Top 10 Hiking Trails In San Francisco, California

hiking in san francisco
Malavika
Malavika 
Updated
| 5 min read

An amazing climate, gorgeous cliffs, redwoods, stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and verdant hills and greenery around make the Golden Gate City just the right place for going on hikes. Hikers are treated to a plethora of natural wonders such as lush valleys, sharp cliffs, towering redwood forests, waterfalls, and stunning scenery on the hiking trails in San Francisco. So, if you’re an intrepid traveller who wants to go off the beaten path on your Pacific Coast Highway trip, lace up your hiking boots and check out the top hiking trails in San Francisco, California.

1. Lands End Trail

Lands End Trail, San Francisco
Source: Photo by user Sharon Mollerus used under CC BY 2.0

One of the most popular hikes in Golden Gate Recreation Area, Lands End Hike is best indulged in on weekday mornings to avoid crowds. Begin at Lands End Eagle Point 6 miles (9.7 km) from the city centre and follow the gentle Coastal Trail, which heads east. The trail ends at Eagle’s Point Overlook, which offers stunning views of the Gulf of Farallones as well as Golden Gate Bridge—and Marin Headlands farther. PS. Go even if the fog rolls in—the views are worth it. The trail is 3.4 miles (5.4 km) round-trip and moderately difficult.

Lands End Trail

Address: San Francisco, CA

Website: Lands End Trail

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2. Batteries to Bluffs Trail

down the trail
Source: Photo by user Brad Coy used under CC BY 2.0

Nestled in the gorgeous environs of the 1,500-acre-huge (600-hectare) Presidio, the short Batteries to Bluffs Trail features jaw-dropping, stunning scenery. The lush, wooded trail begins on Lincoln Boulevard around 5 miles (8 km) northwest of San Francisco’s city centre, hugging the cliffside all along to Battery Cranston right next to Golden Gate Bridge’s toll. Relax on the sand at the end with gorgeous views of the ocean and maybe even Farallon Islands. You might even spot dolphins in the gulf! The trail is 1.4 miles (2.3 km) going back and forth and moderately difficult.

Batteries to Bluffs Trail

Address: San Francisco, CA

Website: Batteries to Bluffs Trail

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3. California Coastal Trail

Coastal Trail in the Marin Headlands
Source: Photo by user David Abercrombie used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The multi-use, 1,200-mile-long (1,930 km) California Coastal Trail stretches all along the Pacific coastline, right from Oregon to Mexico. It runs through Presidio and begins at the 25th Avenue gate near Baker Beach, tracing the rocky, sun-kissed coastal bluffs and ending at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Catch sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Farallones, the craggy and dark shoreline, windswept Pacific foliage, and native shrubs and blooms. Stop at the Pacific and Golden Gate overlooks, which are great for views. The trail also has a new pedestrian bridge/bicycle path, as well as offers access to Presidio’s historic gun batteries. The trail is 2.9 miles (4.6 km) to and fro and moderately difficult.

California Coastal Trail

Address: San Francisco, CA

Website: California Coastal Trail

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4. Ecology Trail

"Spire" and the Ecology trail, Presidio San Francisco
Source: Photo by user Brad Coy used under CC BY 2.0

Ecology Trail is perhaps one of San Francisco’s easiest trails, with even dogs and their walkers exploring the trail! Lying within the fertile Tennessee Hollow, the little-over-a-mile (1.6km) Ecology Trail begins at Arguello Gate, crossing lush serpentine grasslands with gorgeous flora and fauna, the park’s tallest redwood grove, and even Monterey pines and cypresses to get to the end of the trail—Presidio’s Main Post. This trail is also home to what is popularly considered the best viewing area in Presidio—Inspiration Point Overlook. The trail is 1.8 miles (2.8 km) for the round-trip and an easy hike.

Ecology Trail

Address: San Francisco, CA

Website: Ecology Trail

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5. Fort Funston Trail

Sand Ladder trail at Fort Funston in San Francisco
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tim Adams used under CC BY 3.0

Hold on to your hats on Fort Funston Trail, for the winds might knock them out of you! The loop trail is famous for the sandy bluffs on San Francisco’s southwest coast as well as fields of gorgeous wildflowers all along the trail. Suitable for all skill levels, Fort Funston Trail is great for dog-walking, bird-watching, and nature trips, apart from your usual walking and hiking. The amazing winds also make this place one of the best spots for hang-gliding in the United States. PS. The path is steep and strenuous, especially when you’re coming back up. The trail is 2.5 miles (4 km) going and back, and it’s a moderate to difficult hike.

