Hiking Trails near San Francisco, CA. With attractive bayside views as well as coastal redwood woodlands, San Francisco hiking trails illustrate what makes the City by the Bay among the greatest in the world. With iconic landscapes and also tourist attractions like Muir Woods, the Golden Gateway Bridge, as well as Land's End, several sensational day hikes can be accessed from "The City." For walkings within San Francisco, one of the top places to head is Double Peaks to get a sight of midtown Market Road and the Golden Gateway Bridge.
The remarkable Golden Gateway National Recreation Area is the true foundation of hiking tracks in the Bay Location. Encompassing over 80,000 acres as well as 37 distinct park units north and south of the Golden Gateway Bridge, it includes quintessential treking areas like the San Francisco Presidio as well as the Marin Headlands. Situated north of the Golden Gateway Bridge, the Marin Headlands includes various other coastal hiking areas, including Point Bonita Lighthouse and also the green Tennessee Valley.
South of the city in Pacifica, the Golden Gate National Entertainment Area also oversees Mori Factor, which itself looks after a grand sea sight. Near Oakland, the East Bay Regional Park District takes care of camping areas and also treking routes at Redwood and Anthony Chabot Regional Parks. For a true gem in the San Francisco Bay, the hiking path that circles the rarely developed Angel Island State Park is just accessible by ferry.
For even more suggestions on where to hike around the City by the Bay, see our listing of the best walking trails near San Francisco
1. Presidio of San Francisco.
Incorporating virtually 1,500 acres on the north pointer of San Francisco, connected to the Golden Entrance Bridge, the Presidio of San Francisco is a famous destination for Bay Location views. A former army post till 1994, the park features various hiking tracks, swimming coastlines, and historical armed forces structures. Cultural tourist attractions like the Presidio Officers' Club and also the Walt Disney Family Museum are likewise found within this defining San Francisco public space.
Automobiles are allowed when traveling of the Presidio, but the best means to absorb the Bay Location beauty is on foot and also strolling near the shore. East of the Golden Gateway Bridge, near the historical Ft Mason, visitors can access the Golden Gateway Promenade and Crissy Area together with a sandy beach where pet dogs can run leash-free.
Hikers, cyclists, and joggers can proceed with the historic Crissy Airfield till reaching the Golden Entrance Bridge Invite Facility less than two miles away.
A coastal path stretches along the southwest shoreline from the Golden Entrance Bridge, where hikers come across the Batteries to Bluff Path with spectacular views of the bridge. This side of the Presidio also lends access to Baker Coastline-- among the best coastlines in San Francisco. The similarly famous Lands End Route is farther southwest along the coast from Baker Coastline.
Main site: https://www.nps.gov/prsf/index.htm
2. Twin Peaks, San Francisco
One of the most preferred walkings for travelers and citizens of San Francisco, Double Peaks is the second highest factor within city limits (Mt. Davidson is the first). On clear days atop Twin Peaks, visitors can see every San Francisco spots, consisting of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, areas and downtown Market Street. Visitors can additionally see throughout the bay into Oakland with Mount Diablo off distant.
Fog and also various other moving systems can impede views atop Double Peaks, but when the timing is right, the overlook is stunning. Site visitors can drive virtually to the top of either the South or North Optimal, with a brief path and also wooden actions causing the real summits. For those wanting to make the views with a little walking or cycling, nearby paths run along with Double Peaks Boulevard. Customers can also trek via Glen Canyon Park to Portola Drive and also get the Double Peaks Trail from there.
Walkers and mountain bikers can also reach the forested slopes of Mount Sutro from Twin Peaks. Primarily possessed as well as taken care of by the College of California San Francisco, the 61-acre Mount Sutro Open Room Preserve draws in a lot more locals than vacationers. To the eastern of Double Peaks, Bernal Levels provides a casual one-mile loop with even more bird's-eye views of the Bay Location.
Address: 501 Twin Peaks Boulevard, San Francisco, California
Official website: https://sfrecpark.org/destination/twin-peaks/
3. Redwood Creek Path, Muir Woods National Monument
North of the Tennessee Valley in the Marin Headlands, Muir Woods National Monument safeguards a spectacular example of old-growth coastal redwoods. The most effective method to experience the neck-craning canopies of these redwoods, some over 200 feet high, is the boardwalk path within the monolith that complies with the financial institutions of Redwood Creek. Starting from the Visitor Center, this generally accessible trail meanders along with these substantial trees and also supplies info about their 800-plus-year history in the area.
