San Francisco, California

Looking for the best hiking in San Francisco? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around San Francisco. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near San Francisco

  • Inverness, California

    Marshall Beach

    5.0
    2.41 mi / 305 ft gain
    Marshall Beach located on the Tomales Bay side of Point Reyes National Seashore is reached via an out-and-back hiking or mountain biking trail.  Camping:There are boat-in campsites available at Marshall Beach. The campsite does not permit hike-in campers, boat-in only via kayak, canoe, paddleboa...
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  • Saratoga, California

    Hike the Seven Springs Trail Loop

    2.8 mi / 500 ft gain
    The Seven Springs loop is only one great option of several in the preserve. Starting from the Prospect Rd parking lot the loop is 2.8 miles of rolling hills in and out of the shade. Most of the trail is at least 2 person width so easy to walk with a friend or furry companion. There have been larg...
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  • Napa, California

    Lake Marie Road, Marie Creek, Buckeye Trail Loop

    3.5
    5.8 mi / 961 ft gain
    Enter the parking lot just off of Hwy 221. Plan to pay a $5 entrance fee at the kiosk. The trail head begins at the edge of the parking lot where you'll soon be passing by the Martha Walker Native Habitat Garden on your right. Veer left to continue along Lake Marie Road where you'll enter the blu...
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  • Livermore, California

    Hike the East Shore Trail Loop

    3.7 mi / 1040 ft gain
    This hike is best done during the spring, fall, or winter when moderate temperatures make the hike more comfortable. Be warned that this hike has a large elevation change despite being less than 4 miles. Starting at the Arroyo Road Staging Area, take the East Shore Trail east, heading towards a s...
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  • Napa, California

    Westwood Hills Park Loop

    4.0
    2.12 mi / 476 ft gain
    This park can get a little crowded on weekends, so best to go early if possible. In terms of parking, there's a lot at the trailhead, but also plenty of available street parking.  The loop can be broken up in a various ways as there are several offshoots from the main trailhead/trail leaving fro...
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  • Saratoga, California

    Backpack Castle Rock State Park

    4.7
    Castle Rock Trail Camp has a different policy than other backcountry camps in the area (i.e. campsites along Skyline to the Sea). This campground is open all year and is available on a first come, first served basis. If you can, grab a spot a Frog Flat Camp. To get to the camp, park your car at t...
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  • Los Gatos, California

    Hike the Saratoga Gap Trail

    4.6
    4.7 mi
    The Saratoga Gap Trail is relatively lightly trafficked trail that is good year round, although waterfalls peak in late winter and spring. Overall, this 4.7 mile partial loop hike is moderate, with about 1000 feet in elevation change. Trailhead elevation is about 3090 feet. The featured hike desc...
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  • 21600 Big Basin Way, California

    Hike the Sequoia Trail at Big Basin Redwoods SP

    4.0
    4.3 mi / 600 ft gain
    This 4.3 mile hike in Big Basin Redwoods SP is a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.   In the first half, there is a quick detour you can take to Sempervirens Falls.  Just listen for sounds of water, read the signs, and cross the road.  The detour itself is as far as cross...
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  • Inverness, California

    Tomales Point Trail

    4.7
    9.47 mi / 1165 ft gain
    This hike will take you through the Tule Elk Preserve in Point Reyes Nation Seashore, and offers fantastic views of Bodega and Tomales Bay, as well as the Pacific Ocean. Start at the Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. This trai...
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  • Sanborn County Park, California

    Hike Sanborn County Park via the San Andreas Trail

    4.0
    4.2 mi / 1282 ft gain
    This is a moderately rated 4.2 mile trail that winds through the redwoods west of Saratoga.  It features a dirt trail with tall trees and a creek.  The hike is very tranquil and there is lot s of greenery.  There are big rocks in the creek that can you can sit on.  People often meditate here as i...
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  • Napa, California

    Alston Park Loop Trail

    2.76 mi / 184 ft gain
    Alston Park Loop Trail, located in Napa, California, is a 2.76-mile loop trail that offers a moderate level of difficulty for hikers. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running and is accessible year-round. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, making it suitable for ...
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  • Inverness, California

    McClures Beach

    1.44 mi / 243 ft gain
    This beach is really easy to get to. Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. It's an easy hike down from the parking lot.  There is very little shade, so make sure to bring some sunscreen. Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. There is likely underwater cu...
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  • Boulder Creek, California

    Hike the Old Growth Redwoods Trail

    4.5
    0.5 mi
    Quick half-mile stroll through the old growth Redwoods that will show you the nature of the ever-living redwood tree.Redwoods are capable of withstanding storms, floods, fire, droughts, and even termites. These legendary trees can live for over 2,000 years and possess incredible strength, vigor, ...
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  • Boulder Creek, California

    Berry Creek Falls Loop (Closed)

    4.8
    10 mi / 2310 ft gain
    Unfortunately, this trail is closed due to a past fire. See CA.Gov for updates on trails in Big Basin.  Nestled in California's oldest state park, the popular Berry Creek Falls Loop hike begins at the Big Basin park headquarters. If you're up for 11 miles, a thousand feet of elevation gain throu...
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  • Boulder Creek, California

    Camp at Big Basin Redwoods State Park

    4.0
    0.5 mi
    Big Basin is currently closed including the campgrounds. Please visit the Parks.ca.gov site for updated details.  An hour away from the thrumming city of San Jose, ancient immense trees live in a forest full of vibrant ferns and rushing waterfalls. Big Basin Redwoods State Park encompasses 10,00...
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  • Boulder Creek, California

    Hike the Ocean View Summit Loop

    4.0
    6 mi / 600 ft gain
    This hike begins at the Big Basin park headquarters. If you're up for 6 miles through giant redwoods and along serene creeks, and with an ocean view, then this is the hike for you. Ocean view summit loop starts on the Gazos Creek Road bridge, next turn right on to the Middle Ridge Fire Road, whic...
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