a boatload of stairs through dense forests and neighborhoods. The summit boasts panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Bay Area. Looking for more outdoor fun in the Golden state? Pro tip: Go early for the best views! Start from the Dipsea trailhead, then climb 7.4 miles through redwoods and grasslands to the summit. The total length of the bridge is 1.7 miles one-way, so youll get a decent stroll just by crossing. *This trail is temporarily closed check here for the latest updates. Youll also see a very steep canyon surrounded by redwood trees and an amazing array of local fauna. It is truly one of our favorite Bay Area hikes! 501 Highland Drive. You can try the difficult 8-mile Mount Diablo Summit Trail starting at Mitchell Canyon Staging Area. Sort by: We included the Nimitz Way Trail to Inspiration Point because its a bit more challenging than some of the other urban hikes on our list, but also because its got some of the best natural views in the Berkeley area. Majestic views. Here are the best Bay Area trails to hit next. The Waterfalls of Mount Diablo Loop Trail. The trail also boasts spectacular panoramic vistas of the city. The Muir Woods Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Muir Woods National Monument area, as it provides a lovely glimpse into the massive Redwood forests in this part of Northern California. Route Type: Loop. The magic of Muir Woods is that its the only remaining old-growth coastal redwood forest in the Bay Areaand one of the last on Earth. The Bay Area offers some exceptional hiking trails nearby. With its location in the Big Sur area, youre in for a real treat here, with sweeping views out to the ocean in between densely forested pathways. Here are the best Bay Area trails to hit next. And the state park that shares its name features every kind of topography northern California is known for, with more than 200 miles of trails stretching all the way to the Pacific. The two trails (Ridge and Saratoga Gap) split after 0.6 miles, then meet up again at Castle Rock Trail Camp, combining to form an overall loop. The groves in, Photo: Tomales Point, Point Reyes by Franco Folini is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, Ramble 4.5 miles of open ridgeline on your way to the point, at the northernmost edge of, The 13.2 mile loop to the summit of 3,849-foot, Photo: Photo by @freezydreamin on Unsplash. The pathway starts in a forest and takes you deep into the rolling grassy hills, coming to an end when you connect with the East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail. From the trail, youll catch views of the Golden Gate Bridge, downtown San Francisco, and the shoreline. For a challenging adventure, try Dipsea Trail. With its gorgeous wildflower-lined paths and sweeping Lake Tahoe vistas, the Meeks Bay to Crag Lake trail is perfect for hiking near San Francisco and the Bay Area. Running through Desolation Wilderness, this trail is particularly appealing for those wanting some tranquility and serenity during their walk. You also might want to explore the only tunnel in the park that allows visitors inside with a short side adventure to San Cristobal Tunnel. East Bay Regional Park District, 888-327-2757, www.ebparks.org. The citys website has more information to read before heading out. Though considered difficult due to a lengthy initial climb, the trail features numerous switchbacks that help with the elevation gain as it progresses and it pops to life with colorful wildflowers during various times of the year. Point Reyes National Seashore is a 70,000-acre outdoor playground about 30 miles north of San Francisco. Yes, almost 2,000 acres of them! Mt. With so much to see and do, plan ahead on the Golden Gate Park, bridge, and Presidio. There are several Emerald Bay hikes and the Jaunt out to Emerald Point is one of the most beautiful. The trail is stroller friendly and perfect for those in need of an escape from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco. During the first half of the hike, look around for spectacular views of the Big Sur coastline. Parking: There are several parking lots in the area (the one near Beach Street costs $5). this weekend, and share your top Bay Area trails with us in the comments below! Went Counter Clockwise. Youll pass through rugged desert-type landscapes and lush greenery (and see some pretty spectacular views) throughout the 6.8 miles that this grand tour of Mount Diablo has to offer! More than 150 miles of trails traverse the watershed, with many connecting to neighboring state and national parks. Go on a clear day !! Taking a hike from the Pacific Ocean and working your way up to the. The San Francisco Bay Area is known for its fantastic hiking, and there are few better places to go for a long amble than this breathtakingcorner of the world. #4 Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail - family beach gateway with legendary surf spots. At SFs far northwest corner, Lands End has miles of trails that hug the rugged Pacific coast. We advise you to contact them directly for updated safety guidelines and hours of operation before visiting. , the views of lush landscapes, waterfalls, and fairytale-like forests with wooden steps are pure blissyou wont regret the 7.8-mile trek. Trails conditions are normal all the way up until the last half mile! The relatively easy path offers an awe-inspiring view of waterfalls and is perfect for photography buffs. There are several other routes to the summit of the devilish mountain. $8 parking fee. Read more history at the parks website. We got here before 8 so the second parking lot was not opened yet so we walked more on the paved road then if you drive in the second gate. But to really know the Bay Area, a hike is in order. Thanks for subscribing! This was a great 2 hour trail for me! Trail was empty only met one other person in a few hours, great view from the ridge. Once youve reached the top, you can take in three bridges (Golden Gate, Bay, and Richmond-San Rafael), the other islands (including Alcatraz), Oakland, Tiburon, Sausalito, and San Francisco. But the Lands End Trail is one of the most popular hikes in San Franciscoand for good reason. Its a great way to escape the city, as you can hardly spot a car in the area. VERY exposed. Parking was not a problem. Pro tip: This hike is best during the springtime, when wildflowers begin to bloom in the areas surrounding the trail. Other points of interest include remnants of shipwrecks, a memorial to USS San Francisco, a WWII cruiser, and Battery Chester at Fort Miley. Since the