The boardwalk trail passes through both sides of the creek with three different bridges to cross. Making it to each bridge adds roughly 30 minutes to a walk, and possibly longer depending upon just how much you quit to appreciate the huge tree trunks all around. Dirt hiking routes lead up the canyon wall surfaces from boardwalk path, as well as each lend different viewpoint of the gigantic woodland.
Longer location trails likewise run through Muir Woods National Monument, like the Dipsea Trail, which attaches to the bordering Mount Tamalpais State Park prior to getting to the sea.
Parking appointments are called for to see Muir Woods National Monolith as well as must be bought in advance. Parking appointments can be made through the official internet site.
Address: 1 Muir Woods Roadway, Mill Valley, California
Official website: https://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm
4. Lands End Route, Golden Gate National Leisure Location
Southwest of Baker Coastline as well as the San Francisco Presidio, Lands End provides a significant coastal trail as well as a great view at the edge of the continent. Heading north along this ocean-edge route is the most usual method to go, beginning at the Lands End Site Visitor Center within the Sutro Historic District.
The historical foundations of the lush late-1800s Sutro Bathhouse can be seen before also beginning the path, in addition to the refurbished High cliff Residence dining establishment as well as public area that ignores Seal Rocks.
A couple of strenuous hillsides are come across heading north from Sutro Baths along the Lands End Route, yet the route is primarily level. Views of the Bay filter in along the two-mile course, including locations where past ships have trashed when trying to browse the notoriously tricky waters. The Golden Gate Bridges comes better visible the farther you make your method north along the path, where walkers ultimately reach a turnaround factor in the upscale Sea Cliff area.
5. Tennessee Valley Trail, Marin Headlands
Within the Marin Headlands north of the Golden Entrance Bridge, the Tennessee Valley Path is a prominent family hike to a sandy coastline and forget. The quickest route to Tennessee Beach extends 1.7 miles from the trailhead with extremely little elevation gain. Much more exhausting treking routes branch off the Tennessee Valley as well as up the bordering steep hills.
Ambitious day walkers can reach Muir Beach on a nine-mile loop beginning with the Tennessee Valley trailhead, including an optional quit at the stashed Pirate's Cove for some whale watching. Springtime is one of the most effective times to see the Tennessee Valley, when wildflowers remain in maturity. A few of the most effective campgrounds near San Francisco, including the Haypress as well as Hawk walk-in campgrounds, can additionally be gotten to from the Tennessee Valley trailhead.
Address: 591 Tennessee Valley Roadway, Mill Valley, California
Official site: https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/tennessee_valley.htm
6. Diablo Top, Mount Diablo State Park
Mount Diablo State Park
One of the most popular sight walkings at Mount Diablo State Park in the East Bay lead straight to the top. The easiest course is the one-mile Mary Bowerman Interpretive Path, which leads from the Summit Visitor Center.
On the various other end of the spectrum, the trail via Mitchell Canyon extends almost eight miles as well as has over 3,500 feet of altitude gain. An even more requiring hike, the Mitchell Canyon route also offers one of the most dynamic landscapes to hike through.
Address: Top Road, Walnut Creek, The Golden State
Main site: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=517
7. Angel Island State Park
Angel Island State Park seen from Marin Headlands
Angel Island is the largest all-natural island in the San Francisco Bay, with a hidden treasure of a hiking path close to San Francisco. The state park is just available by personal boat or public ferryboat, and a smooth as well as about five-mile roadway circles the whole island and also is open to pedestrians.
A designated hiking-only trail system comes from the road and also has courses that cause the 788-foot summit of Mt. Livermore-- the highest factor on the island. Picnic tables, washrooms, as well as drinkable water are readily available on Angel Island.
Main website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=468
8. Mori Point, Pacifica
South of the city in main Pacifica, on the San Mateo County coastline, Mori Point offers stunning treking routes beside the sea. A simple drive or bus flight from the city, this 32-acre wetland waterfront has many routes to discover, consisting of an obtainable boardwalk path that results in the ocean. Greater viewpoint are offered using dust trails as well as steep steps that lead up to Mori Point and also the bordering foothills.
Mori Ridge can be accessed beyond of Freeway 1 from Mori Point, which outstanding connects to the much more inland Sweeney Ridge Trail. The 1,200-foot tops atop Sweeney Ridge offer a thorough sight of the Bay Location.
