Bay Area Hiking (This Just Might Be a Hiker’s Heaven!)

If you’ve ever had the opportunity for some Bay Area hiking, you know this is a special place.

I remember reading Backpacker magazine a couple of years ago and coming across their map of trails around the U.S.

I was surprised to find an overwhelming concentration of trails around the San Francisco Bay...

...possibly more than any other metropolitan center around the country.

One of the awesome benefits of living in (or visiting) the Bay Area is this balance of urban cosmopolitan life with an abundance of outdoor spaces, parks, and trails.

Wherever you are around the San Francisco Bay, you are just a stone’s throw away from Bay Area hikes.

Whether you are looking for shoreline trails, redwood forests, trails at the rugged California coast, or around the hills and mountains, you are sure to be within a short drive to the trailhead.

Bay Area Hiking Guides and Reviews

Start planning your Bay Area trek by clicking on any of the guides and reviews below.

And, if you’ve gone on a hike in the Bay Area, we’d love to see your own review and photos!

Click here to start writing your review...

In-Depth Guides to Bay Area Trails

Enjoy the Views: Guide to Hiking Mission Peak Hiking Mission Peak in Fremont, California offers stunning views and a rewarding day hike to this prominent summit.

Muir Woods Hiking Guide Muir Woods hiking is like returning to a primeval forest of giant trees and ominous mists. This is The place to experience California’s coastal redwood forests.

Bay Area hiking, Muir Woods

Mount Diablo Hiking: Guide to the Best Trails and Views California’s Mount Diablo is second in the world for offering the farthest views in all directions. Mount Diablo hiking is just as rewarding.

San Bruno Mountain: Rise Above the Urban Sprawl San Bruno Mountain hiking offers delights for the senses: a rainbow of spring wildflowers and sweeping vistas. Despite the sprawl climbing up to its feet, you feel far from it...

Bay Area Trail Reviews

Marin Headlands in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area The Marin Headlands offer a glimpse into history, not to mention some of the most spectacular views around the bay area.

Coyote Hills Regional Park If you've never been to Coyote Hills, you're in for a pleasant surprise. This regional park in Fremont offers views of the hills and bay, a large marsh area with boardwalks, hill climbs, and an interesting past.

Fairmont Ridge Staging Area in Anthony Chabot Regional Park The Fairmont Staging Area is a great daily walking spot for residents of San Leandro and Castro Valley. To the East views of Mt. Diablo and Lake Chabot. To the the west, views of most of the Bay Area and across to the peninsula.

Hayward Regional Shoreline The Hayward Shoreline offers easy hiking along several acres of restored marshes and wetlands in the East Bay. Take your binoculars or camera for superb bird viewing!

Bay Area hiking, Hayward Regional Shoreline

Alameda Creek and Little Yosemite at Sunol Regional Wilderness See our review of a hike up Alameda Creek to the Little Yosemite area in the Bay Area's closest wilderness area.

Urban Hiking in Albany For those seeking 1)a change from the norm, 2)a great after-work or lunch break hike, or 3)a way to combine hiking and art, urban hiking in Albany, California is a great fit.

Want to contribute to these reviews of Bay Area hikes? It’s easy! Just CLICK HERE to start your post...

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