Editors note: This post is presented by our partners at Fjällräven.
With adventures in every direction, San Francisco is a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts. While the national parks of the nearby Sierra Nevada often overshadow the local preserves, you don’t need to leave the Bay Area to access a wide variety of ecosystems and trails.
From the Marin headlands to the north, to the marsh wetlands of the South Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains of the peninsula, to the more arid peak of Mount Diablo, San Francisco is a perfect launch point to quickly become immersed in nature. Within a short drive or via public transportation, you can be on the trail and hiking in no time.
Whether you’re planning a weekend visit to the City by the Bay, or a resident looking to make a spontaneous day trip, here are seven Bay Area hikes to consider that are well worth your time.
1. Muir Woods: Canopy View Loop
Redwoods lining the trail in Muir Woods near San Francisco. Photo: Shutterstock
Just a 20-minute drive north of the Golden Gate Bridge, you can escape into a redwood wonderland. The Canopy View Trail in Muir Woods ascends a tranquil canyon with a flowing creek surrounded by old-growth coast redwoods. The park has been a national monument since 1908 and a longtime favorite getaway of San Francisco residents for a day hike.
To complete the loop, ascend the Canopy Trail and connect to the Lost Trail and Fern Creek Trail.
- Length: Three miles, 530 feet elevation gain
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Restrooms: Yes, at trailhead
- Parking: Parking at trailhead; entrance fee is $15 per person, 16 years and over, free for people 15 years and younger
- Dog friendliness: No dogs allowed
- Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset
