So Many Options for San Francisco Hiking
The mild weather year-round, coupled with more than forty hills, makes San Francisco a paradise for hikers. Venturing out into other parts of the Bay Area brings further natural wonders – imposing cliffs, towering redwoods, and verdant valleys are a short drive away from the city. There are nearly endless trails available for San Francisco hiking.
Note that while many California State Parks are closed for vehicle parking at the moment due to COVID-19 restrictions, residents are still able to access the parks on foot or bicycle.
Twin Peaks
Walking tours abound within the city, but there are options beyond those. Twin Peaks, in the city center, consists of a half-mile trail rated as “easy.” At the end of the short trail, you will find yourself at over 900 feet above sea level with the best panoramic view to be found within the city. The trailhead is accessible by the Muni Metro, only a couple of blocks away from the Castro Street Station.
Mount Davidson
The tallest point in the city is accessible via the Mount Davidson Trail loop, which is a distance of 1.5 miles. The Mount Davidson Cross, an historic San Francisco icon, stands at the top of the hill. The cross is over 100 feet in height and is visible from most areas within the city. Since 1923, a service has been held at sunrise on Easter Sunday at the site of the cross. Mount Davidson is accessible by taking BART to Glen Park and then a bus to Dalewood/Myra.
Angel Island State Park
There are two ferries that run to Angel Island – a Blue & Gold and the Tiburon Ferry. Once there, take the five-mile hike that circles the island (it loops back to the start), and view the city’s skyline from a different perspective.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
This large park spans the San Francisco and Marin ends of the Golden Gate Bridge. It includes Alcatraz, The Presidio, and Muir Woods. Visitors come from all over the world to take in the beauty of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area. The park contains many trails for all levels of ability. Land’s End Trail is probably the most popular, and it is rated “moderate” for difficulty. Land’s End is a path that spans four miles and leads to outstanding viewing points of the bridge.
For a partially paved and more stable hike, the Golden Gate Promenade spans from Aquatic Park to Fort Point, a distance of three and a half miles.
The Presidio
One of the best San Francisco hiking locations for birdwatchers is the Presidio, which includes nearly 25 miles of trails. The Presidio is located within the Pacific Flyway, a migratory bird route. One three-mile path on the Presidio will take you past four sculptural installations by artist Andy Goldsworthy: Wood Line, Tree Fall, Earth Wall, and Spire.
Muir Woods National Monument
The Golden Gate National Monument offers more challenging trails as well, such as the Ocean View Trail, which spans 1.2 miles across the Muir Woods National Monument. Enjoy the ancient redwoods as you climb to a bird’s-eye view of the magnificent trees. If you then follow Lost Trail to Fern Creek Trail, you will loop around to the beginning.
Notable Hikes Outside the City
Thirty-file miles outside of San Francisco is the popular five-mile Donner Creek Loop Trail. If you are interested in a longer trek, Mount Diablo Grand Loop provides around seven miles of ascents and descents. For the more experienced hiker looking for a greater challenge, try the loop that begins at Mitchell Creek and incorporates the Diablo Summit, which is a total of 13 miles with over 3,500 elevation gain.
At Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin, there are several trails that range in level of difficulty, from easy to more challenging. Some span the entire 16 miles, while others are in the range of two miles. This area is a popular hiking spot all year-round. If you have the ability and time to climb to the 2,571-foot peak, you will be rewarded with views of the Farallon Islands, located 25 miles out in the Pacific Ocean. “Mount Tam,” as it is known, inspired author Jack Kerouac who wrote of its beauty in his novel The Dharma Bums.
Watch the video below for the Bay Area Hiking Guide’s Top 10 Spring hikes.
Related Article –
Sacramento’s Gem: The American River Bike Trail
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