Hiking Near San Francisco: Complete Trail Guide

Introduction

San Francisco offers unexpected hiking variety for a dense urban city. Within city limits, trails wind along dramatic coastlines, through eucalyptus forests, and up hills with 360-degree views. Within an hour's drive, you access everything from towering redwood groves to challenging mountain climbs with 2,500+ feet of elevation gain.

This guide covers 10 trails around San Francisco, from easy 2-mile coastal walks to strenuous 15-mile mountain ascents. Each includes accurate distances, real elevation data, parking logistics, and honest difficulty assessments. Before heading out, make sure you have merino wool clothing to handle San Francisco's microclimates and unpredictable fog.

The trails are organized by drive time from downtown San Francisco, making it easy to find options that fit your schedule.

How to Use This Guide

Three tools simplify trail selection:

Trail Picker Table: Filter by difficulty, drive time, season, and group type.

Detailed Trail Breakdown: Complete descriptions with mileage, elevation, parking, and what to expect.

Logistics Section: Parking availability, fees, best arrival times, and transit options where available.

Seasonal Calendar: Best months for each trail based on weather and crowd levels.

Match your time and fitness level to a trail, check the logistics and season, then go.

Trail Picker

Trail	Difficulty	Distance	Elevation Gain	Drive Time	Best Season	Dog-Friendly
Lands End	Easy	3.4 miles	200 ft	In city	Year-round	Yes
Batteries to Bluffs	Easy	1.6 miles	350 ft	In city	Year-round	Yes
Twin Peaks	Easy	0.6 miles	100 ft	In city	Year-round	No
Coastal Trail (GG Bridge)	Moderate	3.4 miles	500 ft	In city	Year-round	Yes
Mount Sutro	Easy-Moderate	2.5 miles	350 ft	In city	Year-round	No
Muir Woods	Easy-Moderate	2-4 miles	400 ft	30 min	Year-round	No
Mount Tamalpais	Moderate-Hard	6-15 miles	1,700-2,700 ft	45 min	Spring/Fall	No
Marin Headlands	Moderate	3-7 miles	700-1,200 ft	25 min	Spring/Fall	Yes
Mission Peak	Hard	6.2 miles	2,100 ft	50 min	Spring/Fall	Yes
Mount Diablo	Hard	7-13 miles	2,000-3,000 ft	50 min	Spring/Fall	Limited

Decision Framework

How much time do you have?

• Under 2 hours: Lands End, Batteries to Bluffs, Twin Peaks
• Half day: Muir Woods, Coastal Trail, Marin Headlands (shorter loops)
• Full day: Mount Tamalpais, Mission Peak, Mount Diablo

What's your fitness level?

• New to hiking: Lands End, Batteries to Bluffs, Muir Woods (paved loops)
• Regular exercise: Coastal Trail, Marin Headlands, Mount Sutro
• Experienced hiker: Mount Tamalpais (full loop), Mission Peak, Mount Diablo summit

What season?

• Summer: Fog is common but not guaranteed. Coastal trails stay cool. Start mountain hikes by 8am to beat afternoon fog rolling in.
• Fall: Best season—clear skies, warm temps (September-November). All trails shine.
• Winter: Mild but rainy. Coastal trails work well. Mountain trails can be muddy and slippery.
• Spring: Wildflowers bloom March-May. Mountain trails are spectacular but can be crowded on nice weekends.

Logistics

Trail	Parking	Fee	Transit	Best Arrival Time
Lands End	Limited	Free	Muni Bus 38	Before 10am weekends
Batteries to Bluffs	Limited	Free	None	Before 11am weekends
Twin Peaks	Ample	Free	Muni Bus 37	Anytime
Coastal Trail	Multiple lots	Free	Muni Bus 28, 29	Early morning
Muir Woods	Good (reservation required)	$15/car + $15 park entry	Shuttle available	Reserve in advance
Mount Tam	Good	$8	None	Before 9am weekends
Marin Headlands	Good	Free	None	Before 10am weekends
Mission Peak	Limited	Free	None	Before 8am weekends

Parking notes: Muir Woods requires advance parking reservations—book weeks ahead for weekends. Lands End fills by 10:30am on nice days. Mission Peak parking lot holds 50 cars and fills by 8am on weekends year-round. Twin Peaks has ample parking at the summit but the road can close in fog.