Fort Funston Trail

Address: San Francisco, CA

Website: Fort Funston Trail

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6. Lovers’ Lane at Presidio

Andy Goldsworthy's Wood Line
Source: Photo by user Nick Amoscato used under CC BY 2.0

Lovers’ Lane in the heart of Presidio is for—well, the name says it—lovers! Lovers of history, art, outdoors, and nature will all fall in love with Lovers’ Lane, an enchanting trail connecting Presidio’s Main Post to its gate. The 18th-century Lovers’ Lane happens to be the oldest footpath through Presidio and was used by missionaries and Spanish soldiers as a shortcut from Main Post to Mission Dolores. Walk along the dreamy, picturesque path completely shaded by trees, and keep an eye out for interesting artsy installations, quaint historic homes, and a lovely footbridge. The trail is 1.2 miles (2 km) round-trip and is easy to hike.

Lovers’ Lane at Presidio

Address: Lover’s Lane, San Francisco, CA

Website: Lovers’ Lane at Presidio

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7. Edgewood Trail

Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve (8591819622)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Miguel Vieira used under CC BY 2.0

Located in Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve 28 miles (45 km) south of San Francisco, the looped Edgewood Trail is famous for the beautiful, magnificent wildflowers that blossom here every spring. The trail runs between The Bill and Jean Education Centre and runs east-west on the park’s northern side, then comes out at Edgewood Trailhead at the junction of Old Cañada Road and Edgewood Road. The trail taken this way connects with both Ridgeview and Sunset Trails. If one hikes the other way around, the first strenuous half-mile climb is beneath shady and dense oak woodland. The trail is 3.1 miles (5 km) each way and is a moderate to difficult hike.

Edgewood Trail

Address: Redwood City, CA

Website: Edgewood Trail

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8. Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve Trail

Mount Sutro Summit
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user ABIJXY used under CC BY 3.0

One gem of a trail hiding in plain sight in San Francisco is the lush Mount Sutro Open Space looped hike. The trail comprises many smaller trails, including Greenbelt Trail, Historic Trail, Mystery Trail, Fairy Gates Trail, East Ridge Trail, and Gardener’s Trail, allowing hikers to choose among many different paths to explore. PS. This is also a popular trail for mountain bikers, so watch out. The trail is 2.2 miles (3.5 km) round-trip and is a moderate-level hike.

Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve Trail

Address: San Francisco, CA

Website: Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve Trail

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9. Mt. Davidson Trail

Trail up to Mount Davidson
Source: Photo by user Daniel Ramirez used under CC BY 2.0

Are you a hiker? Do you want to take your furry friend along for a hike? Put them on a leash and hike to the gorgeous Mount Davidson, which is home to the tallest peak in San Francisco. The loop trail, which had mud and gravel in places when it’s been raining, is a short hike, and the views at the end are amazing. Dense foliage and fog swirl around in the wetter months, making the hike as breathtaking as the summit. The region is also known for its rich flora and fauna, which you can spot on the hike. The trail is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round-trip and is a moderate hike.

Mt. Davidson Trail

Address: 298 Juanita Way, San Francisco, CA

Website: Mt. Davidson Trail

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10. Lower Great Highway Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

You cannot go wrong with a trail called Great Highway—and the fantastic Lower Great Highway Trail running along Ocean Beach in San Francisco is indeed a scenic marvel. Running from Skyline Boulevard to the iconic Cliff House, the gorgeous hiking and biking path features stunning views of the ocean and even the 19th-century Sutro Baths remnants. The scenic trail also has direct access to both Golden Gate Park and San Francisco Zoo. The trail is 3.5 miles (5.6 km) round-trip and is a moderate hike.

Lower Great Highway Trail

Address: San Francisco, CA

Website: Lower Great Highway Trail

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Scenic hikes in San Francisco

Abineau Trail
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Coconino National... used under CC0

There is no dearth of hikes and walks for all difficulty levels when you’re in San Francisco. From dog-friendly hikes and short loop trails to strenuous hikes providing gorgeous views at the end, there’s something for every hiker in the city. Check out these wonderful hiking trails in San Francisco, California.

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Malavika, a freelance writer and coffee enthusiast, is well-versed in Kopfkino. Her interests include engaging discussions on New Zealand, the domino theory, dystopian fiction, and Harry Potter.

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