16 Finest Hikes in San Francisco You Should Attempt

Many vacationers know in regards to the world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and flock there as quickly as they get to town and they need to, it’s an icon of San Francisco. As somebody who has lived within the metropolis for nearly 20 years, vacationer sights in San Francisco are good, however I need to share a technique to boost the expertise of visiting the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay space by combining it with lesser recognized however nonetheless nice climbing spots and vista factors. These are the most effective hikes in San Francisco to get you outside and provide wonderful views.

Finest Hikes in San Francisco, California

1. Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space

Most vacationers have a tendency to start out their Golden Gate Bridge stroll on the base of the bridge, flip round and stroll again. They take some photos alongside the way in which and go house. That isn’t dangerous, however to get extra train, soak up higher views, and find yourself feeling extra happy by having a day stuffed with extra assorted experiences let’s take issues a bit additional.

The Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space boasts miles of climbing trails, and unobstructed views and is the right method to see a special facet of San Francisco. It spans each the Marin and San Francisco sides of the Golden Gate Bridge and has climbing trails for each health stage. For extra data on climbing and parking go to the Golden Gate Bridge Web site.

2. Lands Finish

The path alongside Lands Finish Hike isn’t too lengthy, however it’s fairly magical. The stroll presents super vistas distinctive to San Francisco. On a transparent day, the hikers can see far into the depths of the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Marin Headlands to the north, and the Golden Gate Bridge to the east.

Begin off within the Outer Richmond space on the fringe of Lands Finish Golden Gate Space close to the Cliff Home and the historic Sutro Baths and Park on the Lands Finish Essential Parking Lot. From there, a path leads into Lands Finish throughout the Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space, and your journey begins.

The realm is named Lands Finish as a result of it’s positioned actually on the finish of all land to the west as its cliffs finish on the base of the Pacific Ocean. The slim path that parallels the cliffs doesn’t disappoint. It shortly leads the vacationers proper alongside the sting of the cliffs, under which the Pacific Ocean waves crash into the rocks.

Surprisingly, the park additionally has the most effective artwork museums in San Francisco. The Palace of the Legion of Honor is a superb place to take a break for an hour or two and soak up some Picasso and Rembrandt earlier than lastly heading off to Golden Gate Bridge. The Lands Finish Path ends (no pun meant) on a road known as El Camino Del Mar, which has among the greatest views of the ocean in your entire metropolis and is in a prestigious neighborhood. 

Viewpoints embody the Sutro Baths, Jap Coastal Path Lookout, Lands Finish Labyrinth, Lifeless Man’s Level and the Golden Gate Bridge.

3. Golden Gate Bridge

Strolling again from Lands Finish Path, you may stroll all the way in which to the Golden Gate Bridge. The road El Camino Del Mar passes China Seashore after which turns into Lincoln Boulevard which leads towards the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a highway-like road, however fairly quickly, smaller strolling trails turn into out there as detours and lead in direction of the bridge through a quieter and extra scenic strolling route unhindered by vehicles.

As soon as on the bridge, the standard and basic expertise of strolling the bridge presents among the identical views of San Francisco Bay from a a lot completely different angle. As well as, as you get nearer to the opposite facet of the bridge, views of San Francisco downtown open up, with the long-lasting Transamerica constructing standing tall above the remainder.

On heat and clear days, there are a lot of little sailboats proper under the bridge, throughout the bay, and close to Alcatraz Island.  As well as, there are a lot of gigantic freighter ships coming into the San Francisco and Oakland ports from all over the place on this planet.  All of the ships to those ports come via the bay and they’re fairly a deal with to see. On fortunate days, there are even army automobiles that come into the port and I’ve personally ever seen a submarine cruising above the water about ten years in the past.

4. Batteries to Bluffs

Sticking across the identical space because the Lands Finish hike is the Batteries to Bluffs path hike in San Francisco. Positioned in San Francisco’s Presidio, a 1,500-acre park on a former army put up, the Batteries to Bluffs path hike presents views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Bay space, and the rugged shoreline. That is only a 2-mile (3.2 km) hike spherical journey, so it will possibly simply be added to your San Francisco Itinerary.

The path begins at Lincoln blvd the place you may park on the Langdon Court docket Parking zone. This parking zone connects to the paths resulting in the Golden Gate Welcome Middle which options the Golden Gate Overlook and the batteries used to guard the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco from 1891 to 1946. You may stroll via these historic websites with views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Presidio, Battery Boutelle, Battery Marcus and Battery Cranston.

The Golden Gate Overlook is without doubt one of the premier spots to {photograph} the Golden Gate Bridge so the path is busy, however for good cause. It presents the most effective views of the Golden Gate Bridge within the metropolis. There are a whole lot of wood steps alongside this hike and the most effective locations to for sundown is to take the steps right down to Marshall’s Seashore.

5. Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks is without doubt one of the greatest San Francisco climbing trails for spectacular metropolis views. It’s a closely trafficked path 3.4 mile loop path, and you may drive or cycle as much as the lookout. Twin Peaks is an city climbing path positioned throughout the metropolis limits it’s the second tallest peak in San Francisco (922-foot tall ) that overlooks your entire San Francisco Bay space, and town’s landmarks. The hike feels far-off from town with forest trails, eucalyptus timber, rocky outcrops, wood walkways and filth paths taking you as much as Eureka Peak and Noe Peak.

Beginning in Glen Canyon Park, the Twin Peaks path climbs 1.7 miles to Eureka Peak and Noe Peak after which descend on the North Aspect to Christmas Tree Level for the most effective views of the Pacific and town of San Francisco. Christmas Tree Level received its identify from the enormous Christmas tree that’s erected every year by town. On the way in which again, hop on to the Gum Tree Women Path for a special perspective.

6. Mount Sutro Loop

If you wish to proceed strolling, it’s one other 1.1 miles from Twin Peaks alongside the street to the Mount Sutro Open Area Reserve with climbing trails and greenspace overlooking town. Or you may stroll this 1.9 mile loop path (3.2 kilometer) alongside The Historic Path from seventeenth and Stanyan. It takes you as much as the Mount Sutro Open Area Reserve which is a 61 acre open house reserve owned by the UCSF. It’s a in style spot for locals with 5 miles of public, multi-use trails, and a 900-foot elevation achieve.

On the way in which down you may be part of the Fairy Gates path to the Fairy Gates Trailhead at Stanyan Avenue to stroll again alongside the road to the place you began.

7. Golden Gate Bridge to Marin Headlands

One of the crucial iconic issues to do in San Francisco is to stroll throughout the Golden Gate Bridge. Leaving from the Golden Gate Welcome Middle a stroll throughout the bridge to the Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space to the Marin Headlands. Most individuals discover this sufficient of a stroll, however if you wish to discover extra, There are many climbing trails within the Muir Woods.

8. Muir Woods

Positioned simply exterior of San Francisco, Muir Woods Nationwide Monument presents among the most gorgeous climbing trails close to San Francisco. There are many completely different trails spanning throughout the 554 acres of Muir Woods. There are a number of trails in Muir Woods to select from.

Be aware that Parking reservations are required prematurely. Parking fills up shortly and in case you don’t e-book prematurely you gained’t get in. Test with the Nationwide Parks Service for extra data.

This lovely space presents spectacular bay space climbing among the many old-growth coastal redwoods. Muir Woods has varied trails, with The Muir Woods Essential Path being a preferred beginning place that hooks up with different trails within the space.

Leaving from the Muir Woods Customer’s Middle and following Redwood Creek, this straightforward hike is finished on a boardwalk and is appropriate for all ages. It’s a 2.0 mile loop path (3.2 km) with solely a 30-foot elevation achieve.

If you’re in search of an extended hike be part of The Ben Johnson Path for a 6.3km loop that may take you thru among the most beautiful landscapes within the Muir Woods Nationwide Monument.

9. Mount Diablo State Park

If you’re up for a little bit of a drive exterior of San Francisco, you may head out to Mount Diablo State Park, which is a couple of 40 minute drive east of town. It is a excellent day journey and the views over East Bay hills are spectacular. The summit path right here ranges in size and issue and is greatest fitted to seasoned hikers.

For the most effective views we advocate the Donner Creek Loop path. This out-and-back path has among the most spectacular views and is extra of a reasonable path.

Begin within the parking zone on the north entrance at Regency Drive and hike alongside the Donner Creek Fireplace Highway after which take the Again Creek Path Again.

One of many causes you’ll love this path is that you just really move a couple of waterfalls and weave via the plains through the second half of the path. If you’re in search of a day of climbing, close to the San Francisco bay space ensure that to take a look at this State Park.

10. Tennessee Valley Path, Marin Headlands

Positioned simply north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Tennessee Valley path is a hike that results in a sandy seaside a stupendous lookout. You may select from two completely different seashores. From the Tennessee Valley trailhead, you may both hike straight to Tennessee Seashore for an out-and-back hike or do the more difficult loop to Muir Seashore through the Pirate’s Cove Path. This hike begins from the Tennessee Valley Trailhead and is a couple of 9-mile loop.

In the event you select the Tennessee Valley path it winds its manner via lovely coastal hills and ends on the seaside at Tennessee Cove. Right here you may have a picnic and take within the views of the Pacific Ocean. See extra: 24 Of The Finest Seashores in California

11. Angel Island State Park

Surprisingly, Angel Island State Park is an usually neglected place to hike within the Bay Space, though it’s only a 40min ferry trip from Pier 41 in downtown San Francisco. There are 2 most important climbing trails within the state park. The Sundown Path goes to the summit of Mount Livermore and is a bit more difficult than the opposite one. The payoff is the 360 diploma views of the skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and East Bay.