No permits required for day hiking. Overnight camping at Mount Tam requires reservations through California State Parks.

Drive Time from Downtown San Francisco

Within City Limits:

• Lands End: 25 minutes via Geary Blvd
• Batteries to Bluffs: 20 minutes via Lincoln Blvd
• Twin Peaks: 15 minutes via Market St
• Coastal Trail: 20 minutes via Lincoln Blvd
• Mount Sutro: 10 minutes via Medical Center Way

Under 30 minutes:

• Marin Headlands: 25 minutes via Golden Gate Bridge

30-60 minutes:

• Muir Woods: 30 minutes via Highway 1
• Mount Tamalpais: 45 minutes via Highway 1
• Mission Peak: 50 minutes via I-880 (Fremont)
• Mount Diablo: 50 minutes via I-580 (Walnut Creek)

Trail Breakdown

1. Lands End Trail

Distance: 3.4 miles round trip (out and back) Elevation gain: 200 feet Difficulty: Easy Trailhead: Lands End Lookout, 680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco

Lands End runs along San Francisco's northwestern coastline, offering dramatic Pacific Ocean views and Golden Gate Bridge vistas. The trail starts at the Sutro Baths ruins—concrete foundations of a massive Victorian-era swimming complex that burned in 1966.

The main trail is mostly flat, wide, and well-maintained. It winds through cypress trees along coastal cliffs, passing multiple overlooks. On clear days, you see the Marin Headlands, Golden Gate Bridge, and sometimes the Farallon Islands 27 miles offshore.

Side trails branch off to hidden beaches (Mile Rock Beach) and the USS San Francisco Memorial. The Eagles Point Labyrinth sits partway along—a rock spiral maze popular for meditation.

This is San Francisco's most popular in-city hike. Expect crowds on sunny weekends. Early morning (before 9am) or weekday afternoons are quieter. Fog rolls in frequently—bring layers even on warm days. The trail stays open year-round.

Parking fills quickly at the Lands End Lookout lot. The Muni 38 Geary bus stops near the trailhead. Dogs allowed on leash. Hiking with your dog works well here with flat terrain and coastal breezes.

2. Batteries to Bluffs Trail

Distance: 1.6 miles one-way Elevation gain: 350 feet (downhill to beach) Difficulty: Easy Trailhead: Lincoln Blvd near Baker Beach, San Francisco

Batteries to Bluffs descends from the Presidio's coastal bluffs to Baker Beach through historic military batteries. The trail winds down wooden stairs and switchbacks through coastal scrub, passing concrete gun emplacements from the early 1900s.

The descent is gradual with stunning Golden Gate Bridge views appearing through gaps in the vegetation. At the bottom, Baker Beach spreads out—1/2 mile of sand with the bridge dominating the northern view. The northern section is San Francisco's unofficial clothing-optional beach.

This is a point-to-point trail—most hikers return the same way, making it 3.2 miles round trip. The climb back up takes more effort than the descent suggests. The stairs and uneven footing challenge knees on the way up.

Start at the Lincoln Blvd parking area near Battery Chamberlin. Limited parking fills on sunny weekend afternoons. The Presidio PresidiGo shuttle stops nearby. Dogs allowed on leash.

The exposed bluffs face west—afternoon sun can be intense in summer. Morning hikes avoid both heat and crowds. Wind is constant—bring a windbreaker year-round.

3. Twin Peaks

Distance: 0.6 miles (Christmas Tree Point Trail) Elevation gain: 100 feet Difficulty: Easy Trailhead: Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco

Twin Peaks offers San Francisco's best 360-degree city views at 922 feet elevation—second highest point in the city. Most visitors drive to the summit parking lot, but a short trail loops around both peaks from there.

The Christmas Tree Point Trail winds through native scrub around the north peak. It's paved with some steep sections. The views span the entire Bay Area—downtown San Francisco, Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, East Bay hills, and on clear days, Mount Diablo 35 miles away.