Both Mori Point and Sweeney Ridge are handled as component of the Golden Entrance National Leisure Location. To the south, San Pedro Valley Park features added tracks, consisting of the iconic Montara Hill Trail.
Address: Mori Point Roadway, Pacifica, The golden state
9. Summit Loophole, San Bruno Mountain State and Area Park
On the southern border of San Francisco, San Bruno Mountain is surrounded by virtually 2,500 acres of park. A shaded picnic location with barbeque pits goes to the entry of San Bruno Hill Park, in addition to countless trailheads, like the Summit Loophole that supplies hikers to the top of the mountain. The two-mile path to the leading undergoes a coastal bush environment and also crosses Radio Road along the way.
Despite being a summit path, walkers take on just 700 feet of altitude gain on their method to the top of San Bruno Hill, standing 1,314 feet above sea level. The whole San Francisco Bay is on display screen from the top of San Bruno Mountain on clear days.
Various other preferred hiking tracks in the hill park include the Eucalyptus Loop Trail as well as the Old Guadalupe Trail.
Address: 555 Guadalupe Canyon Parkway, Brisbane, The golden state
10. Skyline Gateway Staging Location, Redwood Regional Park
Encompassing over 18,000 acres near Oakland in the East Bay, Redwood Regional Park is a preferred place to get away from the groups. With almost 40 miles of routes and also the biggest undamaged stand of redwood trees in the East Bay, the Skyline Gate Staging Location in the northwest edge of the park is a great top place to head to see some big trees.
Heading on either the Stream Trail adjacent to Redwood Creek, or either direction on the East and West Ridge Path, gives a relatively flat grade, as well as junctions to make a bent walking.
Address: 7867 Redwood Roadway, Oakland, California
Official site: https://www.ebparks.org/parks/redwood/
11. Point Reyes National Seaside
Chimney Rock Route in Point Reyes National Seashore
Encompassing over 70,000 acres of an almost removed coastline a hr north of San Francisco, Point Reyes is the only across the country marked seashore on the West Shore. It's very easy to run away San Francisco with a journey to Point Reyes and also the several beaches, shallows, and wild locations it protects. 3 visitor facilities assist orient visitors at Factor Reyes National Seaside, including the Lighthouse Site visitor Center, located on the extensive pointer of the Factor Reyes Headlands.
The Smokeshaft Rock Route expands from the Lighthouse Visitor Facility for just under 2 miles. Both the whipping waves of the sea as well as the tranquil waters of Drakes Bay can be seen heading down the path, and the route offers a fantastic viewpoint for whale seeing throughout much of the year. The path can be a little bit steep at points, and also stairways have actually been constructed into the ground on specific parts of the walking.
Address: Lighthouse Site Visitor Facility, 27000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Inverness, California
Official site: https://www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm
12. Factor Bonita Lighthouse Path, Marin Headlands
Point Bonita Lighthouse
On the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands is a crown jewel of the Golden Gateway National Entertainment Area. With stunning sights of the San Francisco Bay, consisting of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands is home to retired armed forces fts, headland hiking routes, and many sandy beaches. One of the very best vantage points of this wild area can be seen at the Point Bonita Lighthouse.
Hikers can access this still-active lighthouse, constructed in 1885, with a half-mile walk from the Nike Rocket Site. A lot more intrepid walkers can get to the lighthouse from the Golden Gate Bridge by means of paved as well as dust pedestrian paths, including the Coastal Path. Various other sites to see along the road in this part of the Marin Headlands consist of Kirby Cove, Hawk Hill, as well as Black Sands Coastline.
13. Lake Chabot Loop, Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Aerial view of Lake Chabot
Adjacent to Redwood Regional Park in the East Bay, Anthony Chabot supplies a terrific hiking location that doesn't receive as many vacationers as hiking tracks in the Golden Entrance National Entertainment Location. A 20-minute drive from Oakland, the Lake Chabot Loop is a 12.5-mile multi-use trail that circles around the park's centerpiece tourist attraction. Various side walkings originate from the Lake Chabot Loop, and also walkers need to anticipate to encounter mountain cyclists and horse riders likewise sharing the path.
Address: 9999 Redwood Roadway, Castro Valley, The Golden State
Official site: https://www.ebparks.org/parks/anthony_chabot/default.htm
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