Throw on some sunscreen and pack your bags with snacks and a bottle of water. Perhaps a tripod too, because we’re going hiking! San Francisco and its surrounding cities are home to many Insta-worthy, scenic trails. Here, you’ll read about 3 hidden Golden Gate Gem trails that we found that’ll give you the perfect brief urban escape.
Batteries to Bluffs Trail
If you prefer your hiking with a side of expansive ocean vistas, the Batteries to Bluffs Trail, a short but spectacular walk that snakes around the Presidio's rugged western shoreline, is an absolute must. This trail is only about 1.7-miles long and is deemed a moderate to difficult hike. It usually takes about 1 hour to complete. It’s a perfect round-trip hike that we recommend exploring in the evening at sunset. Although, even on a foggy day, it’ll still provide a memorable mini-trek.
The hike starts at an overlook of the Golden Gate Bridge and then leads down to the city’s historical artillery battery, Battery Godfrey. The trail also leads to a junction where hikers can take a detour to the calm and peaceful, Marshall’s Beach. This hike along the western bluffs of the city offers delightful, iconic views and a dip into the historical standing of the batteries, making it a must-have on our Golden Gate Gems hiking list.
Land’s End Coastal Trail
Land’s End Coastal Trail is a 3.4-mile looped hiking trail worth exploring. Everyone from tourists to locals love this trail all the same. It takes an average of 1 hour and 31 minutes to accomplish this moderately difficult route. This rocky cliff-top walk through shady cypress trees, as well as open grass areas, is perfect for soaking in the sun (on the days San Francisco actually has sun).
Hikers often favor taking a short detour along the trail to go to Mile Rock Beach, access to the ocean featuring the “Labyrinth”, a 35-foot stone labyrinth constructed by artist Eduardo Aguilera in 2004. Because this is a popular hiking, trail running, and walking area, you'll very certainly run into other people while exploring. Dress warm! As this trail is along the coastline, walkers often find themselves in chilly situations. The trail is available all year and is a lovely place to explore at any time of the year.
Rodeo Cove to Point Bonita Lighthouse
Okay, this one might not be in San Francisco, exactly, but we had to include it on our Golden Gate Gems list. Across the Golden Gate Bridge, the Rodeo Cove to Point Bonita Lighthouse trail is located in Sausalito, California, just less than half an hour away from downtown San Francisco. With amazing views of the bridge and San Francisco, beaches to enjoy, and a mild crowd, this Golden Gate Gem is a must-see for visitors and locals alike.
This 3.64-mile hike is considered moderately challenging and is an “out and back” type of trail that leads to a bridge to the Point Bonita Lighthouse, open Sundays and Mondays from 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM. Because it is only open 2 days a week, it can usually get a bit busy. This family-friendly hike takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete and is perfect if you’re the type of person who loves beaches.
תגובות