This is more viewpoint than hike. The short distance makes it accessible for all ages and abilities. The summit is completely exposed—wind blows constantly and fog rolls in suddenly. Winter mornings often provide the clearest views before afternoon fog develops.

Parking is ample at the summit. The road closes in heavy fog. Muni Bus 37 stops at the base (add 0.5 miles uphill walk). Dogs not allowed on trails per SF Parks rules—only in parking areas.

Dress in layers. The summit is typically 10-15°F cooler than downtown with stronger winds. Visit sunrise or sunset for optimal light and fewer crowds.

4. Coastal Trail (Golden Gate Bridge to Lands End)

Distance: 3.4 miles one-way Elevation gain: 500 feet Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead: Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center or Lands End

The Coastal Trail connects the Golden Gate Bridge to Lands End via a spectacular cliffside route. This section passes through the Presidio, along Baker Beach, through the Sea Cliff neighborhood, and connects to Lands End.

Start at the bridge for the best views—the bridge towers above as you descend toward Baker Beach. The trail alternates between paved paths, wooden boardwalks, and dirt sections. It's well-marked but has several junctions where side trails branch off.

Baker Beach makes a natural midpoint stop. The trail continues past the beach, climbs back up coastal bluffs, and winds through Sea Cliff before reaching Lands End. The final section overlooks the Sutro Baths ruins.

This is a point-to-point trail requiring either car shuttle or return via the same route (6.8 miles total). Public transit makes shuttles easier—start at the Golden Gate Bridge (bus 28, 29) and finish at Lands End (bus 38).

Afternoon winds pick up along the coast. Morning hikes provide calmer conditions and better light for Golden Gate Bridge photos. Fog is common May-August—expect limited views on foggy days.

5. Mount Sutro Open Space Preserve

Distance: 2.5 miles (main loop) Elevation gain: 350 feet Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Trailhead: Medical Center Way at Johnstone Dr, San Francisco

Mount Sutro rises 908 feet in central San Francisco, covered in dense eucalyptus forest that feels surprisingly remote. The preserve contains 61 acres with 3 miles of trails maintained by UCSF.

The Historic Trail climbs gradually through tall eucalyptus trees—some over 100 feet tall. The forest canopy blocks wind and fog, creating a sheltered microclimate. On foggy days, the trees disappear into mist, creating an eerie atmosphere.

Multiple trail loops connect. The Fairy Gates Trail branches off with smaller, more intimate paths. The summit area offers limited views through the trees. This isn't a views hike—it's a forest escape in the middle of the city.

Trail conditions vary. Some sections are well-maintained dirt paths. Others are muddy year-round from fog drip. Root systems create trip hazards. Wear hiking shoes with good traction.

Free parking on Clarendon Ave near Johnstone Dr. Limited spots fill on weekend mornings. Dogs not allowed per UCSF regulations. The preserve sees lighter use than coastal trails—good for solitude.

6. Muir Woods National Monument

Distance: 2-4 miles depending on route Elevation gain: 400 feet (longer loops) Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Trailhead: 1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA

Muir Woods protects one of the Bay Area's last old-growth coast redwood groves. Trees reach 250+ feet tall and over 1,000 years old. The main grove sits in a shaded canyon along Redwood Creek.

The paved Main Trail Loop (1 mile) circles through the cathedral-like grove on boardwalks. It's wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages. This loop gets packed on weekends—expect crowds at the massive trees.

Longer dirt trails climb out of the main valley: Hillside Trail to Ben Johnson Trail (3 miles) or Ocean View Trail (4 miles). These routes escape the crowds and connect to Mount Tamalpais State Park trails. Elevation gain increases significantly on longer loops.

Parking requires advance reservations—mandatory year-round. Reserve at least 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends. The lot holds limited cars and fills all reserved slots. Without a reservation, you cannot enter. Alternative: take the Muir Woods Shuttle from Sausalito (seasonal, weekends only).

Park entry fee is $15 per adult, free for kids under 16. The grove stays cool year-round—bring a fleece even in summer. Winter sees fewer crowds and stronger creek flow. Spring brings ferns and wildflowers along upper trails.

Dogs not allowed anywhere in Muir Woods per National Park Service regulations.