trail boasts a 30-mile view of the coast, its a well-known waterfront hike in the Bay Area. Aside from hiking, the Mori Point Peak Trail is also great for running and bird watching. Not all of the locals know that Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve is home to a volcano, making this East Bay hike a hidden gem of Oakland. Loved the skinny 200+ stairs at the top. Restrooms: at Lands End Lookout. Urban Outdoors is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As good of an urban hiking destination as it gets, San Francisco's Land's End offers breathtaking views and endless nature without even having to leave the city. Located in the Muir Woods National Monument area, the trail extends from the dense, foggy Redwood forests all the way to the shore at Stinson Beach. I had an amazing time on this trail! This 4-mile out-and-back traces the coastline through scattered strands of evergreens, culminating with a view back along the cliffs to the full span of the Golden Gate Bridge. Lands End Trail Details. I pushed through and it was amazing. Seeing the impeccable skyline under fluffy clouds make all the effort worth it, though. Our most popular newsletter for destination inspiration, travel tips, trip itineraries, and everything else you need to be an expert traveler in this beautiful world, A Complete Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park, San Francisco Is Still Greatand a Slew of Cool New Restaurants and Galleries Beg a Visit, The Best Camping in Wisconsin, From National Lakeshores to State Parks, Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in the Adirondacksthe Birthplace of the American Vacation, A First Look at Seabourn's New Expedition Voyage Through the Kimberley, Australia, San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images. Seasoned hikers can see many of the greatest hits on the 7.8-mile Matt Davis and Steep Ravine Trail Loop. Another urban hike thats highly recommended by locals is the loop trail at Mount Davidson Park. Difficulty: Moderate; This east bay area park spans more than 20,000 acres and, on a clear day, you can see for hundreds of miles from the 3,849-foot peak of Mount Diablo. Trail well maintained. Took us (family of 4) 2 hours including lots of photos and a snack stop. The best places to hike in the Bay Area run the range, from the hushed quiet of redwood forests to exhilarating jaunts across the incredibly windy Golden Gate Bridge and more.Lovers of wildflowers will find plenty to admire, while amateur hikers will be able to get the heart pumping without the occasional futility that difficult hikes can inspire. Devils Slide Trail is a short part of the 1,200-mile California Coastal Trail and attracts hikers from all over the country. Spanning forests, mountains, and grazing the coastline, Vicente Flat Trail is arguably one of the most spectacular hikes near San Francisco. West Ridge Trail, Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, Oakland, 15. The Point Reyes area boasts one must-visit after another: the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse, the wild Pacific crashing onto the shoreline, and the charming shops and eateries at Point Reyes Station, to name a few. Growing up in the rural mountains of Northern California, a love of the outdoors was instilled in her at an early age. Does your business rank among the best in California? This 6-mile loop takes you from the ferry dock to the highest point on the island and back again. Check out this trail at sunset for incredible vistas, and enjoy the seasonal native dune plants and wildflowers. While not as striking a vista as Mount Tam in Marin, Mount Diablo ascends much higher at 3,848 feet, looming over the East Bay. Despite the strong winds, the natural area is a habitat to the endangered mission blue butterfly. These 1,833 acres are home to a forest of coastal redwoods, wildlife-rich grasslands, and rare bird life. Parking: There are multiple parking areas, but they fill up fast, so arrive early to get a spot. You can also delve into the areas logging, mining, and military history on a number of local hikes. Highly recommend. The path turns to sand at the end. Note: Seasonal road closures may affect roads leading to the trailhead. Head down Matt Davis Trail and connect to Dipsea for a short stretch. Whether youre a newbie or a professional hiker, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area has something for you. Check here for updated information on trail closures in this area. If you must go, take enough water and the hat. Other tree species can also be found scattered across the area. Note: As of March 2021, this trail is currently closed due to wildfire. With a pathway that moves in and out of shady areas, youll get a balance of sun and shade on this trail. Theres an optional access point to the beach towards the end of the trail, but it can be quite slippery and steep proceed at your own risk and with caution! For history and nature lovers, one of the best Bay Area hikes is the Quicksilver History Loop. Length: 2.5 miles round-trip, out and back. The islands history is long and complicated, having served as an early 20th-century immigration station, quarantine facility, and a US Army base. Or with friends and family discovering new campsites. Get updates on the latest posts and more from Dog Travel Buff straight to your inbox. One of the best is the Dipsea Trail into Steep Ravine, a moderate 2-hour, 4.5-mile hike that descends into a narrow canyon thickly forested with redwoods. 5. At the edge of the continent, where the land ends in the northwest corner of San Francisco, you can take a journey through the bay areas history while enjoying spectacular views of the rocky shores of the Pacific coast and the Golden Gate Bridge. And don't forget to look up: birds migrate here all the way from South America! The park is also home to some interesting local logging history. There are several entrance gates; the parking fee of $5 per car and $2 per dog is only applied at the Redwood Gate. Make sure you bring some water and cap. Did the loop counterclockwise, lots of steep uphills and downhills. Don't think it's going to be easy though as the . Our recommended businesses are top-quality and are committed to their communities. It then crosses Panoramic Highway to dip down. Lands End and Coastal Trail, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, 4. The 10 Best Bay Area Hikes - California.com Two hikers enjoying the beauty of Muir Woods, home to a portion of the Dipsea Trail.

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