25 Epic Hikes Near San Francisco

by Mary Howard
- June 15, 2024

Commonly seen as an urban area, many visitors don’t realize there are plenty of natural trails close to San Francisco. However, hiking in the San Francisco Forest is one of the best ways to clear your mind and escape the pollution of the large city.

Hiking around San Francisco is one of my favorite things to do in Northern California. As a local of California, I’ve experienced many of the prime trails in the state, many of which are in this SF hiking guide. Let’s get into the specifics.

Notification: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

25 Best Hikes Near San Francisco

Lands End Trail

The most popular hike in San Francisco leads walkers to the sandy Golden Gate beach.

A visit to San Francisco is not complete without hiking the Lands End Trail. Wind along rocky cliffs above the ocean and through groves of cypress trees with magnificent views of the iconic Golden Gate bridge.

Begin this hike within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and walk north along the city perimeter until reaching the junction with the Coastal Trail. You will encounter a memorial for the USS San Francisco, a World War 2 battleship, at the end of this trail.

Along the Lands End Hike due to the rough coastline and swift tides, one can see approximately a dozen old shipwrecks from history that unfortunately wrecked in this area, so keep an eye out for these artifacts from the past.

Twin Peaks

Protruding sibling peaks in the center of the town.

Hike to this pair of 922-foot tall peaks, a prominent lookout point in the big city. The wind-swept Twin Peaks offer 360-degree views of San Francisco, including cable cars making their way up hilly streets and boats cruising the harbor.

This is the second-highest point in San Francisco and is surprisingly convenient to reach. At only 2.1 miles round-trip, the Twin Peaks Trail is suitable for visitors of all fitness levels. The 64-acre mountain park also houses native grasslands coastal shrubs and wildlife.

Look for the Mission Blue Butterfly next time you hike Twin Peaks. This is the only location the endangered butterfly species resides in San Francisco and its vibrant, glittering wings perfectly reflect in your camera’s lens.

👉 Helpful Hint: Park along Portola Drive to access the park by vehicle as the gate on Burnett Avenue is temporarily out of use.

Redwood Creek Trail

Experience Muir Woods National Monument along a coastal footpath amongst the towering giants.

The Redwood Creek Trail is located near the Pacific Coast Highway, arguably one of the most scenic roadways in the United States. Winding amongst massive redwood trees while following the shoreline and serene sound of crashing waves, this trail creates an unforgettable experience.

This forest trail is a top hiking route in Muir Woods. The gently flowing stream accompanies the well-worn path and you are unlikely to come across anything more than a handful of other trekkers on this trail, allowing for a relaxing nature excursion.

👉 My Favorite Gear: The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite sleeping pad keeps me at ease all evening. The inflatable mat keeps your back separated from cold rough terrain and guarantees that you will awaken in improved condition than the previous night.

Diablo Summit

Explore the cultural exhibits atop this tall mountain peak in a major metropolitan area.

Known as one of the ecological treasures of San Francisco Bay, Mount Diablo State Park is rich in both history and stunning views of the bay. Visit the Summit Museum atop the 3849-foot Diablo Summit, complete with over 90 outdoor cooking hearths and information about the past inhabitants.

From Diablo Summit, perspectives of the Golden Gate Bridge, Farallon Islands, and the Santa Cruz Mountains are evident. Other trails wind throughout the state park but the summit trail offers the best views after the most challenging hike.

The National Historical Museum in Athens, established in 1882, houses artifacts that tell the story of Greek culture through time via personal items, paintings, manuscripts, and traditional costumes and jewelry from different Greek regions. It`s located in the magnificent building that served as the Greek Parliament from 1875 to 1932, one block northwest of Syntagma Square. Closed on Mondays. – Full Review

Mt. Livermore

An Angel Island trek away from the crowds yet up close and personal with the native flora.

Escape the busy environment of the massive city with a brief ferry ride to Angel Island. Angel Island is a top attraction in San Francisco and offers visitors a distinctive perspective of the major city.

Mount Livermore, which stands 788 feet tall, is the highest point on the island and provides panoramic views of hidden beaches, San Francisco Bay, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge from its summit. The North Ridge Trail leading to the peak is steeper but shorter in length and avoids many of the tourist crowds.

Pets other than dogs are not allowed on the island, so you will have to leave your pup behind in the boarding area of the hotel. There are also tables with benches scattered throughout the island`s landscape, including atop Mt. Livermore, so make sure to stock your bag with eats before boarding the passenger ferry.