7. Mount Tamalpais State Park

Distance: 6-15 miles depending on route Elevation gain: 1,700-2,700 feet Difficulty: Moderate to Hard Trailhead: Pantoll Station or East Peak parking

Mount Tamalpais dominates Marin County at 2,571 feet. The mountain offers 200+ miles of trails through redwood groves, oak woodlands, grasslands, and rocky summits with panoramic Bay Area views.

Moderate option: Steep Ravine to Dipsea to Matt Davis Loop (6.6 miles, 1,700 ft gain) from Pantoll. This classic loop descends through dark redwood canyon with ladder sections, touches the ocean briefly, then climbs through open grasslands back to start. Spring wildflowers are spectacular.

Hard option: Stinson Beach to East Peak (15 miles, 2,700 ft gain). Start at sea level, climb relentlessly through changing ecosystems to the summit fire lookout. On clear days, views extend to the Sierra Nevada 150 miles east. This is a full-day workout.

Multiple shorter options exist. The Verna Dunshee Trail (0.7 miles) loops the East Peak summit on pavement—accessible for wheelchairs with incredible views.

Parking at Pantoll Station charges $8 per car. East Peak parking also $8. Both lots fill by 10am on spring/fall weekends. Midweek visits avoid crowds. The mountain creates its own weather—fog rolls in suddenly even on clear days. Bring layers.

Dogs not allowed on State Park trails. Cyclists use fire roads but not hiking trails. The park opens 7am to sunset year-round.

8. Marin Headlands

Distance: 3-7 miles depending on route Elevation gain: 700-1,200 feet Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead: Rodeo Beach parking lot or Conzelman Rd

The Marin Headlands rise immediately north of the Golden Gate Bridge—dramatic coastal hills with military history. Multiple trail options explore gun batteries, lighthouses, and ridgeline views.

Coastal Trail to Point Bonita Lighthouse (4 miles round trip, 700 ft gain): Starts at Rodeo Beach parking. The trail climbs coastal bluffs with Golden Gate Bridge views, then descends to Point Bonita Lighthouse. The lighthouse requires crossing a suspension bridge through a hand-carved tunnel. Lighthouse tours available weekends 12:30-3:30pm.

Hill 88 via Coastal Trail (5 miles round trip, 1,200 ft gain): Steep climb to WWII-era radar station ruins. 360-degree views span the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco, Bay Bridge, Mount Tam, and Point Reyes. Spring brings wildflowers covering the hills.

Longer loops connect Tennessee Valley, Rodeo Beach, and various summits for 7+ mile adventures with multiple climbs.

The headlands face west—afternoon winds can be brutal. Morning hikes provide calmer conditions. Fog is common May-August. Winter offers clearest views but trail conditions get muddy. Hiking in fall provides optimal weather with warm days and minimal fog.

Free parking at Rodeo Beach. Dogs allowed on leash. The headlands see heavy use from locals—weekday hikes are significantly quieter.

9. Mission Peak Regional Preserve

Distance: 6.2 miles round trip Elevation gain: 2,100 feet Difficulty: Hard Trailhead: Stanford Ave, Fremont, CA

Mission Peak climbs relentlessly from Fremont suburbs to a 2,517-foot summit. The peak is famous for a metal pole sculpture at the top where hikers queue for Instagram photos. Views span the entire South Bay on clear days.

The Standard Route via Ohlone Wilderness Trail gains 2,100 feet over 3.1 miles. The grade is punishing—exposed, steep, and unrelenting. The trail is well-maintained gravel but offers no shade. Summer heat makes this dangerous midday.

Free-roaming cattle graze the hillsides—give them wide berth. They're usually docile but can be territorial, especially with calves present. Stay on trail to avoid confrontations.

Spring (February-April) is peak season when hills turn emerald green and wildflowers bloom. Summer bakes the grasslands brown and temps exceed 90°F. Winter offers solitude and comfortable temps but trails get slippery when wet.

Parking lot holds 50 spaces and fills by 8am on weekends year-round. Overflow parking on neighborhood streets adds 0.5 miles to the hike. Start by 7am to guarantee parking and avoid midday heat.

