Albany, California

Looking for the best hiking in Albany? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Albany. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Albany

  • Sausalito, California

    Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop via Coastal Trail

    5.0
    10.12 mi / 2021 ft gain
    Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop via Coastal Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Sausalito, California.
    Read more
  • Muir Beach, California

    Owl Trail

    5.0
    2.06 mi / 390 ft gain
    The Owl Trail runs between Slide Ranch and the Muir Beach Overlook and is a great way to take in the breathtaking views, flora and fauna of the Northern California coast.  The easiest way to access the trail is to park at the Muir Beach Overlook and to take the trail down to Slide Ranch and then...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Lake Merced Loop

    4.7
    4.53 mi / 180 ft gain
    Lake Merced Loop is a loop trail in the southwestern part of San Francisco. This trail is used for running and walking. You'll see plenty of people getting exercise or taking their dog for a stroll. There are also benches and tables around the loop. The lake itself is fresh water and is used for...
    Read more
  • Castro Valley, California

    Lake Chabot Regional Park Loop

    4.3
    8.65 mi / 1263 ft gain
    Looking for a fun day on a lake, but don't want to drive too far? We recommend heading out to the East Bay where you can combine a nice hike with an afternoon of fishing. This moderately challenging hike remains scenic throughout the 8.5 mile trek around the lake, and offers many opportunities fo...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Fort Funston Trail

    4.7
    1.81 mi / 253 ft gain
    Fort Funston is an SF gem I discovered when looking for a dog friendly hike near the city. Located west of Lake Merced, you'll find a gorgeous Northern California beach oasis where you and your dog can run wild and free :). Parking is located at the top of the park where you'll descend a steep se...
    Read more
  • Walnut Creek, California

    Castle Rock Trail

    5.0
    6.06 mi / 971 ft gain
    Located near Walnut Creek, the trail is easily accessible from anywhere in the Bay Area. The trail is kept open year-round, and happens to be part of the American Discovery Trail and the Coast to Crest trail. If you are not done hiking, connecting trails allow you to summit Mt. Diablo.  This tra...
    Read more
  • Walnut Creek, California

    Southern Lime Ridge Loop

    4.0
    5.57 mi / 1089 ft gain
    The Southern Lime Ridge Loop is a trail system located near Walnut Creek, CA. There is a parking lot at the trailhead located across the street from the Boundary Oak Golf Course. The trail is fairly exposed with limited shade, so bring appropriate sun protection especially on the warmer days.  D...
    Read more
  • Walnut Creek, California

    Run the Mt. Diablo Foothill Loop

    5.0
    6.2 mi / 875 ft gain
    Continue by car down Castle Rock Road until it dead ends at the beginning of the trail. Parking is usually easy to find. If full, there is another overflow lot about 500 ft back the way you came in.You'll walk a good half mile down the trail before getting the main gate. As you're walking, you'll...
    Read more
  • Mill Valley, California

    Camp at Bootjack Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park

    4.0
    Bootjack Campground is located within California's Mount Tamalpais State Park. There are a couple of campsites within the park, but if you are driving on the Panoramic Highway from Mill Valley, this will be the first campground you pass.  The fee is $25 fee to camp, but they have bathrooms and ru...
    Read more
  • Mill Valley, California

    Steep Ravine and Bootjack Trails Loop

    5.0
    6.66 mi / 2083 ft gain
    This hike is best done in the winter and spring in order for the creeks and waterfalls to be flowing. Park at the Bootjack Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park. Cross the road to reach the Bootjack trail. Continue on this until you reach the Alpine trail. Go right towards the Pantoll Ranger ...
    Read more
  • Mill Valley, California

    Bootjack Campground to Muir Woods

    6.02 mi / 1709 ft gain
    Getting permits into Muir Woods can be hard, but if you want to work for it, there's a much better way to visit the National Monument. To do this loop into Muir Woods National Monument, first drive to the Bootjack Parking Area in Mt. Tamalpais State Park.  The Bootjack Parking Area should be fou...
    Read more
  • Mill Valley, California

    Steep Ravine Trail via Pantoll Station

    4.7
    3.96 mi / 1079 ft gain
    The trailhead Pantoll Station is easy to find on GPS and there are friendly rangers there as well to answer questions.Maps: Paper map are available at the trailhead Pantoll Station in Marin, CA.   For a moderate hike, I suggest going the one and a half miles down the trail to the ladder and retu...
    Read more
  • Mill Valley, California

    Camp at Mt. Tam's Pantoll Campground

    5.0
    Need an escape from SF, but can't seem to find an available campground, then head to Pantoll Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park. If you get there early on friday (or even better Thursday afternoon), you should be able to lock down one of these first-come, first-serve campgrounds. Each of th...
    Read more
  • Marin County, California

    Dipsea Trail - Steep Ravine Loop

    5.0
    3.97 mi / 1204 ft gain
    This is definitely a worthwhile short hike, with views of the Bay Area, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate, and the San Mateo coastline. It's a 3.8 mile loop which takes you through forests of Redwoods and out to the coastline, even above the clouds on a lucky day. The trailhead begins at the Pantoll ...
    Read more
  • Fairfax, California

    Lake Lagunitas

    4.0
    1.68 mi / 0 ft gain
    Located near Fairfax, California, this trail is relatively flat and provides peaceful views of the lake as you pass over small creeks and groves of redwoods. It's good for all skill levels and is accessible year-round. It's a great trail for families and beginner mountain bikers.It can be a littl...
    Read more
  • San Rafael, California

    Terra Linda Sleepy Hollow Ridge Trail

    5.0
    5.85 mi / 1089 ft gain
    This San Rafael neighborhood trail is quite popular, but there is plenty of room for everyone and the parking is easy. After you park at the trailhead, you walk (or bike) up a relatively short and steep path that takes you to the beginning of the trail.  This hike takes you along a scenic ridge ...
    Read more