If you’ve followed my blog long enough, you’ll know that I don’t always write about real estate. I like to share my personal hobbies as well. And at least once a year, I like to share a list of some of the best hikes in the Bay Area, for those who are looking for new outdoor adventures like myself!
This time, I’m sharing a 7×7 article that names one unique hike in each Bay Area county. Which lesser-known hikes are your favorites? Let me know in the comments! See the story below (with edits from me, to save space):
Made up of nine different counties, the Bay Area has a vast and varied landscape endowed with open spaces – and each has a unique set of trails waiting to be explored. We’ve chosen one hike that encapsulates each region’s beauty and charm like no other.
Tennessee Valley Coastal Trail to Pelican Inn (Marin County)
In a county full of spectacular trails, this hike in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area holds its own, with dramatic coastal bluffs and unsurpassed views of the Pacific. Mid-hike, stop for a pint at the Pelican Inn!
Inspiration Point to Wildcat Peak (Alameda County)
Berkeley’s Tilden Regional Park is beloved for a variety of reasons, not the least of which are its giant sequoias and impressive 360-degree views. This easy trail will take you to both.
Sindicich Lagoon Loop (Contra Costa County)
With its rolling hills and deep blue ponds, beautiful Briones Regional Park is pretty as a painting – especially after the rain. On this trail, you’ll hike across emerald (or gold, depending on the season) meadows splashed with colorful wildflowers.
Skyline Trail (Napa County)
One of the most popular parks in the Napa Valley, Skyline Wilderness is a lovely landscape of sloping hills and sun-dappled oak forest. On the Skyline Trail, you’ll roll through the landscape all the way to Lake Marie, a sapphire jewel nestled between the low peaks.
Lands End Trail (San Francisco)
This quintessential SF hike isn’t just a heart-pumping trail, it’s a journey to some of the west side’s most interesting landmarks and viewpoints. The Lands End Trail lop itself is a gorgeous three-mile route through the Presidio and along the coast.
Año Nuevo Point Trail (San Mateo County)
This trail along one of San Mateo’s most dramatic coastlines is part hike, part wildlife safari. Año Nuevo State Park is famous for its winter residents, the elephant seals who come ashore to mate and raise their young. But the beach is an ideal spot for catching sight of whales and sea birds all year-round.
Mount Umunhum Summit Trail (Santa Clara County)
This moderately challenging hike sweeps you up through the Santa Cruz Mountains to the eight-story radar tower at the summit of Mount Umunhum. You’ll steadily climb through oak and manzanita scrub before opening up to views that ripple from the Sierra Azul all the way to San Francisco.
North Ridge to Saddle Trail Loop (Solano County)
Hike with a herd at Solano County’s Lynch Canyon Open Space. The classic Northern California landscape, with its rolling meadows and groves of buckeye and oak, is also the home of curious cattle who will keep an eye on your progress.
Goodspeed-Natkemper Trail to Hood Mountain (Sonoma County)
The Mayacamas, the lovely, low mountain range that borders the Sonoma Valley, boast some of the best hiking in the country. On the Goodspeed-Natkemper Trail, you’ll travel more than 2,000 feet up Hood Mountain!
