Guides
A short hike along the batteries and bluffs in the Presidio of San Francisco
This short trail provides a great way to see the bluffs near the Presidio and offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin that are hard to beat. The trail is marked moderate because there are several places with steps and some climbing if you decide to take the side trip down to Marshall Beach. The trail is pretty short, which allows for you...
Headlands host beauty and history of San Francisco Bay Area
The Marin Headlands are intoxicating and sobering. The hills north of San Francisco are peppered with relics of America's wars, so in the same afternoon you might see wonderful examples of waves crashing amid grim reminders of nations clashing. The Headlands are a section of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, managed by the U.S. Park Service....
Backdoor entry to Muir Woods on an uncrowded trail where you can enjoy scenery (and a bar!) most visitors never see.
The ancient California redwood trees of Muir Woods National Monument are one of several remaining groves up and down the coast that escaped the lumberjacks thanks to forward thinking preservationists. Located just North of San Francisco this is the ideal place for visitors from around the world to come and marvel at the giant redwoods (which in...
Get an early start to enjoy one of Mt Tamalpais' most loved and most distinctive trails.
Steep Ravine is a real jewel in Marin County's crown. Cutting deep into the landscape over millennia the water rushing through Webb Creek has created a spectacularly steep sided and lush canyon shaded by towering redwood trees and populated with a wide variety of local flora and fauna. This trail really draws the crowds, so we heartily recommend...
A great day (or overnight) hike from the beach to the top of Mount Tamalpais where you can see the entire bay area.
Mount Tamalpais (or Mt. Tam as the locals call it) is a must-do hike for anyone living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Although you can drive to the top, the hike is much more rewarding, and you see many hidden treasures that those driving would likely miss. The best way to hike Mt Tamalpais is by starting at sea-level at Stinson Beach, hiking...
See Marin County's most scenic waterfalls. 7-mile moderate hike
Cataract Creek Trail offers a perfect excuse to play hooky from work or spend a vacation day in the woods. The creek's waterfalls provide a spectacular anchor for a 7-mile loop through the scenic lands of the Mount Tamalpais Watershed. You could just hike a mile and a quarter to the top of the Cataract Creek Trail and return, but I figure if you're...
Hike the popular wilderness preserve on this great San Francisco Peninsula hike.
Looming large over San Francisco and the northern peninsula, the wilderness preserve of San Bruno Mountain state and county park is home to several rare and endangered species of flora, fauna and wildlife, including the elfin butterfly. Our guide focuses on two popular hikes. The 3½ mile Summit Loop trail takes a counter-clockwise route around...
A permit only section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail
This guide covers a 13 mile section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It is a through hike that starts at the Sweeney Ridge Trailhead behind Skyline College and ends at Skyline Quarry near Hwy 92. Elevation gained is about 2400' with 2800' lost.The Fifield-Cahill Ridge trail traverses coastal scrub and old growth douglas fir forests. The majority...
The wildest, rockiest corner of San Francisco is a land of rich history and spectacular nature
Lands End is the wildest, rockiest corner of San Francisco, a corner strewn with shipwrecks and a history of landslides. At the tip of Lands End is Point Lobos, named by the Spanish for its many lobos marinos (sea wolves); the barks of those sea lions, as they are called today, drifted up from the rocks below. The sea lions have since relocated to the...
10.8 mile trail near San Bruno, California
Mori Point and Sweeney Ridge Loop is about 10.8 miles long and located near San Bruno, California. The trail is great for hiking and normally takes 5-6 hours with breaks and photos. A nice trek along the Ridge and then down to the coast and looping back up to the Ridge. Awesome views. Up Sweeney Ridge Tr, R on Mori Ridge Tr, carefully cross Hwy...
Hike along the Coastal Trail from the Cliff House at Lands End to the Golden Gate Bridge
This section of the California Coastal Trail runs from the Cliff House near the Sutro Baths all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge and passes many landmarks including Baker Beach, the Seacliff area, Marshall Beach, and the Batteries to Bluffs Trail. This area of San Francisco is unknown to so many residents, even though it is one of the most beautiful...
A 2.5-mile section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail through the woods with some great viewpoints in the Presidio
The entire bay area ridge trail is about 510 miles long and circles the entire bay. This short section winds through San Francisco's Presidio District and has some great views of the bay as well as nice walks through large trees. Near the middle you can take a detour to the National Cemetery Overlook with views of the bay and the golden gate bridge. The...
A short hike through the woods with a small detour to Inspiration Point with views of the Bay and Alcatraz
The United States Army created this trail in 1980 so that San Francisco residents could walk through the woods near their homes. Parts of this trail are through open grass areas while other ares are through more densely wooded areas, and there are a few short detours to picnic areas and Inspiration Point with views of the Presidio, the bay (including...
Short coastal bluff hike with outstanding views and wildflowers.