Dogs allowed on leash but consider the heat and steep grade before bringing them. Bring 2-3 liters of water per person—no water sources on trail. The exposed climb and descent destroys knees—trekking poles help significantly.

10. Mount Diablo State Park

Distance: 7-13 miles depending on route Elevation gain: 2,000-3,000 feet Difficulty: Hard Trailhead: Mitchell Canyon or Juniper Campground

Mount Diablo rises to 3,849 feet—highest peak in the Bay Area. On exceptionally clear days, you can theoretically see 200 miles in all directions—more visible area than anywhere else on Earth except Mount Kilimanjaro.

Grand Loop via Mitchell Canyon (13 miles, 3,000 ft gain): Starts at Mitchell Canyon trailhead, climbs through oak woodlands and chaparral to summit, descends via Juniper Trail. Full-day commitment with exposed sections and sustained climbing.

Juniper Trail to Summit (7 miles, 2,000 ft gain): Shorter but still challenging climb from Juniper Campground. Still gains 2,000 feet but spreads it over more switchbacks.

You can drive to the summit parking area, cutting the hike significantly. The Summit Museum sits at the top with interpretive displays. Winter often provides the clearest views—fall through early spring.

Park entry fee $10 per vehicle. Multiple trailheads access the mountain. Mitchell Canyon is free parking outside the fee area. Spring wildflowers (March-May) are extraordinary. Summer is brutally hot on exposed trails—start by 6am or skip it entirely.

Dogs allowed on leash on fire roads only—not on single-track trails. Bring sun protection and multiple liters of water. Rattlesnakes are common in warm months—watch foot placement.

Hiking with Kids, Dogs, and Mixed Groups

For families with kids: Lands End and Muir Woods (paved loop) work best for young children. Both have minimal elevation and interesting features (ocean views, giant trees) that keep kids engaged. Batteries to Bluffs works for slightly older kids comfortable with stairs. Avoid Twin Peaks in wind—it's uncomfortable for small children.

Dog-friendly trails: Most San Francisco city trails allow leashed dogs: Lands End, Batteries to Bluffs, Coastal Trail, and Marin Headlands. Mission Peak allows dogs but consider the heat and steep grade before bringing them. Dogs NOT allowed at: Twin Peaks, Mount Sutro, Muir Woods, Mount Tamalpais trails, or Mount Diablo single-track. Always bring water for dogs—coastal trails lack water sources.

Mixed-ability groups: Lands End and Muir Woods (main loop) accommodate all fitness levels. Both offer easy bailout options and varying loop lengths. The Coastal Trail works if your group can handle moderate terrain—multiple beach access points allow shorter sections. Mount Sutro provides a middle-ground urban option.

What to Wear and Pack

San Francisco's microclimates demand adaptable clothing. Temperatures can swing 20-30°F from the coast to inland valleys on the same day. Fog rolls in suddenly, dropping temps and visibility.

Footwear: Trail runners work for paved trails (Lands End, Muir Woods main loop, Twin Peaks). Use hiking shoes for dirt trails with roots and rocks (Mount Sutro, Marin Headlands, all mountain trails). The combination of fog moisture and dusty trails creates slippery conditions.

Clothing: Summer: Coastal fog keeps temps 55-65°F. Inland areas hit 75-85°F. Layering is essential. Start with a merino wool t-shirt, add a fleece mid-layer, and bring a windbreaker. You'll cycle through all three layers on most hikes as you move between fog and sun.

Fall/Spring: Merino base layers handle the temperature swings perfectly. Morning starts can be 45°F while afternoon hits 70°F. Merino regulates temperature better than synthetics.

Winter: Mild but wet. Waterproof layers are critical. Rain can last days. Add merino gloves and a beanie for higher elevations like Mount Tam or Mount Diablo.

