18 Best Hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area (2025 Edition)

Hikes in the Bay Area start where city noise fades and nature takes over. Some trails will lead you through redwoods and others to ocean cliffs. The views are great, but the reset it gives your mind is even better.

There’s no shortage of things to do in the Bay Area, whether you’re hiking or not!
 
P.S. If you have only 2 days in the city, here are the things we wouldnʼt miss:

• Dipsea → Steep Ravine → Matt Davis Loop (Mount Tamalpais SP, Marin) 
  A scenic mix of redwood forests and coastal views, it is famous for its iconic ladder climb.
• Mount Diablo Summit Loop (Contra Costa County)
  Mountain hike with sweeping 360-degree views visible for miles on clear days.
• Purisima Creek Redwoods Loop (San Mateo Peninsula)
  Quiet forest trail winding through towering redwoods and peaceful creeks.

1. Lands End Trail (San Francisco) | 3.4 miles | Elevation 285 ft | Moderate

Lands End Trail can be both an easy hike and a moderate loop. This rugged stretch along San Francisco’s northwestern edge blends coastline, history, and postcard-worthy views.

You'll pass the eerie remains of Sutro Baths and catch glimpses of the Golden Gate through twisted cypress. Parts of the trail can feel like a maze, so make sure to bring a map!

• Location: 680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121
• Distance: 3.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 524 feet
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Time to Complete: 1.5–2 hours
• Trail Type: Out-and-back
• Dog-Friendly? Yes, but dogs must be on a leash
• Local tips: Don’t skip the short detour to Mile Rock Beach for a quieter coastal stop. The best views of the Golden Gate Bridge happen just before sunset when the light cuts through the marine layer.

2. Mount Sutro Loop (San Francisco) | 3 miles | Elevation 900 ft | Moderate

Mount Sutro Loop winds through a forest once owned by former mayor Adolph Sutro. What began as sandy scrubland was transformed into a lush mix of eucalyptus, cypress, and towering redwoods, creating a peaceful hike right inside the city. You can catch glimpses of Twin Peaks and Marin County through the dense canopy!

• Location: 100 Medical Center Way, San Francisco, CA 94131
• Distance: 2.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 500 feet
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Time to Complete: 1–1.5 hours
• Trail Type: Loop
• Dog-Friendly? Yes, dogs must be on leash
• Pro Tip: Parking is limited near UCSF, so arriving early or using nearby streets like Clarendon Avenue makes the trip smoother.

3. Tomales Point Trail (Marin) | 9.4 miles | Elevation 800 ft | Moderate

The Tomales Point Trail throws you straight into open coastline and windy cliffs. This out-and-back hike winds through tule elk territory and across the dramatic northern tip of Point Reyes. It’s a bit of a climb, but the dazzling views of the Pacific will take your breath away.

• Location: Pierce Point Rd, Point Reyes National Seashore, Inverness, CA 94937
• Distance: 9.3 miles (round-trip)
• Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time to complete: 4–5 hours
• Trail type: Out-and-back
• Dog-Friendly? No, dogs are not allowed
• Pro tip: Go early to avoid crowds and bring layers, as the weather can shift fast on the peninsula.

4. Estero Trail (Point Reyes National Seashore – Marin) | 7 miles | Elevation 200 ft | Moderate

The Estero Trailhead on the Point Reyes National Seashore is a long, wild, and quietly dramatic location. Winding past estuaries and salt marshes, the trail is often wet, muddy, and alive with wildlife. You might spot herons, egrets, river otters, and if you're lucky, a marsh hawk slicing through the sky in search of prey!

• Location: Estero Trailhead, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
• Distance: 21.1 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2,395 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Time to Complete: 8–9 hours
• Trail Type: Out-and-back
• Dog-Friendly? No, dogs are not allowed
• Pro Tip: Start early and check the tides—sections of the trail can flood. Bring binoculars for birdwatching and keep an eye out near the bridges for river otters and other marsh wildlife.

5. Gerbode Valley Loop (Marin Headlands – Marin) | 8 miles | Elevation 1,300 ft | Moderate to Strenuous

Gerbode Valley Loop is a peaceful retreat tucked just beyond the bustle of Sausalito. You’ll walk through open meadows, shady oak groves, and rolling hills that feel untouched by modernity. And the wildlife? Watch for black-tailed deer, bright orange California newts near creek beds, and rabbits darting across the trail at dusk.

• Location: Rodeo Ave Trailhead, Sausalito, CA 94965
• Distance: 5.3 miles
• Elevation Gain: 869 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time to Complete: 2–2.5 hours
• Trail Type: Loop
• Dog-Friendly? No, dogs are not allowed
• Pro Tip: The loop is open to mountain bikes, making it a great ride for those craving quiet trails and steady climbs.

