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San Mateo County, California

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near San Mateo County

  • 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. 
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  • 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.
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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

    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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  • Oakland, California

    Hike Redwood Regional Park via the Dunn Loop

    5.0
    3.6 mi / 606 ft gain
    The Redwood Regional Dunn Loop is just outside of Oakland, and can be reached from anywhere in the Bay Area for a fun day or half-day trip. The trail is open year-round. In the spring, wildflowers are abundant. The trail has a great mix of sun and shade. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash. 
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  • Oakland, California

    Run the Circumnavigation of Redwood Regional Park's Ultimate Trail Loop

    5.0
    7.5 mi / 1600 ft gain
    It’s difficult to have a car in San Francisco, but oh-so worth it when it comes to weekend getaways, especially with all the Bay Area has to offer. This is a super accessible trail system just 30 minutes outside of the city that makes for a fun, easy trail run or hike.Redwood Regional Park, part ...
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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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  • Oakland, California

    East & West Ridge Loop

    4.5
    3.47 mi / 833 ft gain
    Tucked away in the hills of Oakland, you will find one of the homes of California's Coastal Redwoods. Created by a unique geographical circumstance, this forest breathes winds funneled through the Golden Gate across the bay, which created environment opportune for Redwood growth. These Redwoods a...
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  • Livermore, California

    Hike the East Shore Trail Loop

    3.7 mi / 1040 ft gain
    This hike is best done during the spring, fall, or winter when moderate temperatures make the hike more comfortable. Be warned that this hike has a large elevation change despite being less than 4 miles. Starting at the Arroyo Road Staging Area, take the East Shore Trail east, heading towards a s...
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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Sausalito, California

    Black Sands Beach

    5.0
    0.54 mi / 285 ft gain
    Black Sand Beach is a beautiful, mile-long stretch of black sand just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. On a sunny day, it’s best to try and arrive in the morning, as the parking lot can fill up quickly. To get down to the beach, you’ll need to hike for about 5 minutes down 250 or so wooden steps....
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  • Oakland, California

    Sibley Volcanic Trail Labyrinths

    3.5
    2 mi / 144 ft gain
    From Skyline Blvd, pull into the staging area for Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, you'll see the sign. Parking here is usually easy to find. You'll find an unstaffed visitor center with a restroom, park maps and informational displays featuring the history and geology of the park. Sibley is a...
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  • Moraga, California

    Bollinger Creek Loop Trail

    1.43 mi / 213 ft gain
    Las Trampas Regional Wilderness offers an extensive trail system for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. The trail is open year round and dogs are allowed. The Las Trampas and Bollinger faults spread apart to reveal a wonderful wilderness area with ancient remnants of beaches. The entir...
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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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