The 5 Best Hikes To Take In The San Francisco Bay Area

Intensity: Strenuous

Length: 4 miles

Ditch the crowds at nearby Mount Tamalpais and discover a few of Marin County’s most charming, and secluded, nature trails. Nestled in the bosom of quiet Fairfax, Deer Park is a starting point to a number of superb hiking trails. The best hikes end at Bald Hill. Entering the park, go straight past the elementary school, swing a left and climb several switchbacks on Deer Park and Buckeye Trails leading to a small hill. As you enjoy views overlooking the park and the surrounding towns of Fairfax, San Anselmo, and San Rafael, make sure to take a breather; the following climb is steep, but well worth it. After a short ascent up Warm Springs Fire Road, you will reach the crest of Bald Hill, an aptly named promontory that provides a vantage point over all of Marin, the East and South Bays, and the ridge of mountains rising out of the sea by Stinson Beach. Going on a cold, clear day ensures the greatest array of stunning surroundings. To the west, banks of fog steal over the mountain passes and, like thieves, descend silently into the forested valleys below. To the east, clear skies offer unparalleled views of San Pablo Bay, from the oil refineries of Richmond to the marshes of Vallejo. To the north, the hills of Marin stretch far into the distance. The Mt. Tamalpais massif obscures southern views, which nonetheless providing ample material for viewing. Take some time up here to enjoy the solitude. Let the wind play through your hair, feel the cold air in your lungs, and smell the lush smell of fresh grass, moist earth, and the budding flowers of spring. On your way back, enjoy a beer and a bratwurst at Gestalt Haus, the bar-cum-restaurant on nearby Bolinas Avenue.

Deer Park, 367 Bolinas Road, Fairfax, CA, USA

Gestalt Haus, 28 Bolinas Road, Fairfax, CA, USA +1 415 721 7895

Intensity: Moderate

Length: 9.4 miles

Located at the extreme northern end of Point Reyes National Seashore, the drive is almost, if not more, enjoyable than the hiking itself. Coming off White Hill, the green fields of San Geronimo Valley merge into temperate rainforests towards the coast, perennially kept moist by the humid air rising up off the sea. The small towns of Olema, Point Reyes Station, and Inverness come and go in between tempting sidetracks and mysterious abandoned houses, leading deeper into the peninsula. Finally, towards the end of Tomales Bay is the Tomales Point Trail. Delightful in springtime, when the wildflowers are in bloom, the trail follows a flat promontory for close to five miles before terminating at Tomales Point. Bird watching is superb, and the presence of the Tule Elk Reserve makes it possible to see one of these majestic beasts on the way. Make sure to bring sunscreen and a good windbreaker, as this trail is completely exposed and can get a little chilly.

Tomales Point Trail, Inverness, CA, USA

Intensity: Mild

Length: Just Explore!

Transformed into a dense pine, cypress, and eucalyptus forest by its first owner, Adolph Sutro, this hidden gem was later acquired by the University of California San Francisco. Restored in the early 2000s by the self-styled Sutro Stewards, this 61-acre preserve in the heart of San Francisco is now a welcome distraction from the bustle of the city. It is certainly small enough for a quick day trip, so instead of following just one trail, take a few hours to explore the whole thing. From Medical Center Way, the Historic Trail loops up to Mount Sutro Summit, a good place to make a picnic. Descending down the East Ridge trail from the summit, pass through breezy forests and occasional exposed patches to Johnstone Drive. From here, the North Ridge and Fairy Gates Trails offer further opportunities for exploration.

Mt. Sutro Open Space Reserve, San Francisco, CA, USA