Retry later Retry later
Outbound Collective logo

Golden Gate National Recreation Area, California

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Golden Gate National Recreation Area

  • San Francisco, California

    Presidio Bay Area Ridge Trail

    5.0
    2.73 mi / 203 ft gain
    Presidio Bay Area Ridge Trail is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near San Francisco, California.
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Presidio Ecology Trail

    5.0
    1.82 mi / 427 ft gain
    Presidio Ecology Trail is a loop trail through the Presidio located near San Francisco, California. This loop can be started at the Upper Ecology Trail off of Arguello Blvd near Pacific or down at the Lower Ecology Trail near the Inn at the Presidio. This trail is dog friendly on-leash. 
    Read more
  • Muir Beach, California

    Pirate's Cove

    5.0
    3.43 mi / 856 ft gain
    Pirate's Cove is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mill Valley, California.
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Lover's Lane, Ecology, Mountain Lake Trail Loop

    4.5
    2.04 mi / 344 ft gain
    Tucked into a corner of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is the Presidio, a beautiful little oasis of forests, beaches, and sweeping views that locals love. While the coastal trails get most of the attention here, the park covers 300 acres of prime real estate with lots of notable attract...
    Read more
  • Belvedere Tiburon, California

    Mt. Livermore via North Ridge Trail

    4.5
    4.92 mi / 1178 ft gain
    Unless you own a boat or a kayak, this adventure requires a ride on the Blue and Gold Ferry from Pier 41 in San Francisco. But let’s be honest, that’s actually half the fun. Who doesn’t love a ferry ride? Angel Island State Park is the largest island in the Bay, and recommend the 6-mile loop aro...
    Read more
  • Tiburon, California

    Angel Island Perimeter Loop

    5.98 mi / 794 ft gain
    Angel Island Perimeter Loop is a loop trail around the circumference of the island in the San Francisco Bay. The island is located near Tiburon, California with views  of downtown San Francisco, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Oakland, Sausalito, and TIburon as you traverse around the island. ...
    Read more
  • Muir Beach, California

    Owl Trail

    5.0
    1.2 mi / 300 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
  • Mill Valley, California

    Canopy, Panoramic, Redwood Trail, Sun, Dipsea Trail Loop

    4.7
    4.31 mi / 1145 ft gain
    While there are other, less crowded redwood groves in the Bay Area, Muir Woods National Monument is easily one of the best. It is a beautifully maintained site, with wooden footpaths meandering between towering redwoods that are between 600 – 800 years old. It’s home to some true giants, with its...
    Read more
  • Tiburon, California

    Bouldering at Ring Mountain

    0.5 mi / 400 ft gain
    Itching to climb outdoors near San Francisco?  With only a quick drive from the city, Ring Mountain is a beautiful nature preserve overlooking the city of San Francisco offering two main rock formations, Turtle Rock (Pictured) and Split Rock.  Split Rock is the slabby rock south of the parking ar...
    Read more
  • Mill Valley, California

    Dipsea Trail

    4.6
    13.03 mi / 3701 ft gain
    The Dipsea Race is the 2nd oldest foot race in the US. The race is named after the Dipsea Inn at the end of the trail at Stinson Beach. The good news is that you can enjoy this scenic trail and its sweeping ocean views at your leisure. The bad news is that the race is only one-way. If you choose,...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Fairy Gates Trail

    5.0
    0.89 mi / 328 ft gain
    Fairy Gates Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near San Francisco, California.
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve Loop

    4.4
    2.14 mi / 617 ft gain
    The Mount Sutro Open Space hike is one of those gems that's just hiding in plain site. Most people live in San Francisco for years without ever knowing this hike even exists - which is totally fine with us. This 2+ mile loop is an easy, quick way to get back in touch with nature after a long day....
    Read more
  • Corte Madera, California

    Ring Mountain Loop

    4.0
    2.65 mi / 597 ft gain
    Ring Mountain Open Space is an easy but uphill trail that take you to the top where you can explore more trails. Take the 101 exit for Paradise Dr in Corte Madera, follow the road, and park on the side of the road once you pass Westward Dr. Even though there are many places to start the trail fo...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Vulcan Steps

    5.0
    0.18 mi / 79 ft gain
    Vulcan Steps is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near San Francisco, California.
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Corona Heights Park

    5.0
    0.65 mi / 115 ft gain
    Corona Heights Park is a park located north of the Castro and South of Buena Vista Park. The peak of the hill is windy, but it offers an unobstructed panoramic view of the city of San Francisco from downtown to Twin Peaks. It is perfect for taking panoramic pictures of San Francisco at night. Y...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Twin Peaks Loop

    4.0
    2.04 mi / 259 ft gain
    There are a ton of ways to get here (and obviously that can affect the total distance) but this is starting from Clarendon. Follow along up Twin Peaks boulevard where you'll see the peaks upon your approach. Keep an eye out for traffic as there may be visitors driving toward and away from Twin Pe...
    Read more