Off-the-Beaten Path: Hikes in Every Corner of the Bay
There are few places in the country that boast the abundant open space and
wandering trails of the Bay Area, which is why hiking is one of the most popular recreational activities in almost every corner of this far-flung geography. From peak to peak, park to park, and headland to headland, there are thousands of well-maintained trails woven throughout this part of the West.
Some of them, like the trail to Tennessee Valley Beach in Southern Marin, are heavily trafficked every day of the week, making them great places to meet up with friends, or trek safely among strangers. Others, like those that climb the backside of Mt. Tam, tend to be more isolated and quiet, providing verdant views, aromatic pine-scented air, and food for the soul. Here are a handpicked selection of some of our favorite hiking trails across the Bay Area.
A Trail for Everyone in Marin
Mt. Tam is an epic hiking adventure, and Muir Woods a poetic tourist experience. But between the two, unexpected hiking gold can be struck. Park at the Mountain Home Inn along Panoramic Highway in Mill Valley and hike down to the German Tourist Club, nestled precariously astride a steep incline as the mountain gives way to the redwood floor of the valley. It’s a private club, but sometimes the quaint bar is open to the public for libations, particularly on weekend days in the summer. If it’s not, the Tourist Club is still a great place to pause for a rest among the redwoods.
In the winter, Cataract Falls is a beloved local favorite on the western side of Mt. Tam. Accessible by hiking west from the parking lot where Pan Toll Road meets Ridgecrest, or south but steeply uphill from Fairfax Bolinas Road, the Falls consists of a stunningly lush green cascade descending the mountain after the rains.
For an adventure, take the ferry from Tiburon to Angel Island to hike the perimeter. This is not an extremely challenging trail, but can be an all-day adventure when you add in the ferry ride, plus a picnic on Angel Island. Once fishing and hunting territory for Coastal Miwok Indians, Angel Island held Japanese and German POWs during World War II and also served as a processing station for almost a million immigrants from over 80 countries. It was converted into a Nike missile base after the war, and remains the site of a Coast Guard station. This rich history is described on markers throughout the hike.
San Francisco, More than Holding Its Own
From the utterly walkable Golden Gate Bridge to the miles of pathways throughout Golden Gate Park and the Presidio, San Francisco is truly a walking city. In fact, it can be hard to differentiate what makes a “trail” any different than a hilly, picturesque stroll home from brunch or Dolores Park. But there are a few bona fide hikes in San Francisco that we love.
Lands End is a popular one for good reason. As a respectable 3.5-mile roundtrip hike, it’s a workout, but also an adventure and a beautiful walk along the northwestern bluffs of the city. Park at the Lands End Lookout Visitor Center, and don’t miss the Sutro Baths site. Then wind north along the bluffs, along the way stopping at the meditative and visually impressive Eagle Point Labyrinth at Mile Rock Beach, constructed of stones by Eduardo Aguilera in 2004 but already a classic part of San Francisco lore. The trail ends at Eagles Point. Turn around and retrace your steps, or jump in an Uber to take you back to the Cliff House for a refreshment — you deserve it.
Across the city lies Bernal Heights Summit, a short but steep climb to a stunning panoramic view of the city and beyond. Sunny most of the year, and blanketed in wildflowers in spring, Bernal Hill is a slice of country in the midst of urbanity.
The East Bay, the Best-Kept Hiking Secret
While Tilden Park and the Berkeley Hills are an easy getaway for urbanites seeking fresh air and panoramic views, they can be crowded. A little farther out, though, there’s plenty of natural space to traverse where you won’t bump up against hikers and bikers galore.
Fernandez Ranch, off Highway 4 between Hercules and Martinez, is one such hidden gem. Protected by the John Muir Land Trust, this former ranch land has been restored in recent years to offer miles of multi-use, ADA-accessible, and off-leash dog trails. The Windmill Trail meanders past an old dairy farm and windmill to linger in the Pinole Valley Watershed. This rambling landscape is known for its diverse wildlife and fantastic views from the top of Whipsnake Trail.
In the hills above Danville, a 3+ mile easy climb to an aromatic madrone grove is another favorite for outer East Bay locals. The Ringtail Cat Trail starts right at the end of Hemme Boulevard, and eases past a stand of oaks before reaching Madrone Trail.