Essential gear:

• Water: 2 liters minimum for mountain hikes, 1 liter for coastal trails
• Snacks: Trail mix, bars, fruit
• First aid kit
• Sunscreen (even on foggy days—UV penetrates fog)
• Merino hiking socks (prevent blisters)
• Phone/GPS and backup battery
• Windbreaker (coastal wind is constant)
• Headlamp (fog reduces visibility)

Packing by season:

Item	Spring/Fall	Summer	Winter
Merino base layer	Essential	Essential	Essential
Windbreaker	Essential	Essential	Essential
Rain jacket	Recommended	Optional	Essential
Merino socks	Essential	Essential	Essential
Extra water	1.5L	2L+	1L
Sun protection	Essential	Critical	Recommended

Seasonal Planning

Month	Best Trails	Weather	Highlights	Crowds
Jan-Feb	Coastal trails, Marin Headlands	Cool (50-60°F), rainy	Fewest crowds, clear views after storms	Low
Mar-Apr	Mount Tam, Mission Peak, Mount Diablo	Mild (55-65°F), occasional rain	Peak wildflowers, green hills	Moderate-High
May-Jun	Lands End, Batteries to Bluffs	Cool (55-65°F), foggy	Lupine blooms on coast	Moderate
Jul-Aug	All coastal trails	Cool coast (55-65°F), hot inland	Fog season, cool coastal hiking	High
Sep-Nov	All trails	Warm (60-75°F), clear	Best weather, clear views	High (weekends)
Dec	Muir Woods, Mount Sutro	Cool (50-60°F), wet	Holiday crowds at Muir Woods	Moderate

Best overall hiking season: September-November. Clear skies, warm temps, lower humidity. Fall foliage isn't dramatic like the East Coast, but the weather is unbeatable.

Worst season: July-August fog can obscure views for days. Coastal trails stay cool but viewless. Inland trails get hot.

Spring wildflowers: Peak March-May. Mission Peak, Mount Tam, Mount Diablo, and Marin Headlands explode with California poppies, lupine, and wild mustard.

Winter considerations: November-March brings most rainfall. Trails get muddy but remain hikeable. Mountain trails (Mount Tam, Mount Diablo) are slippery when wet. Coastal trails handle rain better with rocky/sandy surfaces.

Safety, Weather, and Trail Etiquette

Weather risks:

Season	Primary Risk	Severity	Prevention
Summer	Fog, cool coastal temps, hot inland	Moderate	Layer properly, start early for inland trails
Spring	Sudden rain, muddy trails	Moderate	Check forecast, waterproof layers, traction
Fall	Dry, fire danger (late summer carryover)	Low-Moderate	Follow fire restrictions, no smoking
Winter	Rain, slippery trails, wind	Moderate	Waterproof gear, avoid exposed ridges in storms
Year-round	Fog reducing visibility	Moderate	Download offline maps, bring headlamp

Fog considerations: San Francisco fog is a defining characteristic. Coastal trails can disappear into white-out conditions within 15 minutes. Twin Peaks summit closes when fog limits visibility. Mountain trails above fog layer offer stunning views of fog flowing below—but the ascent through fog is disorienting.

Carry offline maps. Trails are generally well-marked, but junctions become confusing in fog. A headlamp helps in thick fog even during daylight.

Wildlife: Minimal dangerous wildlife in city limits. Coyotes are present but avoid humans. Rattlesnakes exist on Mount Tam, Mount Diablo, and Mission Peak during warm months (April-October). Watch where you place hands and feet on rocky sections.

Poison oak is widespread on Bay Area trails. Learn to identify it—"leaves of three, let it be." It's most problematic on Mount Sutro, Mount Tam, and Mount Diablo. Stay on trails to minimize contact.

Ticks are common March-October, especially in tall grass. Check thoroughly after hikes in grassy areas like Mission Peak and Mount Diablo.

Trail etiquette:

• Uphill hikers have right of way on steep sections
• Bikers yield to hikers, hikers yield to horses
• Keep dogs leashed—required on all trails
• Pack out all trash including orange peels and banana peels
• Stay on marked trails especially in sensitive habitat areas

Emergency preparedness: Cell service is excellent within city limits and most coastal areas. Service becomes spotty in Mount Tam valleys and parts of Mount Diablo backcountry. Download offline maps before leaving.

Tell someone your trail and expected return time for remote hikes (Mission Peak, Mount Diablo full loop, Mount Tam backcountry).

Sample Itineraries

One Day: San Francisco Highlights

Morning: Lands End (8am start, 2 hours). Classic San Francisco coastal hike with Golden Gate Bridge views and Sutro Baths ruins.