👉 Pro Tip: This convenient portable meal kit occupies nearly no scope in your hiking knapsack.

Point Bonita Lighthouse Trail

Hike along cliffs just outside a bustling city to reach a lighthouse.

The Point Bonita Lighthouse Trail is among my favorites. The cliff-dwelling lighthouse boldly straddles a thin ocean rock and the bridge walk to get to it always keeps you on edge.

Point Bonita Lighthouse, established in 1855, was the third lighthouse on the west coast. The rich chronicles of this establishment and the lovely trail attract hundreds of visitors. Spanning only 1 mile round trip, the Lighthouse Trail in Sausalito appeals to hikers of varying ages and physical abilities.

Follow the light signals next time you’re in San Francisco and experience one of the best sights in town. This trail sits at the southwestern tip of the Marin Headlands, another great place to explore while you’re in the area.

Tennessee Valley Trail

Hike amidst coastal shrubbery on the precarious edge of seashore cliffs just outside of San Francisco

🥾 Easy hike with a distance of 3.4 miles located at the Tennessee Valley Trailhead according to its park website. It is a 30 minute drive from San Francisco and admission is free.

Overgrown coastal shrubs meet dramatic ocean cliffs on the Tennessee Valley Trail. This trail is one of the most sought-after in San Francisco and if you`re seeking an escape from sightseeing and indulging in local cuisine, then this is the place to be.

The Tennessee Valley Path is just 1.7 miles to Tennessee Cove, one of the most scenic beaches in the area. I recommend hiking Tennessee Valley during the springtime when the hillsides come alive with splashes of color from lupine, golden poppies, blue-eyed grass, and California buttercups.

This untouched stretch of terrain continues its natural beauty with help from visitors. Park staff encourage hikers to “only capture scenes, and leave just footprints.” Please recall to depart no trace and dispose all waste.

Steep Ravine Trail & Dipsea Trail

This scenic loop trail takes hikers through a variety of ecosystems in Mt. Tamalpais State Park.

This scenic loop trail located in Mt. Tamalpais State Park just outside Muir Woods National Monument allows one to take in spectacular ocean views while following the loop trail from the coast through lush woodlands and into a narrow redwood forest canyon.

This hiking path is less jam-packed than those located in Muir Woods yet still sees fair pedestrian traffic on weekends. Especially notable after rainfall is the Steep Ravine & Dipsea Loop Trail when tiny cascades caress the route.

The Pantoll parking area can fill up on weekends but there is an additional parking lot available, the Bootjack lot which is a quarter-mile up the road and also $8. If both parking lots are complete, you can start your hike from Stinson Beach. This will add 2 1⁄2 miles but gives you an opportunity to stop for a swim.

California Coastal Trail

Section-hike is part of the massive coastal trail that stretches from Mexico to Oregon.

The California Coastal Trail is an easy hiking route from the historic San Francisco Presidio. The total trail extends 1200 miles from Mexico to Oregon`s border. The 2.7 mile section through the Presidio starts at the 25th Avenue Gate near Baker Beach.

The trail follows rugged cliffs and ultimately ends at the renowned Golden Gate Bridge. This is one of the most scenic trails in San Francisco for getting an up-close perspective of the iconic SF landmark.

Take in the magnificent scenery from the Golden Gate Overlook and Pacific Overlook along the trail, admiring the beautiful coastal views of this California seaside town. I enjoy capturing vintage-style photographs on my instant camera of views every bit as spectacular as those found along the California Coastal Trail trail.

Batteries to Bluffs Trail

Hike along the rustic shoreline and above the Pacific Ocean near the SF Presidio.

🍽️ Mediterranean | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 203 146 4001

Batteries to Bluffs Trail is within my top 5 San Francisco hiking trails. This is an outdoor expedition you don’t want to miss in the SF Presidio.

At just 2.3 miles roundtrip, Batteries to Bluffs won’t exhaust you but it isn’t exactly simple either. This rugged path takes hikers through the best of the wild western coastline right above the Pacific Ocean.

I recommend taking a short side trip to Marshall Beach, an isolated area enveloped by sharp granite cliffs and crashing waves. This is also a great place to watch the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge. The late evening sun is reflected more vibrantly off the bridge at this time.

Tomales Point Trail

Look out for elk on this elevated cliffside walking trail near Marshall, CA.