Just a short distance down the coast from the city of San Francisco, Pacifica is where the concrete truly ends and gives way to green hills and dramatic coastal scenery. Mori Point is a great place enjoy a sunset, do a spot of whale watching or simply enjoy the waves of the Pacific Coast washing up onto the shores. Remember to check out the ridgeline...
Crissy Field's 100 acres of wild, windswept shoreline are a favorite place for recreation and enjoying wildlife.
Crissy Field is a stunning park site within the Golden Gate National Parks. Crissy Field's 100 acres of wild, windswept shoreline are a favorite place for walkers, joggers, boardsailors, bicyclists, thousands of birds and the occasional seal. Originally a rich salt marsh and gathering ground for native people, Crissy Field was later the landing site...
Although this trail is not open for walk-in use by the general public, volunteer trail leaders head trips 3x a week.
Local nature lovers can enjoy the rare opportunity to hike, bike, or ride their horses through pristine stands of old growth Douglas Fir, evergreen and fragrant coastal scrub while enjoying ridge-top vistas of our watershed lands, reservoirs, the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. Although this trail is not open for walk-in use by the general public,...
4.1 mile trail near Marin City, California
Directions: From the North Take why 101 southbound Exit at 2ndSausalito exit (just before the GG bridge) Bear right onto Alexander ave; proceed back under the freeway Follow Alexander ave .2 miles; turn left onto bunker road From the South Take 101 across the GG bridge Exit Alexander ave; bear right Follow Alexander ave .2 miles turn left...
Explore the history of the Bay Area from atop Sweeney Ridge, or just come to admire the great coastal scenery.
Twelve hundred feet above the Pacific Ocean the Sweeney Ridge trail traverses the most northerly part of the Santa Cruz coastal range above the town of Pacifica. Up here you can explore the abandoned buildings of the 1950's Nike missile base or step further back in time and visit the spot where Gaspar de Portola first discovered the San Francisco...
Secret little coastal hike with unparalleled views of the San Francisco peninsula shoreline.
An area of outstanding coastline and natural habitat of several endangered species, the Pedro Point Headlands tower above Linda Mar beach and the southern most point of Pacifica. Now publicly owned, these lands are slowly recovering from dirt-bike use and are gradually being nursed back to health with plans to eventually open series of official trails. Not...
Explore the spectacular cliffs along a short trail above the Pacific Ocean less than 30 minutes from San Francisco.
Point Bonita Lighthouse, located at the South Western tip of the Marin headlands, is an active lighthouse with a rich history. The lighthouse was the 3rd lighthouse on the West Coast and was first built in 1855. The short (0.3 miles) trail from the parking lot offers spectacular views on the Pacific Cliffs.
7.8 mile trail in Marin Headlands, California
Spectacular scenery, amazing temperature changes, panoramic views of both Mount Tamalpaias and San Francisco on this short, refreshing hike. Point Bonita is rich in nautical history dating back to late 1700s and much of the other infrastructure dates back to 1902 with the consturction of the first US military installations. Today, the military property...
Enjoy the many trails in the unspoilt hills and valleys of this great Pacifica park.
Pacifica’s reputation for fog may be well deserved, but the little coastal town on the San Francisco peninsula still basks in the sun throughout much of the year. Coupled with the fact that San Pedro Valley County Park is nestled in the sheltered hillside next to Montara Mountain means that this area gets more than its fair share of good weather. The...
Great way to see the Bay
The Perimeter Road provides access to pretty much everything else one can see and do on the island! It's got fantastic views around the bay, it's a fun walk and a pretty good bike ride. When taking a ferry, all walks start at Alaya Cove (formerly Hospital Cove). Pick up a map while there. The Cove also houses segway and bike rentals, a small store...
See gorgeous Bay vistas and visit the Immigration Station.
Angel Island State Park offers one of the best ways to see San Francisco Bay from sea level. Fortunate local boat owners have long plied its shoreline and picnicked on its grounds, but the boatless can get in on the fun via ferries that stop on the island. There are good times galore for hikers, bikers and sightseers, but the island has abundant...
Overlook pristine coastal landscapes from a mountain top that’s just a short drive from San Francisco.
If you’re looking for sun along the fog-bound San Francisco peninsula coastline, then Montara Mountain is the place to head for. Rising almost 2,000 feet above the beaches of Pacifica, here is where the sun often breaks through the clouds. Even when the sun continues to hide, there’s still a chance that by the time you hike to the summit you’ll...
Camping in the middle of San Francisco Bay offers a window on the region's wonders after dark.
Angel Island can charm the socks off a day-hiker, but it's even better by night, when the state park closes up shop and sends the tourists home. After that, campers lucky enough to reserve one of the island's 11 sites have the place to themselves. Urban attractions ringing San Francisco Bay light up as the night darkens, creating shimmering opportunities...
In the middle of San Francisco Bay sits Angel Island State Park, with spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline.
In the middle of San Francisco Bay sits Angel Island State Park, offering spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline, the Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais. The island is also alive with history. Three thousand years ago the island was a fishing and hunting site for Coastal Miwok Indians. It was later a haven for Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de...
