Several trails can provide a rewarding workout if you want to hike in San Francisco. Some of the best are located in the Marin Headlands and Muir Woods. You can also check out the Land’s End Trail. Here are a few things you should know before hitting the trails.
Muir Woods
In San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument is known for its towering old-growth redwood trees. Several trails wind through the trees and along Redwood Creek. You can also climb the hillside and enjoy sweeping views of Mount Tamalpais. If you are a hiker, consider hiking Ben Johnson or Dipsea trails.
If you are driving, it is best to reserve parking in advance. There are several options for parking in the woods, including shuttles. Make sure to check the shuttle schedule and book in advance. Commercial tours also take visitors to Muir Woods and other nearby spots.
Visitors to Muir Woods will find an abundance of wildlife. The woods are home to more than 380 different species. You can observe different species at different times of the day and seasons.
Land’s End Trail
Getting out of the city to explore nature and the Land’s End Trail in San Francisco can be a great way to spend a day. The trail is a relatively easy out-and-back hike with moderate elevation change. While hiking along the trail, be aware of your surroundings. The trail is not paved, and you will need to take care of the litter. Be sure to place all trash in the designated trash can at the trailhead. Also, if you find an interesting thing on the trail, leave it where it belongs – animals like to feed off the stuff we leave behind. And remember, the trail is a no-camping zone, so don’t build campfires on the trail!
The Land’s End Trail in San Francisco offers beautiful views and a chance to learn about San Francisco’s history. While the trail is popular with tourists and locals alike, it’s often less crowded on weekdays. This is because the trail is often surrounded by fog from the Pacific Ocean.
Tan Bark Trail
The Tan Bark Trail begins in the middle of a curve, about six miles south of the Nepenthe restaurant, before reaching Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. It is a beautiful hike through the redwoods. The path climbs over 1,600 feet, passing through oaks and redwood groves. It then descends a fire road with coastal views. After this, the trail ends on Highway 1.
The Tan Bark Trail begins in a coastal canyon and climbs gradually up a hillside that was burned in 2008. It passes flower-filled meadows, redwood groves, and open hardwood forests. The trail reaches a peak where you can view the Tin House, a historic home that may have been a secret safe house for FDR.
The trail is nearly one mile long and starts with a wide pullout at the inland side of Highway 1. You can walk up the steep slope to the Big Sur Hall of Fame and then head back to Highway 1 via the fire road or another road.
Twin Peaks
San Francisco’s Twin Peaks is a great choice if you’re looking for a great hiking trail. They’re located near the city’s geographic center and provide 360-degree views of the Bay Area and the city. And because of their height, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap pictures.
The trail network extends for about 0.7 miles, climbing both peaks to the top. The views are spectacular, especially from the Christmas Point area, where you can take in the city and the Golden Gate Bridge. The area is also home to an endangered species of butterfly called Mission Blue. This butterfly is about the size of a quarter and is light blue.
It takes about 15 minutes from the base to reach the top of Twin Peaks. You can choose from several hiking trails and a short stairway. In addition, the Twin Peaks hike is part of San Francisco’s slow streets program, which means that half of the roads are closed to automobile traffic.
