San Francisco Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

1. 1

   Lands End Coastal Trail

   About 3.4 miles (5.5 km) round trip from the Lands End Lookout to Eagle's Point1.5-2 hourseasyAbout 400 ft (120 m) of cumulative ascent with several staircases

   Cliff-edge coastal path through cypress and eucalyptus with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Mile Rock Beach and the Sutro Baths ruins. Stay off the cliff edges; the Mile Rock Beach spur is steep.

2. 2

   Batteries to Bluffs Trail

   About 1.5 miles (2.4 km) one way to Marshall's Beach1.5-2 hours round tripeasyAbout 300 ft (90 m) with stairs

   Presidio coastal trail past former military batteries with Golden Gate Bridge views, linking Baker Beach with Marshall's Beach. Marshall's Beach has a clothing-optional stretch and a steep stair descent.

3. 3

   Twin Peaks Summit

   About 0.7 miles (1.1 km) round trip from the roadside parking area30-45 minuteseasyAbout 100 ft (30 m) to the 922 ft (281 m) summit

   Short ridge climb to a 360-degree viewpoint over downtown, the Bay Bridge and the Pacific. It is cold and windy even on sunny days.

4. 4

   Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve Loop

   About 3 miles (4.8 km) loop1.5-2 hourseasyAbout 500 ft (150 m) of cumulative ascent

   Eucalyptus-forest loop on a wooded hill in the Inner Sunset, with mixed dirt trails and boardwalk. Expect mud in the rainy season.

5. 5

   Glen Canyon Park Trails

   About 1.5-2 miles (2.4-3.2 km) of loops1-1.5 hourseasyAbout 200 ft (60 m)

   Urban canyon with a creek, rock outcrops and eucalyptus groves, offering short loops that connect toward Twin Peaks.

6. 6

   Crissy Field to Fort Point Promenade

   About 3 miles (4.8 km) round trip1-1.5 hourseasyFlat; about 30 ft (10 m)

   Flat waterfront promenade past the Warming Hut to Fort Point under the Golden Gate Bridge. The main path suits strollers and wheelchairs.

7. 7

   Filbert Steps and Telegraph Hill

   About 0.6 miles (1 km) round trip45 minutes-1 houreasyAbout 275 ft (84 m) of stairs

   Stairway through hillside gardens to Coit Tower with views of the Bay Bridge and Alcatraz. Wild parrots of Telegraph Hill often visit the trees.

8. 8

   Mount Davidson

   About 1 mile (1.6 km) round trip45 minuteseasyAbout 250 ft (76 m) to the 928 ft (283 m) summit

   Forested trail up the highest natural point in San Francisco, ending at a large concrete cross and views of the city and Pacific.

9. 9

   Bernal Heights Park Loop

   About 1 mile (1.6 km) loop45 minuteseasyAbout 250 ft (76 m)

   Open grassy hilltop loop with views of downtown, the Bay and Twin Peaks, popular for sunset and off-leash dogs.

10. 10

    Lyon Street Steps

    About 0.4 miles (0.6 km) round trip20-30 minuteseasyAbout 150 ft (45 m); 288 steps

    Steep neighborhood staircase with Presidio, Marina and Bay views, popular as an outdoor stair workout.

11. 11

    Angel Island Perimeter Road (day trip, by ferry)

    About 5 miles (8 km) loop2-3 hoursmoderateAbout 300 ft (90 m) on the perimeter road; the Mount Livermore summit adds about 600 ft

    Ferry-only state park island with a paved perimeter road and an unpaved Mount Livermore climb. Flagged as a day trip because it is an island in the Bay, not in the city grid.

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

When to hike

Seasonal conditions in San Francisco.

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Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.