The opposite path in Angel Island State Park is the Perimeter Path. That is a straightforward hike and offers you many alternative viewpoints in addition to locations to study in regards to the historical past of the island itself. If you’re visiting the bay space for a couple of days then Angel Island is unquestionably value a go to even when climbing isn’t on the prime of your listing. It’s also possible to camp on the island.

• Get to Angel Island:

12. Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

Positioned within the East Bay Regional Park District, only a 20-minute drive from downtown San Francisco, Redwood Regional Park is greatest is thought for the previous progress redwood forest that makes for the right backdrop to any hike. It’s really the biggest remaining pure stand of coast redwood in East Bay.

Our advice is to hop on the Stream Path, Mill Path, and French Path Loop. It is a path with a whole lot of ups and downs however the scent of the redwoods mixed with the attractive forest panorama make this an ideal hike particularly when it will get actually sizzling.

 Begin on the Skyline Gate Parking Lot and observe the Stream Path till you come to the place it meets the Mill Path. Observe this for a bit till it hooks up with the French Path and take this again to the parking zone.

13. Mori Level, Pacifica

Mori Level is a spectacular lookout that’s simply south of San Francisco. Located in San Mateo County, Mori Level presents a couple of completely different climbing trails which can be alongside the coast. It additionally hooks up with the longer Coastal Path. This 32 acre wetland park has among the greatest views of the ocean within the Golden Gate Nationwide Nationwide Recreation space.

The two trails we advocate are the Previous Mori Path, which is extra of a stroll as it’s flat as a pancake. It does nevertheless convey you out to some unimaginable views. And you’ll head down the steps to get to the seaside in case you like. Simply keep in mind, you need to come again up the 185 steps.

The opposite advice is the Mori Level Loop Path. This 1.5-mile (2.4km) loop path presents some nice coastal views in addition to wildflowers and wildlife. It might probably get windy alongside the coast and there are some steep sections, however it’s value it in our opinion. It is a excellent place to benefit from the sundown and spot whales.

14. Tomales Level Path at Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore

This hike is without doubt one of the classics. Not solely due to the gorgeous views, however as a result of it is without doubt one of the quieter hikes close to San Francisco. The Tomales Level Path is positioned in Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore between Tomales Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

There’s a lot to see throughout this hike. Duck Seashore, Sand Level, Tom’s Level and views of Chook Rock simply to call a couple of. What can also be cool is that it’s completely within the Tule Elk Protect, so your possibilities of seeing some elk are fairly good.

That is an out-and-back path so ensure that to provide your self time to get again. One observe, this path is usually coated in fog. This doesn’t take away from the hike itself, however in case you put within the time to get to the lookout and it’s fogged in you is likely to be disenchanted. That being stated, the hike is value it fog or no fog.

15. Mount Tamalpais state park

At Mount Tamalpais state park, there’s a little little bit of every thing for everybody. Totally different trails with differing ranges of issue and size. Rookies, seasoned hikers, walkers, joggers, and bikers all have a spot at Mount Tam.

Its numerous panorama makes making it one of the in style trails within the space. Get pleasure from gorgeous views of the rolling hills, oak forest, redwood, and scenic ocean on the paths.

The final word problem is to hike all the way in which as much as the mountain peak for a wide ranging view of the ocean. Most guests go for a leisurely stroll alongside the Dipsea Path, steep ravine path loop, and Matt Davis loop.

16. Half Moon Bay Coastal Path

Also called the coast facet path, take pleasure in scenic trails with breathtaking views of the pacific ocean. Although this path is on a cliff it’s most likely one of many best on this listing as your entire terrain is generally flat. The climbing path is about 6-mile roundtrip and is ideal for bikers, walkers, or hikers.

The whole path is well-maintained and really straightforward to stroll, contemplate it extra of a scenic strolling route. Get pleasure from beautiful views of actual swimming within the ocean and birds floating about. One of the best half is the cooling breeze from the ocean that makes the hike nicely value it.

What to Pack in your San Francisco Hikes

In terms of climbing across the San Francisco space you need to be sure you pack a couple of requirements because the climate can change shortly and also you need to be ready for any state of affairs, even on the shorter hikes. Here’s what we propose you pack in a day pack earlier than hitting the paths.

• Water
• Digicam or Smartphone
• Day Pack
• Mountain climbing Jacket (Waterproof and windproof)
• Mountain climbing Footwear or Operating Footwear
• Snacks
• Beanie or heat hat
• Sunscreen
• Sun shades

No matter which hike you select, getting out onto the paths is a superb exercise so as to add to your San Francisco Itinerary. To say that we had been impressed with the sheer quantity of trails could be an understatement. Pair that with the coastal views and the way well-maintained the paths are and it’s straightforward to see why San Francisco is a superb place to hike.

Creator Bio

Alex Genadinik has lived in San Francisco for over 15 years and enjoys the Northern California outside.  He’s presently engaged on uniting the various completely different small climbing teams dispersed all through the Bay Space right into a extra united outside group. You will discover out extra about nice San Francisco hikes at Mountain climbing San Francisco. This put up has been up to date by ThePlanetD Crew.