Web hopping

Visitors to the San Francisco Bay Area will no doubt stroll through Fisherman’s Wharf, climb Coit Tower atop Telegraph Hill and view the Pacific Ocean from Cliff House.

While these sights are worthy, most don’t provide the views or experience available at the countless miles of hiking just outside of the city. With a few exceptions, most of these hikes can be reached with a short drive and are open year-round.

www.bahiker.com

Lace your boots and learn more about hikes in the region at the San Francisco Bay Area Hiker. The site, started by avid Bay Area hiker and trail guide Jane Huber, contains a list of hikes, tips on the best views and helpful hints.

www.nps.gov/goga/marin-headlands.htm

Take a quick drive from downtown San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands, which is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The park contains miles of excellent hiking trails, many with postcard views of San Francisco. Some of the better views can be obscured by the thick fog common in the region so check the weather before you head out.

www.nps.gov/muwo

Venture a touch farther into Marin County and visit Muir Woods, the site of a pivotal scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo.” The park is home to tall redwoods as well as miles of excellent and not-too difficult hikes.

www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=471

stinsonbeachonline.com

Hikers looking for a better workout should check out nearby Mount Tampalpais. The 2,571-foot peak can be accessed by numerous different hiking trails, some of which traverse the entire mountain and drop into Stinson Beach.

www.visitmuirwoods.com/trails.htm

www.doubledipsea.com

The Dipsea Trail is especially popular among locals and the site of numerous trail runs. It’s even inspired some long-distance runners to run the course twice.

www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=472

Dedicated hikers should drive farther north into wine country to Mount St. Helena in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. The author spent his honeymoon in the region in the late 19th century and on a clear day the views are impressive.

www.ebparks.org

www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=517

www.mdia.org/hiking.htm

Don’t forget about the East Bay, home to many well-kept parks and lightly trafficked trails. Mount Diablo contains some of the Bay Area’s most challenging hikes, including a loop that takes a day to complete. Hikes ranging from easy walks to daylong treks are listed at mdia.org.

www.santacruzstateparks.org

www.bigbasin.org

Santa Cruz boasts many excellent and remote trails. A good starting point is Santa Cruz State Parks or the Big Basin Redwoods. Big Basin is California’s oldest state park and contains several challenging walks.

gorp.away.com/gorp/location/ca/wwsanfran.htm

Hikers looking for overnight ventures can plan a trip using GORP’s guide to Bay Area backpacking.

Justin M. Norton, for the Associated Press

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek edition (Provided by Nissan).
2025 Nissan Rogue has new Rock Creek edition

Enhanced outdoor capability is a boon for the more adventurous.

Futuristic Kona Limited Photo Provided By Hyundai Newsroom.
2025 Hyundai Kona Limited SUV Gets Roomier

All-Wheel Drive Option Add To All Trims

Children play and look up at a large whale figure hanging from the ceiling at the Imagine Children’s Museum (Olivia Vanni / The herald)
Fun for all ages: The best places for family adventures

From thrilling activities to relaxing outings, here’s where to make unforgettable family memories!

Everett P. Fog, 15, in front of an Everett mural along Colby Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Hello, Everett! No escape when your name is same as the town

Everett P. Fog, 15, sees and hears his first name wherever he goes. His middle name is also epic.

Jared Meads takes a breath after dunking in an ice bath in his back yard while his son Fallen, 5, reads off the water temperature on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Chill out: Dive into the cold plunge craze

Plungers say they get mental clarity and relief for ails in icy water in tubs, troughs and clubs.

Schack exhibit to highlight Camano Island watercolorists

“Four Decades of Friendship: John Ebner & John Ringen” will be on display Jan. 16 through Feb. 9.

XRT Trim Adds Rugged Features Designed For Light Off-Roading
Hyundai Introduces Smarter, More Capable Tucson Compact SUV For 2025

Innovative New Convenience And Safety Features Add Value

Sequoia photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
If Big Is Better, 2024 Toyota Sequoia Is Best

4WD Pro Hybrid With 3-Rows Elevates Full-Size

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser revives its roots

After a 3-year hiatus, the go-anywhere SUV returns with a more adventurous vibe.

Enjoy the wilderness in the CX-50. Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda CX-50 Adds Hybrid Capability to Turbo Options

Line-Up Receives More Robust List Of Standard Equipment

Practical And Functional bZ4X basks in sunshine. Photo provided by Toyota Newsroom.
2024 bZ4X Puts Toyota Twist On All-Electric SUV’s

Modern Styling, Tech & All-Wheel Drive Highlight

Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus Hatch Delivers Value

Plus Functionality of AWD And G-Vectoring

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.