If there’s one thing the Bay Area isn’t hurting for, it’s great hiking spots. I love to get out there and explore new hikes when the weather is especially nice. And 7×7 published a great list of the 12 must-do hikes around the Bay Area earlier this year. I picked my five favorites from the article to share here!
The Presidio, Inspiration Point to the Presidio Tunnel Tops (approx. 4-mile loop)
This hike ends at the new Presidio park in San Francisco which is absolutely stunning. It just opened up this summer, so it might still be popular (and crowded). But if you start at Inspiration Point and follow the Bay Ridge Trail, you’ll end up right at that new park!
Mount Diablo State Park, Twin Peaks Mitchell Rock Loop (4.9-mile loop)
For those of you, like me, who live in the East Bay, you’re probably familiar with Mt. Diablo’s great hiking. As the 7×7 article reads, “The views from the summit of the East Bay’s Mount Diablo are stunning at any time of year, but in late September and October you’ll want to keep close watch on the trail. It’s there that, in the early fall, the mountain’s randy tarantulas emerge with their eight eyes set on love.” It’s kind of creepy, but I’ve seen the tarantula brigade myself and it’s a crazy sight! Oh, and the hike is wonderful in its own right!
Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve, McGuire Peaks Trail (5.9-mile loop)
Sunol has some lovely wildflowers during the spring and the hike through them on McGuire Peaks Trail is well worth the effort (even now, when we aren’t in flower-bloomin’ season). Warning: this can be a difficult hike at times!
Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Point Trail (9.7 miles out and back)
Everyone knows about – and loves Point Reyes. You can’t beat the views on the Tomales Point Trail, especially on a clear day (but the fog is beautiful too!). According to the 7×7 article, 94% of gray whales pass within a mile of Point Reyes between December and February – so if you go during that time, bring some whale-watching goggles!
Mount Tamalpais State Park, Matt Davis-Steep Ravine Loop (6.4-mile loop)
I may have saved the best for last! Mt. Tam has some of the most breathtaking hiking routes in the state – maybe in the country. This loop begins in the lovely little beach town of Stinson Beach, takes you through large forests which open to expansive ocean views, and even throws in a few waterfalls for good measure.
