7 Of The Most Beautiful Hiking Near San Francisco

San Francisco is a lucky city in that it has everything. It features world-renowned beauty, a bustling waterfront, some lovely bridges, a lovely bay, historic architecture, lively art, cutting-edge music, and neighborhoods teeming with people from all over the globe. Did I ever mention the fish? Both within and outside the City, green space is among San Francisco's most valuable assets.

 

A park is seldom more than 15 minutes away in San Francisco. Parks and open spaces are within an hour's drive from the City. A map will show that San Francisco is surrounded by green. National, state, township, and municipal parks are included. Green space is important in San Francisco.

 

I selected three hikes from three of my favorite parks. The first section is the most significant green area in the City by the Bay. The San Francisco Presidio is the first sight visitors see when they cross the Golden Gate Bridge to enter or exit the City. Park 2 is around 30 minutes from the Golden Gate.

 

Mount Tamalpais State Park features paths for all ability levels and a glimpse of the Farallons on a clear day. Park 3 is maybe the most renowned of these lovely spots. More than 550 acres of coastal redwoods are preserved, researched, and cared for only 20 minutes away from Golden Gate. You may meet some of the area's oldest individuals at Muir Woods National Monument.

 

Presidio Of San Francisco

 

The Presidio of San Francisco is located in the heart of the City. The former military facility has been transformed into a 1,491-acre national park in the Brooklyn National Recreational Area. The Presidio's more than 24 pathways wind through woodlands, dunes, cliffs, and beach resorts along the San Francisco Bay. The paths wind through various landscapes and are graded easily to moderate, with little to no elevation increase.

 

1) Golden Gate Promenade Trail

Length: 4.3-mile loop

 

No matter how often you've visited San Francisco, the Promenade path is a must-see. Begin at Fort Point and hike this wonderful path along the San Francisco Bay waterfront. The circular trek is graded as moderate. Walking adds 423 feet to your height in around 90 minutes.

 

This path is accessible to wheelchairs, bikes, strollers, and children. More information on trails in the Presidio may be found on the Presidio Hiking and Biking website. This fantastic map will help you plan your journey. It explains how to take public transit to the Presidio and your chosen path.

 

2) Mount Tam East Peak Verna Dunshee Trail And Plank Trail

Length: 1.2-mile Loop

 

The Verna Dunshee circular route is paved and leads to an observation platform. This section of the trail may be traversed using both feet and wheels. The Plank Trail is composed of pebbles and dirt, and it leads to a decommissioned fire lookout. If you go to the fire lookout, you should wear hiking shoes.

 

Walking sticks are useful while traveling up or downhill. The vistas are breathtaking. Bring a camera and some binoculars. The combined loop has a height of 285 feet. This hike is simple to moderate in difficulty and takes around 40 minutes to walk.

 

3) Goldsworthy In The Presidio Art Hike

Length: 3 miles

 

Andy Goldsworthy creates sculptures influenced by nature and "fit" into the terrain. Goldsworthy is a renowned Bay Area artist whose work may be seen throughout the Presidio. People wandering through the forests, woodlands, and a wonderful scenic viewpoint may see it. This 90-minute walk is on easy to intermediate paved and wooded pathways. I believe you should begin with the Earth Wall. Then, on the map, follow the path east and south to reach Goldsworthy's work in the Presidio.

 

4) Muir Main Trail

Length: 1.5 miles

 

The tourist center serves as the trail's starting point. You may find information and a map there. Then, on a walkway suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, you will follow Redwood Creek through the redwood forest. It will take roughly 30 minutes to walk there. The elevation rise is 45 feet, but it is gradual and simple.

 

5) Mount Tamalpais East Peak

Length: 0.6 mile

 

This short, rocky road leads to the Mount Tam East Peak Fire Lookout Station. The views of the Bay are among the most stunning in the state. It's a pity that no one can see the historic station. You may still enjoy the view from below the lookout's former base. East Peak parking area is about 0.6 miles from the fire lookout. There is a 200-foot elevation increase.

 

6) Bay Area Ridge Trail

Length: 2.5 miles

 

The route connects Arguello Gate to the Golden Gate Bridge. The path runs around the north side of the golf course, through the woodland, and over the park's highest peak. The 2.5-mile walk takes around 50 minutes and is classified as easy to moderate. All types of feet and wheels use the asphalt and compacted dirt route.

 

7) Fern Creek, Lost, And Canopy Trail Loop

Length: 3.1 miles

 

This track is 3.1 miles long and climbs 616 feet in height, so it is neither too simple nor too difficult. It is the finest method to observe the many ecosystems in Muir Woods. It contains three routes that go through fern forests, redwood forests, and above the redwoods. This trek will take between 1.5 and 2 hours to complete.

 

It's not safe for wheels, and your phone may not operate. Muir Woods' paths vary from simple and short to lengthy and difficult. When it rains, the paths may get exceedingly muddy. In the lower canyons, there could be water on the rails. Because the trees influence the weather, fog, mist, or rain are typical in areas with redwood forests. Carry a raincoat and dress warmly.