Top Spots in and near Golden Gate National Recreation Area
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Petaluma, California
I’m sure all you hunters and are well aware that there are few, if any, hunting opportunities in San Francisco or Marin County. However, many of you don’t know that an epic hunting club exists just an hour North of San Francisco. At the Black Point Game Bird Club, you can hunt ring-necked pheasan...
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Nicasio, California
Nicasio is a quaint town just inland of the more popular coastal town of Point Reyes. It's most known for it's wine country, rolling hills, and the home of Skywalker Ranch, George Lucas's getaway home. Most visitors of this area either pass right on through for Point Reyes or use it's scenic road...
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Moss Beach, California
4.7
1.84 mi
/ 154 ft gain
Sitting on a 140 acre bluff top, the Pillar Point Bluffs are a simple, easy hike with breathtaking views throughout. The bluffs are 22 miles from San Francisco – a 30 minute drive depending on the traffic. There is a small 10 car or so parking lot off of Airport Blvd, but there are two additional...
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San Mateo County, California
5.0
11.61 mi
/ 1152 ft gain
The Sawyer Camp Trail is a popular paved trail that stretches alongside the Crystal Springs Reservoir all the way to Hillcrest Blvd. The sixth mile crosses over the San Andreas Dam with nice views of San Andreas Lake.
There are markers every half mile which makes timing and tracking your run eas...
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Lafayette, California
4.3
5.31 mi
/ 981 ft gain
This is a nice and casual hike through the meadows and rolling hills, dotted with cows and hawks and sometimes goats or foxes. As you head up Lafayette Ridge, you'll be rewarded with the beautiful vista spanning from the Oakland Hills to sparkling Lafayette Reservoir. The hike is mostly through ...
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Foster City, California
The Foster City Lagoon is one of the most calm waters to paddle on. This is a great spot for beginners to learn how to paddleboard for the first time. The lagoon gets very still and makes it the perfect spot for reflection photos. On sunny days, there are many kayakers, SUP, small boats, and ev...
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Half Moon Bay, California
Maverick's beach is most well-known for the Maverick surf competition and the gnarly waves which surface here in the winter months. For the rest of the year, the beach is still a site to see. With huge waves crashing ¼ mile off shore and bluffs towering 100 feet above you, it’s a picturesque plac...
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Half Moon Bay, California
The Half Moon Bay Jetty is a calm place to paddle as it is covered on all sides. There is an opening into the ocean on the far side, but is mostly calm with plenty of beach area to launch. Keep in mind, there are boats in the harbor so keep an eye out. There is also a scenic hike nearby the West ...
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Martinez, California
5.0
2.59 mi
/ 512 ft gain
Muir Farm And Mount Wanda: John Muir Nature Trail is a loop trail located near Martinez, California.
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Castro Valley, California
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...
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San Mateo, California
5.0
1.64 mi
/ 417 ft gain
Sugarloaf is tucked away in Laurelwood Park which is located in a residential neighborhood right off of Hwy 92 in San Mateo, making this a great hiking & trail running option for Peninsula residents.
I always park on Glendora Dr. and follow the paved path down towards the playground. At the ...
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Point Reyes Station, California
5.0
9.55 mi
/ 1818 ft gain
Sky Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore is a dramatic, mostly single-track trail that runs along the main spine of the Inverness Ridge and across highest mountains in Point Reyes, looming above the Olema Valley and Highway 1 which mark the San Andreas Fault rift zone and the dividing line betw...
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Point Reyes Station, California
Entering Point Reyes National Seashore from Bear Valley Road the Sky Trailhead is a 4.9 mile drive. Camping in Sky Camp requires a Camping Permit.
Once at the Sky Trailhead parking lot. The Sky Trailhead will be on the left side pulling in. The hike is not very strenuous and not all that lo...
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Point Reyes Station, California
4.3
4.02 mi
/ 633 ft gain
This campground is the closest you can get to staying overnight on Pt. Reyes coastline if you're backpacking in. Once you get there, enjoy the view!
The easiest way to get to the camp is from the slightly uphill hike along the Laguna Trail and the Firelane Trail. The trailhead for the Laguna Tra...
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Inverness, California
Sculptured Beach along the Point Reyes National Seashore is reached by an an out-and-back trail along the Coastal Trail. Starting from Limantour Beach, leave the parking lot down toward the beach, then after a brief walk, head away from the coast shortly to join the Coastal Trail. This trail will...
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Point Reyes Station, California
5.0
4.94 mi
/ 377 ft gain
Leave your car on a side of the road. When navigating there, put "HI Hostel Point Reyes" in your navigation - you park literally on the other side of the road, opposite to the hostel. Go to the west and soon you'll find the start of Coast Trail with a tsunami warning sign.
During first 1.8 mile ...
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