6. North Ridge and Sunset Loop (Angel Island State Park – San Francisco Bay Area) | 5 miles | Elevation 900 ft | Moderate

North Ridge and Sunset Loop in Angel Island State Park deliver sweeping views you won’t get from the mainland. From exposed ridgelines, you can see the Marin Headlands, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco skyline in one unforgettable panorama.

Local Tip: If you time your trip for 4th of July events in the Bay Area, you can even watch the fireworks from a boat during a two-hour cruise around the bay.

• Location: Angel Island State Park, Tiburon, CA 94920
• Distance: 5 miles
• Elevation Gain: ~640 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time to Complete: 2–2.5 hours
• Trail Type: Loop
• Dog-Friendly? No, dogs are not allowed
• Pro Tip: Catch the first ferry from Tiburon to beat the crowds and enjoy a quiet morning hike before the midday rush.

7. Rodeo Beach, Coastal, and Miwok Trail (Marin Headlands – Marin) | 5.5 miles | Elevation 600 ft | Moderate

Rodeo Beach, Coastal, and Miwok Trail is a versatile loop that blends ocean views, rolling hills, and ancient geology into one unforgettable hike. It’s one of the few trails where dogs can roam off-leash in some areas, making it a great pick for four-legged hikers, too.

You’ll start on the black sands of Rodeo Beach, one of many Bay Area beaches, then you can climb into open coastal ridges with panoramic views of the Pacific. The trail cuts through a lagoon, winds past steep terrain, and reveals rare rock formations shaped by tectonic uplift.

• Location: Rodeo Beach Trailhead, Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965
• Distance: 5.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,060 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time to Complete: 2.5–3 hours
• Trail Type: Loop
• Dog-Friendly? Yes, off-leash in designated areas
• Pro Tip: Arrive early for a spot and bring binoculars if you're into birdwatching near the lagoon.

8. Gray Whale Cove Trail (Montara State Beach – San Mateo) | 2.7 miles | Elevation 350 ft | Easy to Moderate

Gray Whale Cove Trail is a great choice if you want to take in coastal views without the steep effort. This out-and-back trail is framed by green hills and the rugged beauty of Devil’s Slide. In spring, beautiful wildflowers pop up along the cliffs!

The path stays safe, easy, and remains one of the many great Bay Area kids’ activities.

• Location: Cabrillo Hwy S, Montara, CA 94037 (Gray Whale Cove Parking Lot)
• Distance: 2.3 miles
• Elevation Gain: 300 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time to Complete: 1–1.5 hours
• Trail Type: Out-and-back
• Dog-Friendly? Yes, dog friendly
• Pro Tip: This is a great spot for birding on the ocean cliffs.

9. Coast Trail to Wildcat Camp - Point Reyes National Seashore (Marin) | 7.6 miles | Elevation 1,200 ft | Moderate to Difficult

Coast Trail to Wildcat Camp is the place to go if you’re craving solitude and coastal drama. Starting from Palomarin Trailhead, the path weaves through forests before leading you to gorgeous ocean scenery. Need a weekend getaway? Stay overnight at Wildcat Camp for a front-row seat to a glowing sunset and a sky full of stars.

• Location: Starting points at Palomarin Trailhead, Bear Valley Trailhead, and Brooks Trailhead.
• Distance: 11–13.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: ~1,500 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Time to Complete: 4–7 hours
• Trail Type: Out-and-back
• Dog-Friendly? No, dogs are not allowed
• Local Tip: Check tide charts before you go—if you time it right, you can walk from Wildcat Camp to Alamere Falls directly along the beach.

10. Pomo Canyon Trail to Red Hill – Sonoma Coast SP, Sonoma | 6.2 miles | Elevation 1,350 ft | Moderate

The Pomo Canyon Trail to Red Hill gives you the best of both worlds: coastal mist and redwood shade. It begins in a quiet forest of ferns and old-growth trees, then climbs to a ridge with sweeping views of the Russian River and Pacific Ocean.

The contrast between the lush forest and open grasslands keeps every mile interesting. It’s a local favorite that’s surprisingly under the radar. Bonus: On clear days, you can see all the way to Bodega Bay.

• Location: Pomo Canyon Campground, Willow Creek Rd, Jenner, CA 95450
• Distance: 6.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time to complete: 2.5–3.5 hours
• Trail type: Out-and-back
• Dog-Friendly? No dogs allowed
• Pro Tip: The unpaved road to the trailhead can get rough after rain—check conditions before you go and avoid in wet months.

