Best Hiking Areas in San Francisco, USA

Explore the natural beauty of San Francisco, California with these top hiking spots:

1. Golden Gate Park

• Location: Interior of San Francisco
• Trail Length: Varies; Main trails are around 5 miles (8 km)

Golden Gate Park offers multiple scenic trails amidst lush greenery, gardens, and lakes. The JFK Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive are popular for cycling and walking, while the McLaren Parking Lot provides access to the park’s inner hills.

2. Presidio

• Location: Western end of San Francisco
• Trail Length: Varies; Main trails are around 5 miles (8 km)

The Presidio is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, boasting beautiful forests, scenic coastal views, and historic sites. The Presidio Trail and Bay Area Ridge Trail offer diverse landscapes for hikers of all levels.

3. Mission Peak

• Location: Fremont (adjacent to San Francisco)
• Trail Length: Approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip

Though technically located in Fremont, Mission Peak is a popular destination for San Francisco hikers. The steep climb rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding bay area.

4. Twin Peaks

• Location: Central San Francisco
• Trail Length: Approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) round trip

Twin Peaks offers stunning views of San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean, and the Bay Area. The short, easy hike makes it a great spot for families or those looking for a quick urban adventure.

5. Muir Woods National Monument

• Location: Mill Valley (adjacent to San Francisco)
• Trail Length: Varies; Main trails are around 8 miles (12.8 km)

Though not within the city limits, Muir Woods is worth the short drive from San Francisco for its towering redwood trees and lush forest environment. The Bohemian Grove Trail provides a challenging hike through the heart of the park.