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hiking trails in San Francisco, Tomales Point Trail should be high on each visitor’s SF itinerary. Overgrown flower bushes line either side of the narrow footpath high above the Pacific Ocean on this moderate coastal trail.

The cliffs overlooking the coast that are followed on the Tomales Point Trail share similarities with the Cliffs of Moher though with a Californian twist. Sightings of elk along this scenic trail beside the ocean are also common, so keep an eye out while maintaining your distance and keep your wildlife photography equipment close by and readily available!

Tomales Point is just under 10 miles round-trip so it’s not for the faint of heart. Allow at least 4 hours to complete this hike and bring enough food and water to last you at least half a day. The end of this trail can often be overgrown with lupine and sagebrush, so it’s crucial to pay attention to the route or download an offline map ahead of time.

🛎️ Need a Hotel? Nick’s Cove is the finest accommodation in Marshall California. This seaside residence also provides an on-site oyster bar and dining establishment.

Mount Sutro Loop

Hike without other tourist distractions in this remote Northern California woodland.

International Istanbul Culinary Festival – Expert chefs from all corners of the globe convene for competitions, workshops, and communal meals during the International Istanbul Culinary Festival. The wintry surroundings and indoor offerings likewise make this a lovely time to experience the snow-dusted landscapes and attractions under shelter.

Mount Sutro is likely the least visited trail in San Francisco. This solitary trek is perfect for hikers who prefer a more intimate experience with nature rather than an overpopulated, loud one.

Large swaths of pine, cypress, and eucalyptus trees transformed an area that was once grasslands into a dense urban forest. I recommend exploring Mount Sutro during an overcast day in San Francisco for an ethereal experience resembling a cloud forest.

Some routes in the area are designated mountain biking zones, so be prepared to share the path and yield whenever possible. Canines are also allowed on the trail but must be leashed at all times.

👉 My Favorite Gear: The path can become slippery when wet. You will want footwear with good traction like what I prefer, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Hiking Shoes.

Matterhorn Peak

In addition to Pisgah Forest’s picturesque mountain scenery, this national park is also home to historic conservation undertakings.

Matterhorn Peak deserves an honorable mention for hiking trails in San Francisco. It is the most technically challenging and stimulating climb on my SF hiking list and is reserved for the adrenaline seekers visiting Northern California.

Famous due to its mention in Jack Kerouac`s best-selling novel Dharma Bums, Matterhorn Peak located in a remote forest cut off from any semblance of civilization. Requiring technical rock climbing to traverse narrow ledges along the granite face as well as coping with thin air at high altitudes, Matterhorn Peak presents significant challenges rather than an easy excursion.

In a personal attempt, I unsuccessfully tried to summit this mountain in an 8-hour solo endeavor. Commencing from the Mono Village Resort, the windy alpine trail takes eager hikers through dense foliage to the base of the alps-like Sawtooth Mountain Range.

Start your day exploring Montana Ave, before making your way first to the Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Pier, then farther on to Venice Beach.

Summit Loop Trail

This loop trail hosts the finest views of famous San Francisco landmarks from its lookout point.

The cuisine at Ester`s is excellent. They have a dedicated fryer, dedicated panini press, and use dedicated pots, pans, and utensils to prepare the gluten free pasta. In other words, they understand it fully.

This trail offers perhaps the most complete 360-degree perspective of San Francisco from afar. Though less busy than other viewpoints in the Bay Area, the path may be overgrown and rocky, so be certain to wear strong pants designed for hiking to prevent scratches and scrapes.

As this trail is so exposed, it’s best to hike the Summit Loop Trail in the late fall, winter, and early spring months to save yourself from heat exhaustion. There is a $6 cash fee to park at the trailhead of this hike, $6.25 if using a card.

Alamere Falls Trail

An inland jungle waterfall cascading onto a sandy coast along the scenic Point Reyes National Seashore hiking trail.

🍽️ Healthy Mediterranean cuisine | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 203 026 6810

Take pleasure in 13.5 miles of trekking along the dramatic San Francisco coastline with an excursion on the Alamere Falls Trail. This unique location is unlike any other in the Bay Area, with an enormous waterfall pouring onto the sandy beach below.

Venture into the Phillip Burton Wilderness to witness the awe-inspiring 40-foot waterfall on Watercat Beach. The trail follows the edge of coastal cliffs, so watch for signs of cliff erosion. Poison oak can also be present alongside the unmaintained trail.