Picture perfect San Francisco Bay views on this tranquil tour of a remote island with hardly a car in sight.
Away from the hustle of the city, Angel Island offers a retreat to tranquility surrounded by magnificent San Francisco Bay views. This six mile biking tour is great for both beginners and intermediate cyclists, highlights all of the major sights, an occasional side-trips and introduces some of the island history. If you're concerned about hills,...
A short hike along the Mavericks cliffs at one of the most famous surfing spots in the world
This hike is an easy walk along the cliffs overlooking Mavericks surf spot, famous for its (often deadly) surf competitions. You will have nice views of the water below from the cliffs with very little elevation change after the first small climb. If you are up for it, you can continue along the harbor towards the rock pier where you may see seals...
You may not think of salmon when visiting the redwoods in Muir Woods, but it's home to a population of Coho Salmon.
You may not think of salmon when visiting the redwoods in Muir Woods, but it’s home to a population of Coho Salmon. Redwood forests provide ideal salmon habitat, providing woody debris to protect young salmon in the creeks and keeping them shaded and cool. But the Coho in Muir Wood’s Redwood Creek are endangered, and local biologists and volunteers...
A nice loop in Mount Tamalpais State Park
This hike includes great views of the Bay Area, Marin Headlands, the Golden Gate, Potato Patch, and down the San Mateo Coastline. As the walk progresses the trails will head into Redwood Forest, and drop - really drop - down into the heart of Steep Ravine. The trails become a series of stairs immediately adjacent to a seasonal creek. In some spots it’s...
Deep woods and towering vistas await at Marin County's most famous peak
Mount Tamalpais State Park is the center of the Bay Area's outdoor universe. The peak rising northwest of Sausalito in Marin County attracts hikers, bikers, equestrians, trail runners and other outdoor enthusiasts from throughout Northern California. While other parks in the region have golden hills, redwood forests, springtime wildflower displays...
Perfect Mt. Tamalpais coastal scenery, Muir Wood redwoods and a chance to quench your thirst at an old British pub.
Experience many of Mt. Tamalpais' best features on a single loop trail, from chaparral grasslands and dramatic Pacific Ocean views to forest creeks and huge redwoods. Plus the added chance to stop off for a swift pint at an old British pub nearby. Our guide features three different options. The longest options are the 8½ mile and 12½ mile hikes,...
Beat the crowds by walking to famed Muir Woods. 6-mile moderate hike.
Every weekend during the summer months, signs on the main roads in Marin County start reading "Muir Woods Parking Lot Full," leaving those who crave a stroll among the wondrous Muir Woods redwoods two options: take a shuttle or try another day. But there is a third option -- Muir Woods National Monument is only two miles by trail from the Pantoll...
Explore the remnants of a bygone era on the slopes of Mt Tamalpais.
There's a way up Mt. Tamalpais for everyone whether you're a biker, hiker, driver or equestrian. Opt for the easy drive-up option and you'll be taking the third of a mile plank-walk to the rocky summit and some of the best views in the bay area, but you'd be missing out on the opportunity to experience some really great Marin hiking trails. Our 9...
Springtime brings a remarkable wildflower show to Bay Area hills
Springtime sunshine ignites a blast of color on the hills of the Bay Area. In the best years, hills can be practically painted white, orange, yellow or purple. Even in lean years, wildflower season offers hikers beautiful reminders of the rhythms of life. Wildflower season runs primarily from February through June, peaking in mid-April. Virtually...
6.7 mile trail near Berkeley, California with Awesome Bay Views
Panoramic Hill - Chaparral Peak - Strawberry Canyon Loop is about 6.7 miles long and located near Berkeley, California. The trail is great for hiking and normally takes 1-3 hours. A favorite weekend hike, with awesome views of San Francisco, Oakland and the Bay, seen from Eucalyptus, pine and oak forests. A great workout too. Up Panoramic Hill...
Trail from Summit Ave to East Peak.
This is a moderately difficult climb of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, California. The top offers an incredible view of the surrounding landscape, this is one of the best views in the Bay Area. The climb is short but has a large elevation gain during the hike. Follow the fire road from the trail head. At 0.2 miles turn up a small path by the waterfalls....
Experience some of the best views in the Bay Area along this flat, paved trail. A great hike for young kids.
The Verna Dunshee Loop around the East Peak of Mount Tamalpais (or Mt Tam as locals call it) provides one of the best views of any trail in the Bay Area. The trails is even and paved, but quite narrow and with very steep drops. The trail is easy to find and follow. Just drive up to the East Peak of Mt Tam, which is a very scenic drive in and of itself....
The best panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area are just a half-mile hike away atop Mt. Tamalpais.
Hikes don't get much shorter or much better than this half-mile round trip trail to the top of Mt. Tamalpais, just North of San Francisco. Known to locals simply as Mt Tam, Mt. Tamalpais State Park is the perfect day-trip away from the bustle of San Francisco and once you're here it's hard to believe you're just a stone's throw away from the second...
