Sonoma County, California

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Sonoma County

  • Guinda, California

    Hike Pierce Canyon

    6.2 mi / 1079 ft gain
     This hike follows a fire road through some farms, up into the woods and up the ridge. It's an accessible and easy trail, with some decent incline starting about halfway through (thus the "moderate" rating instead of easy).   Park at the end of the road before the gate. (There is a sign that say...
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  • Jenner, California

    North Trail to the Pygmy Forest

    3.33 mi / 814 ft gain
    Salt Point State Park, about 90 miles north of San Francisco, features rugged, windswept coastline and dramatic forests of cypress, pine and redwoods. The North trail is a great way to experience much of the inland portion of the park including the unique Pygmy Forest, named for the stunted trees...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Golden Gate Park Loop

    6.32 mi / 482 ft gain
    Golden Gate Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you past some of the best sights of the park located in the heart of San Francisco, California. Starting in the Inner Sunset, you'll head out on the loop passing Stow Lake and continuing over Crossover drive into the Outer Richmond and Outer Sunset...
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  • 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...
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  • 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.
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  • 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....
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  • 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.
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  • San Francisco, California

    Tank Hill

    4.3
    0.14 mi / 49 ft gain
    Looking for a cool, under-the-radar spot that’s perfect for picnics, chilling out, and chasing the sunset? Look no further than Tank Hill. This little gem of a mini-park is 650 feet high and tucked away in Cole Valley. It’s so small that many maps of San Francisco don’t even include it. To get ...
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  • 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...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Sunset Reservoir

    0.69 mi / 62.99 ft gain
    Hidden in the Sunset District, the Sunset Reservoir is more than just piece of city infrastructure — its surrounding paths make for a convenient urban stroll with peaceful views, a solar rooftop, and surprising vistas of San Francisco. Trail & Walk Details Many local walkers estimate the fu...
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  • Oakland, California

    Sibley Volcanic Trail Labyrinths

    3.0
    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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  • Lafayette, California

    Lafayette Reservoir via Nature Area Rim Trail

    4.9
    5 mi / 758 ft gain
    Lafayette Reservoir is perfect for canoeing, mountain biking, trail running, and hiking. The Reservoir trail system is also used for nature walks and birding. The loop has several high points that have amazing views. The trails become very muddy after wet weather - so tread with caution.  Th...
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  • Lafayette, California

    Briones Park's Lafayette Ridge

    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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  • San Francisco, California

    Glen Canyon Park Trail

    5.0
    1.76 mi / 394 ft gain
    Glen Canyon Park Trail is a loop most commonly used for running or hiking in the southwestern side of San Francisco, California. Parking for the loop is street parking, so be sure to take any valuables out of the car with you.  Note: There are restrooms available at the Glen Canyon Recreation Ce...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Mount Davidson

    4.5
    1.03 mi / 299 ft gain
    Mount Davidson Park is located in the southwestern part of the city nestled between Diamond Heights and Portola Dr. The climb isn't too difficult, but to reach the top of the 928ft summit, you should wear close-toed shoes and be ready for some loose gravel or mud if it's been raining. The hike is...
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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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