Angel Island Perimeter Road (day trip, by ferry)

The Angel Island Perimeter Road is a loop around Angel Island State Park, an island in San Francisco Bay, California, reached only by ferry. Ferries arrive at the Ayala Cove dock; the Blue and Gold Fleet sails from Pier 41 in San Francisco, running daily in summer and on weekends in winter, while the Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry departs from Tiburon. Round-trip fares are roughly $20 to $30, so visitors should confirm schedules and prices with the operators. Private cars are not allowed, and the island charges no hiking permit, though a ferry fare and any state park fees apply. The perimeter road is about 5 miles (8 km) long, takes two to three hours, and has about 300 feet (90 m) of elevation gain, placing it in the moderate class because of length and sun exposure rather than steepness. The surface is paved or compacted road, shared with bicycles, and the Mount Livermore summit trail adds about 600 feet of unpaved climbing for a longer outing. Shade is patchy, with forest on the north side and open, windy bluffs elsewhere. Landmarks include Ayala Cove with its visitor center and beach, Camp Reynolds, a Civil War era army post, the Quarry Beach area, the former Immigration Station on the island's north side, the Fort McDowell ruins at East Garrison and views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, San Francisco and Mount Tamalpais. Drinking water, restrooms and a cafe are available at Ayala Cove, but supplies elsewhere are limited, so hikers should pack water and lunch. Visitors must track the last ferry time carefully, because missing it means being stranded. Shortcuts across the island can reduce the loop to a shorter outing, and the summit is optional. Winter ferry schedules are reduced, and fog may close in during summer afternoons.