Afternoon: Twin Peaks (1pm, 1 hour). Quick summit for 360-degree city views and photography.

Total: 4 miles, easy-moderate effort, back by 3pm. Perfect introduction to San Francisco hiking.

Weekend: Marin County Exploration

Day 1:

• Morning: Muir Woods (arrive 9am with reservation, 2 hours). Walk main grove loop, extend to Hillside Trail if desired.
• Afternoon: Marin Headlands Point Bonita Lighthouse (2pm, 2.5 hours). Coastal views and lighthouse tour.
• Evening: Sausalito dinner

Day 2:

• Morning: Mount Tamalpais Steep Ravine Loop (leave 7am, 4-5 hours). Classic mountain loop with redwoods, ocean views, and grasslands.
• Afternoon: Drive home via Panoramic Highway for views

Total: Two days mixing easy redwood walks with challenging mountain hiking.

Weekend: East Bay Challenge

Day 1:

• Morning: Mission Peak (arrive 6:30am, 4 hours). Beat crowds and heat with early start. Summit for views.
• Afternoon: Recovery and travel to Mount Diablo

Day 2:

• Morning: Mount Diablo Grand Loop (leave 7am, 6-7 hours including breaks). Full traverse with summit views.

Total: Two strenuous mountain climbs totaling 20+ miles and 5,000+ feet elevation gain. Requires solid fitness.

Three-Day: Complete Bay Area Sampler

Day 1: Urban Trails

• Morning: Lands End (2 hours)
• Afternoon: Batteries to Bluffs to Baker Beach (2 hours)
• Evening: San Francisco

Day 2: Redwoods and Coast

• Morning: Muir Woods (2 hours)
• Afternoon: Marin Headlands coastal loop (3 hours)
• Evening: Sausalito or San Francisco

Day 3: Mountain Challenge

• Full day: Mount Tamalpais (choose route based on fitness level, 4-7 hours)

Total: Three days experiencing urban coastal trails, famous redwoods, and mountain hiking with incredible views.

Navigation Tools

AllTrails ($36/year for Pro): Essential for Bay Area hiking. Download offline maps for Mount Tam, Mount Diablo, and Marin Headlands where cell service is spotty. Real-time trail condition updates help avoid muddy or closed trails in winter.

Gaia GPS ($40/year): Better topographic maps than AllTrails. Useful for Mount Tam's extensive trail network where multiple routes intersect. Offline maps included.

Hiking Project (Free): Good alternative with solid Bay Area coverage. Less polished but reliable trail information.

Transit Apps: For city trails, SF Muni's app shows real-time bus arrivals. Useful for Lands End, Batteries to Bluffs, and Coastal Trail.

Weather Apps: Critical for San Francisco hiking. Check fog forecasts specifically—SF fog is unique. Use NOAA's "Area Forecast Discussion" for detailed Bay Area weather.

Cell Service: Excellent within city limits and Marin Headlands. Spotty in Mount Tam valleys and parts of Mount Diablo. Good on Mission Peak. Download offline maps before leaving for mountain trails.

FAQ

What's the best time of year to hike near San Francisco? Fall (September-November) offers the best weather—clear skies, warm temperatures (60-75°F), and minimal fog. Spring (March-May) brings wildflowers but more unpredictable weather. Summer is foggy on the coast though inland trails get hot. Winter is mild but rainy. Check out what to wear hiking in fall for seasonal clothing tips.

Are there dog-friendly trails near San Francisco? Many trails allow leashed dogs: Lands End, Batteries to Bluffs, Coastal Trail, Marin Headlands, and Mission Peak. Dogs NOT allowed: Twin Peaks, Mount Sutro, Muir Woods, Mount Tamalpais trails, or Mount Diablo single-track. Always bring water for your dog—coastal trails lack water sources. Read more about hiking with dogs.

What should I pack for hiking near San Francisco? Water (1-2 liters), snacks, first aid kit, sunscreen, and layered merino wool clothing. SF's microclimates require layers—morning fog gives way to afternoon sun frequently. Bring a windbreaker and merino hiking socks to prevent blisters. Check the full packing list in "What to Wear and Pack" section.