11. Dipsea Trail, Steep Ravine Trail, and Matt Davis Loop - Mount Tamalpais State Park

Dipsea, Steep Ravine, and Matt Davis Loop aren’t just names—they’re a rite of passage for Bay Area hikers.

Steep Ravine Trail – Dense redwood forest, mossy bridges, and the iconic wooden ladder make this one of the most scenic stretches. And yes, that ladder you’ve heard about? It’s real — and unforgettable.

Matt Davis Trail – Meanders along wooded ridges before descending through grasslands and back toward the coast.

Dipsea Trail – Begins near the coast and climbs through a mix of open hillsides and shaded forest, offering early views of the Pacific.

💡 Did you know? The Dipsea Race is officially recognized as the oldest cross-country trail running event in the United States, first held in 1905.

• Location: Mount Tamalpais State Park, Pantoll Trailhead, Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941
• Distance: 7 miles
• Elevation Gain: ~1,600 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time to complete: 3–4.5 hours
• Trail type: Loop
• Dog-Friendly? Dogs are only allowed on paved roads.
• Pro Tip: Start early and park at Pantoll before it fills up — spots go fast on weekends. For a bonus, head down to Stinson Beach afterward to dip your feet in the ocean.

12. Purisima Creek Redwoods Loop – San Mateo Peninsula (San Mateo) | 7.5 miles | Elevation 1,350 ft | Moderate

Purisima Creek Redwoods North Ridge Trail is a hike that will take you through redwoods and damp fern gullies. This loop winds through second-growth forest that’s come back strong since the area’s 19th-century logging days. It’s the kind of hike that resets your brain and your lungs.

💡 Did you know? The Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve was established in 1984 with a $2 million gift from the Save the Redwoods League, aiming to protect the redwood forests and their ecosystems.

• Location: Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, Skyline Blvd, Woodside, CA 94062
• Distance: 9.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: Approx. 1,700 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Time to complete: 4–5 hours
• Trail type: Loop
• Dog-Friendly? No dogs allowed
• Pro Tip: Parking at the main Skyline Blvd lot fills quickly on weekends—arrive early or try the Higgins Road entrance for more space.

13. Stevenson Memorial Trail to Mount Saint Helena South Peak (Napa) | 7 miles | Elevation 2,200 ft | Moderate to Strenuous

The Stevenson Memorial Trail to Mount Saint Helena South Peak isn’t just a hike—it’s a climb through volcanic rock and chaparral that rewards you with views stretching to the Sierra Nevada on clear days. You’ll pass the site where Robert Louis Stevenson honeymooned in an abandoned mining camp. Strange, but true.

• Location: Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, 4828 Lake County Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515
• Distance: 10.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Time to complete: 4.5–5.5 hours
• Trail type: Out-and-back
• Dog-Friendly? No dogs allowed
• Pro Tip: There’s no water along the trail and almost no shade—start early and bring plenty of water.

14. Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park Trails (Oakland) | 5 miles | Elevation 600 ft | Moderate

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park is a story of recovery and the resilience of nature’s beauty. Once clear-cut by 19th-century loggers, this forest has grown back into a lush, shaded sanctuary just minutes from downtown Oakland.

Thanks to conservationists like Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt, today’s hikers get to walk beneath second-growth redwoods that still tower over 100 feet tall. You’re not just hiking here, you’re witnessing a forest reclaiming its legacy.

• Location: 7867 Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619
• Distance: Varies (up to 7.9 miles, depending on route)
• Elevation Gain: Up to 1,300 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time to complete: 2–4 hrs
• Trail type: Loop
• Dog-Friendly? Yes, on-leash
• Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to enjoy the mist through the trees and a nearly empty trail.

15. Baltimore Canyon via Dawn Falls Trail Loop (Marin County) | 4 miles | Elevation 1,192 ft | Easy to Moderate

Baltimore Canyon via Dawn Falls Trail Loop is a great, kid-friendly hike through the canyons. The blue basalt once blasted from the walls helped build San Francisco, but nature has reclaimed what industry left behind. You’ll walk through redwoods and past hidden relics as a quiet waterfall marks the halfway point.

• Location: Dawn Falls Trailhead, Madrone Ave & Evergreen Dr, Larkspur, CA 94939
• Distance: 2.7 mi
• Elevation Gain: 580 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time to complete: 1.5–2 hrs
• Trail type: Loop
• Dog-Friendly? Yes, on leash
• Pro Tip: Parking is limited near the trailhead—arrive early or park near downtown Larkspur and walk in via Madrone Avenue.

