HomeSan Francisco, CABest Hiking Trails in San Francisco 🥇

Best Hiking Trails in San Francisco 🥇

Below is a list of the top and leading hiking trails in San Francisco. To help you find the best hiking trails located near you in San Francisco, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.

San Francisco’s Best Hiking Trails:

The top-rated hiking trails in San Francisco are:

  • Marin Headlands – a hiking area with many hidden spots and activities and a good view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Lands End Lookout – a wild and challenging trail with different magnificent views including the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Twin Peaks – the second highest peak and a famous tourist attraction in San Francisco.
  • USS San Francisco Memorial – a child-friendly hiking area with WWII history.
  • Angel Island State Park – a large hiking area with campsites and biking trails.

Marin Headlands

hiking trail in San Francisco

Marin Headlands is a wildlife haven hiking trail with a good view of different San Francisco beaches and the famous Golden Gate Bridge. It is considered a paradise for families, friends, hikers, surfers, and even researchers because of the many things Marin can offer from its misty lagoon to its rolling hills of coyote brush and sage. Most parts of Marin Headlands remained untouched and natural with moderate to hard level trails that hikers will surely love to try all.

Precaution should be taken if you decide to hike in this area as it gets foggy at times especially on the top parts of the hiking trails.

LOCATION:

Address: Sausalito, CA 94965
Phone: (415) 331 1540
Website: www.nps.gov

REVIEW:

“Always love the view from here as it never ceases to amaze me. The glory and grandeur of the Golden Gate exemplified by the orange ball in the sky making its daily dip into the ocean a treat for the eyes and an artist’s paradise.” – Venkatesh Moorthy

Lands End Lookout

hiking trail in San Francisco

Lands End Lookout is located at the opposite side of Marin Headlands, at the other end of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is a challenging, windy trail with rocky cliffs and impressive views in every turn. Despite some of its exigent path, rest assured that the trail is well-maintained with toilets in designated areas. Do note that it is still advisable to wear proper shoes when hiking for added safety. Plant enthusiasts would also love to hike in Land Ends Lookout because of the different plant species that bloom here.

Locals tend to visit and hike here to enjoy the sunrise and/or sunset together with the picturesque view of the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate Bridge.

LOCATION:

Address: 680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: (415) 426 5240
Website: www.nps.gov

REVIEW:

“It’s a wonderful place with fantastic views and lovely trails. A lot of the trails take no effort at all but as you get closer to the beach, expect a long climb back up. Fantastic fun for the entire family. Large parking lot with street parking for 4 hours.” – Jonathan Monte

Twin Peaks

best hiking trail in San Francisco

Twin Peaks is a famous tourist attraction known as the second highest peak in San Francisco. The peak offers a full panoramic view of the bay area without any obstruction. Sitting high in the sky, it would almost look like as if you can touch the clouds which could be both a good and bad experience for you because they tend to block your view as you hike up the trail. A good trekking place to sweat out, though most of the time it does not happen because of the strong winds, as it pays off once you’ve reached the top.

It is important to keep in mind to follow the trail and do not go off path to avoid getting in touch with poisonous plants that grows in the area.

LOCATION:

Address: 501 Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone: (415) 831 2700
Website: sfrecpark.org

REVIEW:

“When you come to San Francisco, highly recommend here. If the weather is good, you can enjoy the sunrise, sunset, and night view. The night view is the best ever. Since I came to the USA, I feel really happy and grateful to enjoy this sunset view. Love SF.” – GSTonyTzeng

USS San Francisco Memorial

San Francisco hiking trail

USS San Francisco Memorial is a moderate level hiking area that shows the history of World War II. A good place for family to exercise and unwind with their kids as they learn about the history along the way. It is connected to the extreme trail Land Ends Lookout that you can go visit if you want a change of pace while hiking. Majority of the hikers prefer to hike here to settle in the shore after the end of the hike to wait for the sunset.

LOCATION:

Address: San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: (800) 569 6711
Website: www.usssanfrancisco.org

REVIEW:

“A place steeped in history and breathtaking scenery and with the lead actor, The Golden Gate, makes it even more unsurpassed.” – Miguel Chang

Angel Island State Park

San Francisco best hiking trail

Angel Island State Park is a hiking area that’s a boat ride away from San Francisco. It allows you to hike and explore the place with many hidden spots and camp around Mt. Livermore overnight. Families and friends going on a trip bring their own lunch to picnic after doing tiring activities. The place is also kept clean by the government and advises people to practice clean as you go whenever they visit this place. There are also cafes open in Angel Island State Park but they are sometimes close especially during winter.

It is important to take note of the ferry schedule before planning to hike and if you do not plan to stay overnight, it is best to go there in the morning.

LOCATION:

Address: Tiburon, CA 94920
Phone: (415) 435 1915
Website: www.parks.ca.gov

REVIEW:

My advice would be to take the first boat out and the last boat home or plan to camp overnight (there are a couple of tent spots). Great for walking, hiking, and bicycling. Lots of conveniently placed benches and picnic tables. Interesting history of the “Ellis Island of the West”, and amazing views and vistas.” – Wendy Neumeyer