Should this hike prove too lengthy, the Point Reyes National Seashore offers other beautiful truncated routes along the way. The prime season to visit San Francisco for hiking encompasses summer when conditions are clement and tides minimally obstruct beach walking.

Palos Colorados Trail

An easy, shaded trail intended for hikers, mountain cyclists, and dog walkers in the Oakland area.

Hike along this wooded forest path and take in the sweet pine aroma next time you`re in Northern California. The easy Palos Colorados Trail only takes around an hour to complete and is open year-round.

For most of the trail, it is shaded and is open to mountain bicycles, so you will need to share the pathway. You can also bring your dogs on the Palos Colorados Trail, with them either leashed or unleashed.

Though the hike is relatively brief, there are no natural water sources along the trail so you will need to bring enough water. I recommend having at least 1-2 liters of water so you don’t have to worry about running out.

👉 My Preferred Equipment: For outdoor activities, I consistently bring my 1.5-liter Nalgene water bottle. The capacity is ideal for staying hydrated on most excursions without needing to replenish.”

Lake Chabot Loop

Take a leisurely stroll around the lake with your whole family on this scenic trail crossing the SF bay.

This pleasant lakeside walk is a perfect outing for entire families visiting San Francisco. It is also a popular mountain biking path and accessible by wheelchair.

Visitors to the park are encouraged to bring food to enjoy at one of the numerous picnic areas located along the lengthy trail, featuring tables and benches for resting. While most who walk the trail only traverse portions of it, the entire 8.7 mile route is clearly marked and easily navigable.

Canine animals are allowed on the paved trail if they are kept on a leash. This is the perfect activity to do if you have some free time during your trip to San Francisco.

Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail

Pack a lunch before embarking on this trail and enjoy a sandwich on one of the 4 beaches in San Mateo County the route passes by .

This relaxed seaside trail is one of the most scenic in San Francisco. Half Moon Bay is the earliest town in San Mateo County and encompasses 4 miles of seaside coastline.

Many benches sit along the trail and offer hikers an unblocked vision of the soothing Pacific Ocean waters. Walkers have access to each of the four beaches alongside the trail: Venice, Roosevelt, Dunes, and Francis.

I enjoy the cliffside camping available at Half Moon Bay and bird-watching along the wildflower-filled trail. The beach trail is open daily from 8 am until sunset and runs parallel to an equestrian path.

Lovers’ Lane at the Presidio

Take a leisurely stroll along an easy trail in the renowned SF Presidio park.

🥾 Easy, 0.6 mile hike. 📍 View on Google Maps.Park website. 20 minutes from San Francisco. Cost: Free.

Enjoy wandering along a winding route protected by Northern California pine trees on this brief Presidio trail. Over its operational lifetime, this easily accessible path has hosted many marriage proposals and professional photography sessions.

Lover’s Lane is the oldest footpath at the Presidio and was established in the 18th century as a shortcut for Spanish soldiers and missionaries. Many visitors today gather at Lover’s Lane for bird-watching, exercise, and daydreaming.

Along the route, you will pass Wood Line, an artwork created from felled trees in the eucalyptus forest. Historic homes also line the footpath, as well as a charming bridge over a forested area. This easy hike is a relaxing way to clear your mind for an afternoon.

Philosopher’s Way Trail

The ideal hiking trail to embark on after a workday in San Francisco.

Travel around the perimeter of John McLaren Park on this easy 2.7-mile hike. Quiet reflection comes naturally on this peaceful trail away from the crowds.

Be sure to bring your predator whistle on this hiking route, especially if exploring alone, as they frequent the locality. This trail is perfect for a post-work hike or as a quick workout before experiencing other San Francisco attractions.

The Philosopher’s Way Trail is best trekked during the hot summer months because there is ample shade along the trail. If you choose to hike during the rainy months, be sure to bring a waterproof jacket to avoid being saturated.

Ecology Trail

Hike amidst unique habitats and endangered flora and fauna in the heart of the major city.

This short trail offers nature lovers a diverse array of plant and animal habitats to immerse themselves in among the native redwoods, pines, and eucalyptus trees. Hikers can discover a variety of flora and fauna on this trail in San Francisco.

This hike in San Francisco provides a dense experience in a short amount of time. Walkers can connect the Ecology Trail with the fertile Tennessee Hollow watershed, an area rich with wildlife like hummingbirds.

The Ecology Trail also houses the Inspiration Point Overlook, one of the best aerial perspectives of the Presidio. You will be able to see the East Bay, South Bay, Alcatraz Island, surrounding old-growth redwoods, Mount Diablo State Park, and even Reyes National Seashore from this elevated vantage point.

Presidio Promenade Trail

Stop at one of the numerous historic sites along this easy 2-mile Presidio trail.

San Francisco’s Presidio has numerous hiking paths that are great to explore. The Presidio Promenade Trail involves more of a stroll than an arduous hike and is the ideal trail for hiking with the family.

Starting from the Lombard Gate in the eastern region, the trail wanders past historic establishments in San Francisco such as the George Lucas Educational Foundation. Take a photo next to the life-size statue of Yoda here, an unusual forest encounter within SF.

You will also pass the cemetery, a San Francisco landmark, and the calvary stables. The Presidio Promenade Trail is the best trail for history lovers because it passes many iconic stops.

Mount Davidson

Hike to a hillside cross on San Francisco’s highest point.

This leisurely San Francisco walking path leads hikers to scenic lookout points showcasing iconic city landmarks like the famed hillside crucifix, accessible via carved stone steps.

This short trail that takes approximately half an hour to complete provides sufficient time to explore other cost-effective activities in San Francisco while giving you a small trek. This steep but short path can become quite muddy after heavy rainfall, so wear closed-toe footwear for the hike.

At 927 feet, this is the highest point in San Francisco. Other hiking routes are inside the 40-acre mountaintop park but as the highest park in the city, it gets very crowded on weekends. Arrive at Mount Davidson as early as possible for the best experience.

Bay Area Ridge Trail

Stop at among various viewpoints along this coastal SF path.

This continuous trail passes through most of the Bay Area. With over 550 miles of paths, the Bay Area Ridge Trail is one of the lengthiest access trails in Northern California.

2.5 miles of the massive trail travel through the Presidio of San Francisco starting at the Arguello Gate. With its variety, this is perfect for those who enjoy diversity along the way.

Along the trail are three different overlook points as well as the Presidio forest and the Spire forest sculpture. This path takes hikers around 1 hour on average to complete, leaving the rest of the afternoon free to explore other top attractions in the Presidio.

📚 Related Reading: Check out some of the best accommodation options in San Francisco near the Presidio. From luxury 5-star hotels to affordable hostels, you will find the ideal place to stay in the big city.

Clouds Rest

Ascend to the summit of one of Yosemite’s premier overlooks.

Alternatively, camping costs very little and the West Coast is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. For about €20, you can pitch your tent with amazing views. Additionally, there are free campsites in the US, even if you travel in a caravan! This is one of the best ways to travel for cheap.

The Hotel website is here, and you can Check prices on Booking.com

If you have more time than a couple of days in the Bay Area, I strongly suggest making a side trip to Yosemite. This is one of the most prominent national parks in California if not the entire United States, and its expansive wilderness preserves are like nowhere else in the state.

Cloud`s Rest may see heavy crowds on weekends, so embarking early, like at 4:15 a.m., allows avoiding other hikers until the return. The panoramic perspectives from the summit showcase renowned Yosemite places such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Valley.

There are many other excellent hikes to select from if you have over one day in Yosemite before you must return to San Francisco. Also, consider the Falls Trail or North Dome hikes.

FAQs About Best San Francisco Hikes

What is the best hike in San Francisco?

Lands End Trail is the most popular hike in San Francisco. The moderately challenging trail appeals to many SF visitors and locals and offers spectacular views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The Point Bonita Lighthouse Trail is another excellent hiking option in San Francisco with stunning scenery and a refreshing coastal breeze.

Where can I hike in the San Francisco Bay Area?

There are more hiking trails in the San Francisco Bay Area than visitors expect. The Dipsea Trail by way of Steep Ravine Trail Loop, the Presidio hikes, Glen Canyon Park, and Mount Diablo State Park all offer excellent hikes in San Francisco.

What are the closest mountains to San Francisco?

The Santa Cruz Mountains are the closest mountains to San Francisco. There are 45 named mountains in the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area with Mount Davidson as the tallest.

What’s the best hike in Muir Woods?

The Muir Woods loop trails are popular routes at the national monument. They pass among towering redwood trees and are moderately rated for individuals of all fitness levels to appreciate.

***

You can’t go wrong with any of these treks near San Francisco. Have fun hitting the hiking trails and check out my top hikes in California guide for other fun adventure ideas.

about me

Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

Join us on our journey!