16. Montara Mountain North Peak Loop (San Mateo Peninsula) | 7.3 miles | Elevation 2,300 ft | Moderate to Strenuous

Montara Mountain North Peak Loop feels like another world, especially when the fog rolls in and the trees drip with coastal mist. That fog isn’t just pretty—it supplies nearly a third of the area’s moisture, sustaining the dense forest and rare coastal scrub.

You’ll climb through cypress groves, open meadows, and relics of pre-urban San Francisco. Reach the summit and you’ll earn sweeping views of the Pacific.

• Location: San Pedro Valley Park, 600 Oddstad Blvd, Pacifica, CA 94044
• Distance: 7.3 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,850 ft
• Difficulty: Hard
• Time to complete: 3.5–4.5 hrs
• Trail type: Loop
• Dog-Friendly? No dogs allowed on Montara Mountain trails
• Pro Tip: On a clear day, you might even get to peek at the Farallon Islands!

17. Mount Diablo Summit – Contra Costa County | 7 miles | Elevation 3,849 ft | Moderate to Strenuous

Mount Diablo Summit via Back Creek and Mitchell Canyon Loop isn’t easy, but it rewards every uphill push with views stretching to the Sierra on clear days. And if you catch the sunset in the late afternoon, the light turns the whole landscape golden.

It’s one of the only places in the region where you can see snow, desert, redwoods, and waterfalls in a single panoramic spin.

💡 Did you know? Mount Diablo's summit and North Peak are composed of a complex mix of oceanic rocks called the Franciscan mélange, including basalt, chert, and graywacke sandstone.

• Location: Mitchell Canyon Staging Area, 96 Mitchell Canyon Rd, Clayton, CA 94517
• Distance: 13.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 3,800 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Time to complete: 6–7 hours
• Trail type: Loop
• Dog-Friendly? No dogs allowed
• Pro Tip: Visit after recent rain (winter to early spring) to see waterfalls flowing.

18. Mission Peak Loop from Stanford Avenue Staging Area – Fremont, Alameda | 6.5 miles | Elevation 2,517 ft | Strenuous

Mission Peak Summit has a lore that attracts all kinds of hikers, rewarding effort with sweeping views from one of the highest points in Alameda County. On clear days, you can even see as far as the Sierra Nevada. The iconic pole at the top? It's more than a photo op—it's a local rite of passage.

• Location: 39968 Stanford Ave, Fremont, CA 94538
• Distance: 5.8 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Time to complete: 3–4 hours
• Trail type: Out-and-back
• Dog-Friendly? Yes, but dogs must be on a leash
• Pro Tip: Start your hike early—parking at Stanford Ave fills up fast, and the sun is unforgiving midday. Spring and fall offer cooler climbs and better visibility at the summit.

FAQ: Hiking in the Bay Area

What is the easiest hike to do in the Bay Area?

Purisima Creek Redwoods offers wide, gentle trails where you can choose shorter loops. The forest canopy also keeps temperatures cool year-round.

Which hike has the best views?

The Dipsea Trail, Steep Ravine Trail, and Matt Davis Loop on Mount Tamalpais offer sweeping Pacific Ocean views, lush redwoods, and ridge-top panoramas all in one hike.

What’s the best hike for a waterfall?

Try Dawn Falls via Baltimore Canyon or the Waterfalls of Mount Diablo in winter or early spring. That’s when seasonal rains swell the streams, turning trickles into spectacular cascades.

Are there hikes that are dog-friendly?

Yes! Many Bay Area trails welcome dogs, but rules vary. For example, Mission Peak allows dogs on leash, while some coastal trails require leashes year-round. Some parks restrict dogs to protect sensitive wildlife habitats, reduce erosion, and avoid conflicts with other visitors.

When is the best time to hike in the Bay Area?

Spring and fall usually offer the best weather—wildflowers in spring, crisp air in fall. Summer can be hot inland, so coastal or forest hikes are better then.

What hike should I do with my kids?

For families, the Route via Baltimore Canyon to Dawn Falls is a great choice. It’s shaded, scenic, and short enough to keep younger hikers engaged without wearing them out.

Exploring the Top Hiking Destinations in the Bay Area

The best hikes in the Bay Area offer a trail for every mood, whether you're looking for waterfalls, sea views, wildlife, or simply want to take in majestic redwood canopies.

Once you've kicked the dirt from your boots, step into our theater and experience a different kind of journey at one of our Cirque du Soleil shows in the Bay Area. These performances blend emotion, acrobatics, and storytelling in ways that challenge the ordinary. After all, movement in nature pairs beautifully with movement on stage.