There aren't too many reasons to leave San Francisco. We have it all in this beautiful city, including plenty of hiking spots to enjoy Mother Nature. Instead of trekking out of town, you can find this mini canyon adventure hike right here in San Francisco.
Glen Canyon Park is a city park located at 1317 Bosworth Street, San Francisco, 94131. More information about Glen Canyon can be found here.
Many visitors to Glen Park walk from surrounding neighborhoods. You can drive and park from the back end of Christopher Playground, near the Safeway on Diamond Heights Boulevard.
advertisement
The hike is easy and about a mile, however there are a few steep stretches. Don't let the steep parts scare you off though!
Not enough people realize we have these type of rocks and formations in the city. Elevations in Glen Canyon Park range from approximately 225 feet at the south end of the park to 575 feet.
Some of the walls of the canyon are extremely steep. Pictured below is the eastern part of the geological formation known as the Franciscan Assemblage.
The trail surfaces at Glen Canyon Park vary from dirt trails to paved fire road.
Be considerate of the fog and rain this time of year, so be prepared. If you decide to the do the mile trail or longer the views will be worthwhile.
advertisement
You can bird watch, often you'll see Robins frequently soar above the park, owls nest in the trees, raccoons, and even spot goats if you're lucky.
Surrounded by natural beauty and spoiled by amazing weather year-round, San Francisco is a hiker's paradise with tons of easy hikes in the Bay Area. One of our favorite hikes in the city is the coastal Batteries to Bluffs Trail, but here, we wanted to include some easier and often overlooked urban and nature hikes in San Francisco for all levels of hikers. Let's take a look at the best easy hikes near San Francisco!
advertisement
1. Buena Vista Park Trail
A wonderful and short hike without the crowds. Though the uphill hike may seem daunting at first, just take it slow. The hike is quite short, and once you've reached the top, you'll have beautiful views of the city. See what it’s like to hike this lovely trail
2. Crissy Fields Hike
A flat walk guaranteed to thrill with all of the best city icons. This hike from Crissy Field to Fort Point is one of the country's prettiest urban walks, with panoramic views galore.
3. California Coastal Trail
The Coastal Trail is mostly flat as it winds around the coast. This trail is beautiful and undoubtedly offers some of the best views of the Pacific, the Marin Headlands, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
4. Mission Creek Park
A hidden gem near downtown, Mission Creek Park has a great walking loop that starts at the 7th Street entrance. Enjoy lots of greenery and beautiful scenery, check out the houseboats, and hit up the dog park with your pooch. Get a closer look at the views on this trail
advertisement
5. Strawberry Hill Hike
Strawberry Hill in Golden Gate Park glows with every shade of green possible. And though you will have to go uphill, the short climb is well worth it once you reach the scenic peak.
6. Corona Heights Park
This easy and accessible climb ends with a breathtaking 360-degree view of Fog City and beyond. There's even a cool rock formation you can climb on top of as you admire the bustling city below.
7. Bay Area Ridge Trail
The Bay Area Ridge Trail is the perfect trail to take visitors since it ends at the Golden Gate Bridge. It's an easy hike, although there is some uphill walking on the way back from the bridge.
8. John McLaren Park
Enter the park from Mansell Street onto John F. Shelley Drive to start the 1.6-mile loop. You'll pass by the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater and catch some of the best views in the city. There are plenty more miles of trails in this park, too, if you're up for more exploring.
advertisement
9. Sunset Reservoir Trail
This is a short walk in the residential Outer Sunset. Take in views of the ocean, and walk down to the water.
10. Heron’s Head Park
Heron's Head Park includes an easy trail that offers some amazing scenery. You'll get stunning views of the bay and a chance to spot more than 100 species of birds. Get an aerial view of Heron’s Head Park
Have you been to any of these easy hikes near San Francisco? If so, let us know all about your experiences in the comments. For more great walking adventures, check out these incredible hikes under five miles everyone around San Francisco should take. Just make sure you're well prepared with all the info you'll need for these hikes.
San Francisco may be one of the greatest places to be during the wintertime—if you hate snow and freezing temperatures, that is. In fact, the mild climate is ideal for a winter hike. There are at least 11 of the best winter hikes around San Francisco that are perfect for this time of the year.
advertisement
Take a casual stroll along the coast or a mesmerizing excursion through a vast redwood forest. Please beware that visitors to any of the recommended hikes are advised to check the weather and hiking conditions before heading out. As the winter rains start up, many of the Bay Area’s most popular hiking trails may be too muddy and slippery to enjoy.
1. Cataract Falls Trail: 801 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley
Cataract Falls on Mt. Tamalpais is a Bay Area winter favorite for hiking. This stunning 2.6 mile hike features cascades, moss, mushrooms and lichens. The rain may make this one more challenging or unforgettable!
2. Batteries to Bluffs Trail: The Presidio: Battery Godfrey, San Francisco
This is a classic hike at any time, however, don't forget your hoodie. From the Lands End Trail, marvel at the beauty of Baker Beach and then weave your way up and down the coastline. There are parts of the trail with great Golden Gate Bridge shots. Also, climb the batteries, and take in breathtaking views the whole way through.
This hike is popular in all seasons because it is a truly one-of-a-kind spot. Muir Woods National Monument contains 6 miles of trails. These trails showcase beautiful giant redwood trees. Be prepared to be wowed.
This waterfall loop at Mount Diablo State Park is a remote hike that is relatively easy with scenic views. Here you will find paths for hiking, running, and biking.
5. Chimney Rock Trail: Point Reyes National Seashore, 1 Bear Valley Rd, Point Reyes
Explore a 1.8 mile trail out to the bluffs on the Chimney Rock Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore. On this hike, you'll enjoy a dramatic coastline, crashing waves, and the fog rolling into the sunny inlet.
What a great place to enjoy winter in San Fransisco!
6. Land's End Trail: 680 Point Lobos Avenue, San Francisco
A must-do for any visitor or local this is by far one of the best places in San Francisco for a hike. There are miles of trails in the area, and they provide fantastic examples of coastal terrain while also letting you see the Golden Gate Bridge from many different angles. Lastly, don't miss the labyrinth hidden just beyond the Land's End Trail.
advertisement
It’s a beautiful place to find things to do around San Fransisco.
7. Tomales Point Trail: Pierce Point Rd, Inverness, 94937
An incredible hike that can't be missed, the Tomales Point Trail showcases gorgeous scenery with ocean cliffs and crashing waves, and a variety of wildlife and wildflowers along the way.
8. San Leandro Bay Regional Shoreline Hike: 1600 Neptune Dr, San Leandro
A hidden gem in the East Bay, this hike features marshland and is a great place to bring your dog.
9. Presidio Promenade Trail: Lombard Gate, San Francisco
Presidio Promenade Trail is a 4.5-mile loop trail located in San Francisco that offers historical points of interest and scenic views.
10. Robert Louis Stevenson State Park: 3801 St. Helena Hwy, Calistoga
This longer hike is mostly on a fire road, and is about 10.5 miles. The hike up to the top of Mount St. Helena in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park offers some of the best views of any hike in Northern California.
advertisement
11. Steep Ravine Trail: Panoramic Hwy and Old Mine Trail, Mill Valley
Another hike on Mt. Tamalpais is the Steep Ravine Trail, which grants coastal views, and is known for its ladder. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to Stinson Beach. Bundle up for this hike because even in the summer it can be chilly.
Did we miss a Bay Area hike you enjoy doing in the winter? What are some of your favorite winter hikes around San Francisco? Let us know in the comments below!