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...
A 40-minute audio guide to a panoramic trail encircling one of the Bay Area's highest peaks.
The Grand Loop offers a bird's-eye view of the Bay Area, and sometimes glimpses far beyond, of the Farallon Islands, Mount Lassen, the Sierra Nevada, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. It's also a a hotspot for wildflowers in the spring. At each of 12 stops in this audio guide, naturalists point out the sights and sounds, tell tales of the mountain's...
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...
3-day hike showcases best of the Santa Cruz Mountains
Campers flock to the forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains south of San Francisco; most are content to pitch a tent plucked from the trunk of their car, but hardy hikers prefer roughing it with all they need strapped on their backs. Two of the Bay Area's most popular hiking locales -- Castle Rock and Big Basin Redwoods state parks -- promise one of...
As sure as the earth moves in Berkeley, there's a volcano just off Skyline Boulevard.
As sure as the earth moves in Oakland, there's a volcano just off Skyline Boulevard. Not just any volcano, mind you. This one's lying on its side with its guts exposed. You might not recognize it right away, owing to its reclining position and the grassy coat it's adopted. But among the shrubs and grasses at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, you'll...
An interpretative hike highlighting the unique geology of the Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
This route begins at the park entrance off Old Tunnel Road and follows the Bay Area Ridge Trail along Round Top Creek to the Sibley Staging Area. From the staging area, grab a park map and head up to the water tower to tour the park's interpretative features, labeled 1-11 on the park map. The route will take Volcanic Trail through the park's unique...
Rolling terrain hike through a jungle-like setting
This hike is on a very nice portion of the Skyline National Trail which starts at the Tilden Park Steam Trains parking lot, going to Redwood regional park, and returning. The hike covers EBMUD lands, and goes through several East Bay regional parks, including Tilden, Sibley, Huckleberry, and Redwood Regional Parks. The terrain and scenery actually...
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...
Top redwood hikes of the San Francisco Bay Area
California's coast redwoods are the planet's tallest living things, and some of the oldest. A drive down the spine of the Santa Cruz Mountains on Highway 35 offers an inkling of their uncanny mystique, but you have to get out of the car and walk among them to get the full effect. Redwood hikes in the North Bay and East Bay will do if you're short...
A loop traversing open grassy ridges and forested pathways in Tilden Regional Park
The trail that loops from Quarry trailhead in Tilden Regional Park traverses open grassy ridges and forested pathways in the East Bay Regional Park District above Berkeley, California. These trails and TrailPhotos offer spectacular unfettered ridgetop vistas over the Bay towards San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge to the west, and over scenic...
5.4 mile trail in Redwood Regional Park with vies of San Francisco Bay and Mt. Diablo
Redwood Regional Park offers a cool micro-climate in hot weather. The creek running through the park is where specimens of rainbow trout were used to first describe the species. This hike starts by the creek and climbs up to the West Ridge, where you will have views of both San Francisco Bay and Mt. Diablo.
An East Bay Beauty - creeks, ravines, and lots of redwoods. 7.9 miles near Oakland, California
The French Trail Loop is about 7.9 miles long and located near Oakland, California. The trail is great for hiking and normally takes a half day. We parked at the Canyon Meadow Staging Area off of Redwood Rd near the intersection of Pinehurst Rd. Start off on the paved road running past the bathrooms (visible from the lot) and continue on the pavement...
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...
Just a 10-minute drive from Berkeley, Briones Regional Park is a 6,117 acre park in Contra Costa County.
Just a 10-minute drive from Berkeley, Briones Regional Park is a 6,117 acre park in Contra Costa County. Its home to plentiful East Bay wildlife, including birds, snakes and newts. In some areas, it's still used as grazing land by local herds, part of a cattle ranching history that's more than 100 years old. The park's ridge tops offer stunning views...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
12.9 mile trail in Wildcat Canyon Regional Park
This oop is about 12.9 miles long and located near East Richmond Heights, California. The trail is great for hiking or horseback riding and normally takes a half to full day. Wildcat Canyon Creek Trail to Laurel Canyon Road up to Nimitz Trail. Turn left on Nimitz and continue on Nimitz to Mezue Trail. Follow Mezue down into the valley. At the intersection...
East Bay park offers ample solitude, abundant sunshine
Briones Regional Park covers more than 6,000 acres in the rolling East Bay hills between Berkeley and Walnut Creek. Hikers gravitating to Tilden Park to the west and Mount Diablo to the east often overlook Briones, so you'll have plenty of time alone on the the trails. There's a Goldilocks "just right" quality about hiking at Briones: Hills seem...
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,...
Trail loop from the Bear Creek entrance up to Briones Crest Trail and back.
Staged out of the Bear Creek Entrance on Bear Creek Rd., approx 6 miles from Orinda. Large parking and picnic areas, great gravel lot for horse trailers, All the trails in this guide are fire roads with great footing and lots of room for all. Dogs are allowed in the park but must be under control at all times. Also note that this is a grazing...
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...
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...
Take a stroll around the tall rolling grassy hills East of San Francisco in the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness.
Wildflower lovers will love the springtime scenery of Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, but when the blooms have faded this East Bay park still has plenty to marvel at. Eagle-eyed hikers in autumn and winter will spot birds of prey amongst the gliding turkey vultures, and there's also the chance of a golden eagle sighting. Elevation gain: • 1,100ft...
Fun 6.6 hike into a remote area of Las Trampas. Great views East towards Mt Diablo and West towards the Oakland Hills.
Hike begins at the very end of Bollinger Canyon Rd at the Las Trampas Staging Area where there is plenty of free parking. Take Rocky Ridge View Trail (paved road) up the hill for .8 miles. The trail turns left onto a single track that runs diagonally up to Rocky Ridge. At the top, follow the Ridge Trail South for .83 miles and enjoy the magnificent...
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...
Undulating hill views and an expansive valley unfold in the foothills of Mt. Diablo at Shell Ridge Open Space Park
Kovar, Ridge Top, and the Briones - Mt. Diablo trails are the heart of this trip from the western edge of Shell Ridge Park in Walnut Creek Open Space in Contra Costa County. This is a highly scenic, friendly feeling park that blends rugged and gentle terrain in one package, leading towards Mt. Diablo wildlands from this lesser used entrance. This...
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...
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...
Open grasslands and ocean vistas with stair-climbing in a deep Redwood canyon
This trail has numerous vistas of Mt. Diablo, much of the East Bay, and up into Napa Valley. Down in Secret Valley the trail gives a solid sense of what the early explorers and settlers experienced in this part of the state. One absolutely gets the feeling of traveling down one of the old stage roads. Portions of the trail are open to equestrian...
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...
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,...