Which trails are best for beginners? Start with Lands End, Muir Woods (main loop), or Batteries to Bluffs. All have minimal elevation, well-maintained trails, and beautiful scenery. Twin Peaks works for views with almost no hiking. Avoid Mission Peak, Mount Tam full loops, and Mount Diablo until you've built fitness and experience.

Do I need permits for hiking near San Francisco? No permits for day hiking. Muir Woods requires advance parking reservations ($15 parking + $15 entry). Mount Tam and Mount Diablo charge $8-10 parking fees. Overnight camping at Mount Tam requires reservations through California State Parks.

Can I hike in San Francisco's fog? Yes, but visibility drops to 20-50 feet in thick fog. Carry offline maps, stay on marked trails, and bring a headlamp. Fog is most common May-August on coastal trails. Mountain trails sometimes sit above the fog layer with spectacular views of fog flowing below. Twin Peaks and Mount Tam summits close in heavy fog when visibility becomes dangerous.

How difficult is Mission Peak? Mission Peak is the hardest day hike near San Francisco—2,100 feet gain over 3.1 miles with relentless grade and no shade. It's significantly harder than Mount Tam standard routes despite being shorter. Requires solid fitness, early start (before 8am), and 2-3 liters of water. Not recommended for beginners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Underestimating fog and microclimates: San Francisco fog isn't just aesthetic—it drops visibility to dangerous levels and temps by 15-20°F. Carry layers even on warm days. What starts sunny at Lands End can become 50°F fog within an hour. Proper layering with merino wool prevents hypothermia.

Not making Muir Woods reservations: You cannot enter Muir Woods without advance parking reservations. The lot fills all reserved slots—no walk-ups accepted. Make reservations 2-4 weeks ahead for weekends. This is the #1 mistake that wastes entire mornings.

Choosing wrong footwear: Paved trails (Muir Woods, Lands End main trail) work in running shoes. Dirt trails with roots and rocks (Mount Sutro, all mountain trails) need hiking shoes. Fog moisture on dusty trails creates slippery conditions—good traction matters.

Ignoring parking logistics: Mission Peak fills by 8am weekends year-round. Lands End fills by 10:30am on sunny days. Marin Headlands and Mount Tam fill by 9-10am spring/fall weekends. Arrive early or choose weekdays. Street parking alternatives add significant distance.

Not bringing enough water: Coastal trails are deceptively thirsty despite cool temps—wind and salt air dehydrate quickly. Carry 1-2 liters even for short coastal hikes. Mountain trails require 2-3 liters. No water sources exist on most trails.

Wearing cotton in fog: Cotton holds moisture and stays wet, causing rapid heat loss when you stop moving. Fog saturates clothing within an hour. Use moisture-wicking fabrics instead. Merino wool handles San Francisco's fog and temperature swings better than any other fabric.

Conclusion

San Francisco's hiking diversity surprises most visitors and even locals. You can walk coastal cliffs in the morning, hike through towering redwoods at lunch, and summit a mountain for sunset—all within an hour's drive. The trails range from wheelchair-accessible paved paths to strenuous mountain climbs gaining 2,500+ feet.

Start with easier trails near the city—Lands End, Batteries to Bluffs, or Muir Woods main loop. Build up to moderate terrain at Marin Headlands and Mount Sutro. Save Mount Tamalpais, Mission Peak, and Mount Diablo for when you're ready for legitimate mountain hiking with sustained elevation gain.

Before your next hike, stock up on gear from our men's outdoor collection or women's outdoor collection. Don't forget quality merino wool socks and base layers to handle San Francisco's microclimates and fog. Check out our hiking tips for beginners if you're new to hiking.

Check the fog forecast, layer properly, make parking reservations where required, and carry extra water. The trails are waiting.

The Bay Area’s mild climate also means hiking is possible year-round. Misty mornings give way to sunshine, wildflowers bloom through spring, and cool coastal breezes keep summer hikes comfortable. Beyond the scenery, there’s a strong eco-conscious culture that encourages Leave No Trace ethics and respect for local wildlife. If you need a little inspiration to lace up your boots, discover the benefits of being outdoors—they’ll remind you why these local escapes are worth protecting.