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Oakland, California

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Oakland

  • Richmond, California

    Hike the Wildcat Canyon Loop

    4.0
    10.5 mi / 2300 ft gain
    Starting off on Wildcat Creek Trail, the trail is wide and rolling. After about 4 miles make a left on Jewel Trail, then onto Sylvan Trail. Another left puts you on Wildcat Peak Trail. Be sure to check your map, as many trails intersect here. Wildcat Peak Trail runs into Nimitz Way, at which poin...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Batteries to Bluffs Trail

    4.8
    2.33 mi / 417 ft gain
    The Batteries to Bluffs Trail in the Presidio is a true gem of San Francisco. It has everything you could want in a hike: a sea-side path along the ocean, relatively easy parking, gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and a secluded beach that's perfect for picnics, sunbathing, and enjoying t...
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  • Sausalito, California

    Battery Spencer

    4.0
    0.47 mi / 46 ft gain
    This is a very popular spot to hike up to from Conzelman Road. You can find parking in the lot or on the street and do the quick hike up to Battery Spencer. You can get a perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge and SF from the Marin side of the Bay. This is a unique perspective as you also get the...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Kirby Cove

    4.7
    2 mi
    This scenic hike is a 1.8 mile out-and-back trail located near Sausalito, CA. From the trail and beach, you'll get scenic of the Golden Gate, San Francisco's skyline, and glimpses of the East Bay. The best news, there's rarely any crowd. Consider packing a blanket and a small picnic. With panora...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Lands End Trail

    4.7
    3.26 mi / 500 ft gain
    The Lands End Trail is a 3.26 mile out-and-back hike located in the northwest corner of San Francisco along the city's rugged coastline. Offering spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and the Pacific Ocean, the hike is one of the most popular trails in San Francisco for ...
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  • 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...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Mile Rock Beach

    4.7
    1.64 mi
    This rocky, secluded beach is tucked in along the Land’s End Coastal Trail in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Located 100 or so steps down from the main trail, you’ll find this mysterious little beach that will make you feel like you’re in an old pirate movie. There are a lot of logs an...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • Sausalito, California

    Ninja Loop

    9.37 mi / 1831 ft gain
    This loop can start from several different locations, including Rodeo Beach and the Golden Gate Bridge parking lot. Starting from the GGB will add 2 more miles onto this run. I like to start at the Coastal Trailhead parking lot off of McCullough and Conzelman Roads (just a notch down from Hawk Hi...
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  • Sausalito, California

    Marin Headlands Trail Loop

    10.5 mi / 1990 ft gain
    This trail starts at the Coastal Trail in Marin Headlands Park, where there's a small parking lot and outhouse bathroom off the circle when coming from Conzelman Road.Take the Coastal Trail until you intersect with Bunker Road (you can even turn right and spit off the trail just before intersecti...
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  • Sausalito, California

    Hawk Hill

    5.0
    0.76 mi / 144 ft gain
    If you're leaving from SF, head over the bridge and exit onto Alexander Ave. Make the immediate left under the overpass and you'll be on the road to Hawk Hill. There's a parking area just below the gate leading up to Hawk Hill. From the parking lot you can walk west about ten yards along the outs...
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  • 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...
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  • Martinez, California

    Muir Farm And Mount Wanda: John Muir Nature Trail

    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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  • Burlingame, California

    Hike the Ed Taylor Loop Trail in Mills Canyon

    4.0
    1.4 mi / 300 ft gain
    This hike can be done at any time of year. Hiking in winter and spring means that many varieties of wildflowers will be present, and the creek will have much more water. Summer and fall mean higher temperatures and drier conditions, but the hike is still a pleasant experience. Begin the hike at t...
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  • 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...
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