Tyler DrakeTeam
COO / Co-Founder
Co-Founder of Outbound. On a mission to get #EveryoneOutside!
This review is for the trailhead on Petaluma Ave to Llano Road. From this point the trail is great for running, walking with dogs/kiddos or going for a ride. This portion of the trail is about 3.3 miles round trip and is surprisingly quiet given its closeness to highway 12.
4.0
Wildcat Peak provides great views of the Bay Area and downtown San Francisco. The trail is a paved path for about 3/4 of the way up. Keep in mind that if it has rained recently, the final part can be pretty muddy. Parking was easy in a big lot and there are restrooms at the trailhead.
5.0
Islands in the sky vista loop is just off highway 116 in Duncans Mills. I did the loop counterclockwise. The trail was still a little muddy single track. On the route up, the trail had good end of the day sun. At the top, unfortunately the fog had rolled in, so there wasn't a great view. Completing the loop was easier than the start as it was a fire road on the way down.
4.0
The Ontario Ridge Loop offers up stunning views of the coastline from Shell Beach to Avila Beach. The trail can be very steep and challenging when muddy after a recent rain.
4.0
Great place to relax in the middle of San Francisco with views of the Painted Ladies. Grab a coffee at The Mill on Divisadero and head on up!
5.0
Bernal Heights Park has a scenic, paved loop around the circumference with dirt paths heading to the top of the hill for 360 degree views of San Francisco. You’ll also see plenty of pups on this dog-friendly trail.
5.0
This loop in Walnut Creek is a great spot to stretch your legs on a hike or really push your legs on a run. Keep in mind there isn’t much shade so bring plenty of water.
4.0
There are multiple routes and starting points if you want to hike steep ravine, but this is a great option with a central starting at Pantoll Ranger Station, shorter loop that the Matt Davis-Steep Ravine-Dipsea loop, and a change different scenery for the trip back to the car by adding in the dipsea.
5.0
This is a scenic path that is used frequently by runners, bikers, hikers, and walkers. The other starts in the town of Mammoth Lakes just off of Minaret Rd.
5.0
Coyote Ridge Loop is Tennessee Valley is a trail close to San Francisco with ocean views, easy parking, and restrooms at the trailhead. I’d you’re heading here on the weekend, be sure to arrive early as it starts to get crowded later in the morning.
5.0
This cove is located next to the parking area for the Halona Blow Hole Lookout. The path down to the cove is just southwest of the parking area. If you get there early in the morning, you'll beat the crowds of tour buses coming to blow hole parking lot. Keep in mind, the current can be very strong at the cove, so this may be a great place to relax and sit on the beach, but please don't go in the water if you're not comfortable or a strong swimmer.
5.0
Koko Crater Arch isn't a long hike, but it's a little tricky to get started. From the parking area, you cross the highway to the start of the hike. From the GPX track, I recommend starting at the point further from the parking area -- the path is slightly clearer and the scramble up the rocks, quite a bit easier. As mentioned in the other review, be sure to keep an eye out for rain in the forecast. The rock surface up to the arch could get pretty slippery and unsafe!
5.0
Kuliʻouʻou Beach was a place to take my 13-month-old. With the shallow water quite a ways out, it was great place to let her walk/wade in the water, then head back onto shore to play in the sand. Bonus, there's an outdoor shower at the restroom, which was really helpful in rinsing her off after rolling around on the beach. If you can, head here at sunset for the view!
5.0
The Koko Head Botanical Garden is a great trail for the whole family. We saw running strollers on the dirt trail, but easiest with a carrier. Grandparents can head out on this trail as well. The path is well-marked and provides insights into the different regions the plants are from. Keep in mind there is some shade, but not too much, so head out earlier in the day if you can.
5.0
Pirate's Cove can be accessed from Muir Beach or from the Tennessee Valley Trailhead (with a longer hike). This makes for a great spot to bring your lunch or just catch your breath.
5.0
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge from either direction is a must-do. I'll admit it's a bit crowded and touristy, but definitely worth it for the experience.
5.0
This a pleasant short hike under canopies in San Francisco. This is more of a pleasant stroll, but can be connected to other trails on Mt Sutro to make this a longer hike.
5.0
This is a great option in Ragle Ranch if you're looking for something a little shorter than the larger extended loop.
5.0
This is a great loop if you're looking to stretch your legs or go for a quick run. With plenty of shade and beautiful fall colors, this was a great hike. Keep in mind that parking is $7, but there is street parking just outside the park as well.
5.0
Great workout in this part of San Francisco! The scenery and landscaping are pretty great as well as an added bonus.
5.0
This is another great set of stairs with tiled artwork similar to 16th Ave; however, there is typically a smaller crowd here.
4.0
The tiled steps at 16th Ave are a great stop off and place to get a picture if you're in the area.
4.0
This loop is a great workout in San Francisco. The trail offers up scenic views of the lake to keep you moving through the 4+ miles. There's also a scenic viewpoint that cuts through the loop right below the parking area.
5.0
Family friendly hike in McLaren Park. We had our daughter in a carrier and saw plenty of families along the route. This would be tougher with a stroller, but certainly doable with either a backpack carrier or front carrier. Added bonus, there are plenty of benches to stop for water/snack breaks as well as playgrounds/grassy areas along the route if your little one gets tired of the carrier.
5.0
Community
© 2024 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy