Presidio Cemetery Loop

The Presidio Loop Hike is located in the central area of San Francisco's Presidio park. It is a former U.S. Army post and features various military housing units in Spanish Colonial style, which are now occupied by civilian government workers. The trail offers great views of Golden Gate Bridge, especially at the vista point next to the National Cemetery.

The trail starts at a small parking lot on Kobbe Ave. Take the steps down to the tennis courts, and find the forest track heading east towards Schofield Rd. Cross under the highway and find the Park Trail winding up to the cemetary outlook.

Then cut through to Nauman Rd, proceed on Amatury Loop, and cross under the highway again. On the forest trail heading north-west, continue to Wright Loop and back to the parking lot. See more

Tank Hill Mount Olympus Loop

The Tank Hill Mount Olympus Loop Hike is jam packed with spectacular views at rarely traveled sites. Starting at Tank Hill, Twin Peaks lesser known sibling, the route leads through parts of Cole Valley and then climbs up the stairs to Mount Olympus, a residential neighborhood offering another breathtaking city view.

Downhill from there, it crosses over to Corona Heights, leading down Vulcan Stairs, crossing 17th St and then winding up Corbett Ave, before another long set of ancient stairs, the Pemberton Steps, lead back to the Tank Hill neighborhood where we started. See more

Vulcan Stairs Buena Vista Loop

Proceed down Vulcan Stairs to the south side of Corona Heights Park, winding through and passing by pickle ball and tennis courts, to finally transfer over to the next neighborhood to surround Buena Vista Park.

Walk around park with its dense tree structures, and marvel at ancient apartment buildings with their art noveau style decor. See more

Duncan Hill and Billy Goat Hill

In iconic Noe Valley, you can find rather steep but rewarding routes up and down the hills facing Twin Peaks. This hike leads you up to Billy Goat Hill, offering scenic views featuring San Francisco's downtown.

But that's not all, you'll also find the even lesser known Duncan Hill with equally rewarding views of Market St, Downtown, and the Financial District. See more

Malta Dr to Mt Davidson

This city walk starts in the Miraloma neighborhood, west of Glen Canyon Park, and first leads to a spectacular vista point above O'Shaugnessy Blvd, overlooking the canyon and large parts of the Excelsior. After cutting through the Sunnyside Playground, it leads up a small hidden path (Lulu Alley) to the foot of Mt Davidson. Proceeding upwards on Molimo Dr, the path enters Mt Davidson Park at a hidden entry which offers amazing views of Miraloma and West Portal.

In the park with its rocky trails, the route then circles around the Mt Davidson summit, without too much change in elevation, exiting the park on the south side onto Dalewood Way. Proceeding east from here, again without much elevation change, the path leads back to our previous crossing point at Molimo Dr, from where we proceed towards Myra Way, down the Avoca Alley stairs at the playground, and follow Bella Vista Way until Teresita Blvd, which we follow until Stillings Ave leads us back to the trail entry on Malta Dr. See more

Bayview to Bernal Heights to Mission to Noe

This one-way trail starts at a rarely traveled footbridge over the US-101 freeway in the Bayview, crosses into Bernal Heights, then into the Mission District, and from there leads into Noe Valley.

Enter the footbridge at the end of Faith St off of Bayshore Blvd and watch in amazement how it zig zags up to great heights and finally crosses the always busy US-101 freeway.

Upon entering Bernal Heights at the end of the footbridge, turn right and follow Holladay Ave north. At a sharp left corner, take the foot steps down to the 'hairball' freeway maze, and follow Cesar Chavez St. onto Precita Ave.

Proceed straight by the park, scale up the Bessie Stairs, follow Mirable Ave, go down the hidden stairs and onto Mission. Turn right on Mission St. and continue until 24th St, then turn left, all the way up to Noe Valley. See more

Edgehill Mountain Forest Hill Loop

Edgehill is a secluded neighborhood adjacent to Portola Drive, not far from West Portal. The trail entrance on Ulloa St is at a gate that's open for foot traffic. Go up the hill, and at the end of the paved road, follow the forest trail which leads over to Edgehill Way. Turning right at the crossing with a rusty sculpture leads to a nice loop trail around Edgehill Heights with nice views. Coming back from the loop, proceed north on Edgehill Way, then turn left on Garcia Ave, left on Vasquez Ave and take the stairs down to Dewey Blvd.

Cross the big intersection and find the majestic stairs on the opposite side. Go all the way up, then turn right on Castenada Ave, continue upwards to Ventura Ave, then turn left at the small pathway over to Pacheo St and find the connecting stairs downwards. Wiggle down on Sotelo/Mendoza Avenues until 9th Ave, where's another set of stairs down to San Marcos and Castenada Ave. Proceed down to Taraval St., take the Kensington Way exit and make a right at the small pathway down to Dorchester Way, leading back to Ulloa. See more

Sanchez Mission Loop

Starting on Church St in Noe Valley, cut over to Slow Sanchez St, which is closed to motorized through traffic and great for walking. On 30th St, turn left, cross over busy San Jose Ave at the light and turn right into 29th St. about 500ft north. Make a left at Tiffany Ave.

Before reaching the end of Tiffany Ave, there's a small opening to the Burger King parking lot, cut through the lot, cross Mission St., and continue on Fair Ave up the hill. Proceed up the stairs, make a left at Prospect Ave, left on Coso Ave, and find the narrow stairs starting on Montezuma St and leading down to Precita Ave.

Turn right on Precita, follow it until Shotwell St, then turn left, cross Cesar Chavez and follow Shotwell St until 25th St, then turn right. Pass the soccer field at Garfield Square, turn left on Harrison, then turn left on 24th and follow it all the way up back to Noe Valley. See more

St Marys Footbridge, Excelsior to Glen Park

This journey begins and ends in Glen Park, and you'll be using two spectacular foot bridges over busy freeways before and after crossing into parts of the Excelsior. Start by venturing through St Mary's Park, go downhill to the playground, and keep moving towards the freeway. Cross the bustling US-280 freeway via the scenic footbridge.

Cross Silver Ave, ascend uphill, then take a right onto Pioche St. Continue your path onto Valmar Terrace, where you'll descend down the stairs to Athens St. Turn left and follow the stairs to Avalon Ave.

Stay on course on Avalon Ave as it transforms into Theresa St. Turn left to find the entrance to the another footbridge over the US-280 freeway. On the other side, find the big intersection at Diamond St, turn left and later make a right onto Wilder St. Continue along Arlington St, and when you reach Roanoke St, cross San Jose Ave over another footbridge. Follow College Ave, and cross Mission St to return to the starting point at St. Marys Park. See more

Noe Castro Short Loop

This short loop trail covers some backstreets in Noe Valley and offers a nice view down to the Bay. Start at 24th at Elizabeth St. and head west until you hit Castro St. Make a left and follow Castro, first downhill, then uphill, until you reach 27th St.

Turn left on 27th St (stairs are optional), hike over the hill, go down to the cul-de-sac, and take the stairs to descent onto Noe St. and then Sanchez St. Turn left on Sanchez and follow the slow street back to 24th or Elizabeth. See more

Balboa Park, Cayuga Terrace, Ingleside Loop

This loop trail starts near Balboa Park station and descends down to Cayuga Ave and Cayuga Park. About halfway through the park, take the path up to the left and exit the park onto Alemany Blvd. Turn right, and after about 200 ft, turn right again onto a path to a maze winding all the way up to a footbridge crossing the US-280 freeway.

Cross the bridge, turn left on San Jose Ave and right again at Plymouth Ave. Go uphill, and cross through the playground diagonally, following the paved path.

Exit west onto Minerva St, proceed to Orizaba Ave, then turn right and scale the steep hill. At the top, you'll find spectacular Lakeview and Asthon View Park. Exit to the east, and follow Lakeview St all the way to Josiah Ave, turn left there, and after 200 ft, turn right onto the hidden footpath leading downhill. Take the stairs all the way down to St. Miguel St., follow that to Tara Street, cross the big intersection at Geneva St and return to Balboa Park station. See more

Laguna Hospital Loop

This short loop hike begins in the area west of Twin Peaks, called Midtown Terrace. The trail starts on the dirt path next to Panorama Dr, slightly north of Mountview Ct. Proceed downwards, pass a graffiti covered water tower, and exit the trail onto the parking lot by the hospital.

Shortly after, spot the trail to your right, covered by trees, which descends down to the hospital grounds and a grassy meadow. Follow the trail into the woods, and notice a deteriorated MUNI tower which provides ventilation to the underground MUNI track leading through there.

When the trail splits into a part that leads uphill, and one that leads downhill, go right to follow the downhill path until there's a hidden exit onto Clarendon Ave. Turn right on Clarendon Ave, make a right on Olympia Way, and finally a right on Panorama Drive to get back to the starting point. See more

Parnassus Loop

This route goes all around Mt Sutro, with an interesting twist. From Clarendon Ave, take Christopher Dr and go down to Warren Dr. Proceed to Locksley Ave. Make a right on Kirkham St, keep going straight up through the clinic parking area and make a right at the top, proceeding until the path is closed for traffic.

Go down on the right path, which leads to a set of metal stairs going upwards. Continue on this route (follow 'Exit' signs), passing by various pipes and machinery, until a final set of metal stairs leads down to a parking area leading to Medical Way.

Cross Medical Way and take the stairs upwards into the wooded area. Stay right, and turn left at the top. Go downwards till you hit a paved road again. Turn right into Edgewood Ave, go all the way up to the dead end. Enter the forest and follow the winding Edgewood Trail. When the trail splits, stay left, going up the Fairy Gates Trail which leads back to Johnstone Drive and Clarendon Ave. See more

Glen Park Canyon

Descend into the urban Glen Park Canyon from Christopher Playground near the Diamond Heights Safeway. Turn left into the wooded area right before the last set of stairs and keep going horizontally at roughly the same elevation. Climb over the rocks that are in the way and keep following the path going slightly downward.

Keep going until you have the rec center to your right below, and climb up the stairs leading to Sussex St. At the top, turn left on Diamond Heights Blvd, then proceed upwards towards Berkeley Way. When Diamond Heights Blvd bends to the right, enter Berkeley Way and take the Onique Ln stairs up to Gold Mine Dr. Turn left and follow Gold Mine Dr all the way up, past Jade Pl, when you'll find a set of stairs to the left, decorated with mirrors, which descend down to the Safeway in the shopping center. See more

Portrero Mission Loop

The Portrero Mission Loop starts on the east side of Potrero Del Sol Skate Park. Cross through the park, exit onto Portrero Ave, cross at the light and walk back to the first entry of Rolph Playground. Exit onto Hampshire and go towards Cesar Chavez. Use the overpath to cross and continue east on the south side, following the bike path.

At the end of the freeway maze (called 'hairball'), cross Cesar Chavez (safely at Kansas St) and walk up Vermont St, then continue on 26th St. Turn left at Wisconsin St, left on Caronline St, and cross through Starr King Open Space on dirt paths. At the bottom of Starr King, turn right and walk up De Haro St.

At the top of the hill on De Haro, turn left into 22nd St and walk down to Vermont St. Take the footbridge to cross the US-101 freeway. Continue left on Vermont on the east side of the freeway, until you hit 25th St and the starting point at the skatepark. See more

Twin Peaks Via Dirt Path

You can get to Twin Peaks by car -- or on foot from Noe Valley. Start west on Elizabeth and Church St, turn right on Douglas, left on Romain. At Market St, take the winding ramp up onto the footbridge and cross over. Continue on Romain St till Corbett St, then continue straight on by taking the stairs up to Rooftop Elementary. At the gate, turn right and follow the dirt path around the corner, then go up the stairs to Burnett Ave. Turn right. At Gardenside Dr, cross the street and take the dirt path going up by the side of the hill.

Continue on the dirt path. You can take one of two forks turning right to go up to the summit (called 'Christmas Tree Point') or continue straight and exit the dirt path on Parkridge Drive. Take the stairs down to Gardenside and Burnett. Turn left, then right down on Hopkins, right on Corbett. At the bus stop, take the path to the left, leading to another footbridge over Market St. On the other side, turn left and then right on 23rd to get back to central Noe Valley. See more

Glen Park Canyon Upper Loop

This short hike covers the north side of Glen Canyon, as a short alternative to the previous hike in the lower sections. Start from Christopher Playground, but turn right before entering the canyon and follow the path west. Stay in the higher parts of the canyon until you see a few houses on high stilts to the right, then take the fork to the right upwards towards the buildings, leading to a path with stairs going up to Amber Dr.

Turn left on Amber Dr and follow the road until Cameo Way, where you turn right. Shortly before hitting Duncan St, take the stairs down to the right and make a left when you get to Amber Dr again. At the SFPD training facility, make a right and follow the grassy path leading back to the park and the shopping center parking lot. See more

Kite Hill

Kite Hill is easy to reach from Noe Valley, just go west on Elizabeth St, then make a right on Douglass St. Stay left when it splits and turn left on Romain St. Walk up until Grand View Ave and proceed till Grand View Terrace, where you turn right.

Enjoy the great view of downtown San Francisco when entering the often windy park, and scale down the rocky path while keeping right and exiting at Corwin St. Follow Corwin St until Douglass, and turn right to return on the same route you took previously. See more

Bernal Heights - Around the Hill

This hike surrounds the 'Bernal' landmark hill, yet requires mastering some elevation changes. Start at Coleridge and Eugenia St, going up Eugenia, and follow the street all the way to Prentiss St, where you make a left uphill, followed by a right on Powhattan Ave.

When it becomes Franconia St after a sharp left turn (note US-101 down far below), follow it till the dead end where there's a set of stairs leading upwards, called 'Peralta Stairs'. Up there, keep going straight following Peralta, until at Samoset St there's a tiny park on the left. Enter it and try out the swing! Take the steps down to Rutledge St, turn left, then left on Alabama St, and make a right on Ripley St.

Follow Ripley all the way to Folsom St, cross Folsom, and enter the dirt path after climbing over the guard rail. Keep going upwards on the dirt path until it meets Bernal Heights Blvd, follow that to the stairs leading down to Esmeralda Ave. Slide down the Esmeralda slide and you're back at Coleridge. See more

Potrero Loop

Park at 18th and Utah St and get on the footbridge crossing I-80. Turn right and walk upward on San Bruno Ave. Upon entering McKinley Square, either stick to the route closest to the freeway or twisting Vermont St, also known as 'Lombard of Locals'. At the bottom, turn left and walk up the steep hill on 22nd St. Behind the 'Dead End' sign at the top, find the stairs down to Arkansas St and then keep going straight following the dirt path.

Stay right to surround the rec center and exit again on Arkansas St further south. Follow 23rd St west and enter Starr King Open Space and check out the swings. Cross diagonally through the grass and exit west onto De Haro St., to walk south. Make a right on 26th St. and follow Vermont down to Cesar Chavez.

Follow the bike lane through the freeway maze, then cross through Rolph Playground to get to Hampshire St. Continue going north, until 18th St, then turn right to get to the parking location. See more

Mission Bay Loop

Park neart 18th and Tennessee St and cross over 3rd street to enter the greenspace at the shoreline. Exit the greenspace on its north end but continue to follow the shoreline along Terry A. Francois Blvd, passing by Chase Center and finally arriving at the 3rd St bridge over Mission Creek. Follow Mission Creek west, first on the north, then on the south side.

Cross 7th St and follow Channel St, then Carolina St down to 16th St, cross over and continue to Jackson Park. Cross over the Potrero Hills to 20th St and proceed west, cross I-280 on the overpath, continue to Tennessee St, then turn left to get back to the starting point. See more

Baker Beach

Park at 15th Ave and Wedemeyer St at the Presidio Landmark and take the Lobos Creek Valley Trail down to the beach. You can walk on the beach almost all the way to the north end, but the last exit is the 'Sand Ladder' a few hundred yards before that.

The trail leads you back to Washington Blvd in the Presidio. Make a right on Battery Caulfield Rd to get back to the parking location. See more

Miraloma Loop

Park on Marietta Dr at Evelyn Way. Go down Marietta until a dirt path opens up on the left side when Marietta makes a sharp right turn. Explore the path, you'll be standing on top of a cliff, and there's great views of Glen Canyon and the Excelsior to be enjoyed.

Return to Marietta, cross Teresia Blvd, and continue on Molimo Dr. Make a right at Dorcas Way and turn left on Bella Vista Way. Take the stairs up to the right and turn right on Myra Way. Follow Myra till La Bica Way, turn right and then left on Rockdale Dr. Turn right at Chaves Ave and right on Evelyn to get back to the parking location. See more

Noe/Glen Park/Bernal Loop

Starting from 24th St at 'slow' Sanchez St, go south on Sanchez until 30th, then turn right and walk up the steep hill until Laidley, then cross over to the left. Follow Laidley till Roanoke, turn left and go down the hill, find the footbridge over San Jose Ave and cross over. Find the small paved footpath going north, starting at St. Marys Ave going parallel to San Jose Ave, it's called 'Bernal Cut'. Follow the path until Highland Ave, then turn right.

Follow Highland Ave until Patton St, turn left, and find Gladys St to the left when you arrive at Appleton Ave. Follow Gladys until Santa Marina St, turn right and take a left up the stairs to Prospect Ave after 100 yards. Follow Prospect Ave until Virginia Ave, turn left and follow Virginia, cross Mission St and continue on Tiffany Ave.

When Tiffany ends at Duncan, turn left and follow Duncan, first crossing San Jose Ave, then Dolores St. On Church, make a right and continue to the starting point at 24th St. See more

Mount Davidson Short Loop

This hike goes all around Mt Davidson. It starts at Myra Way and Molimo Dr. Walk uphill on Molino Dr until you see a somewhat hidden dirt path park entrance and proceed up the rocky path. Enjoy the views of Miraloma in the open space, continue into the forest and then take the first fork to the right after about quarter mile. Descend on the path, keep right when it forks. Exiting the park at La Bica Way, make a left on Rockdale Dr, right on Chaves Ave, left on Del Sur Ave, and left on Juanita Way.

Follow Juanita Way until it ends at Landsdale Ave, then turn right. Follow the road uphill, and make a left Robinhood Dr. Follow Robinhood Dr all the way uphill until it levels out and make a left on Landsdale Ave, and continue on Myra Way to the starting point. See more

Lands End Loop

Park at 43rd Ave and Geary Blvd, walk up 43rd to Clement St, cross over and find the foot path veering off slightly to the right, leading straight into the VA Medical Center. Keep going north, cross Veterans Dr and continue on the foot path. Walk along the buildings and keep left when the space opens up, to find the 'Battle-of-the-Bulge' path leading downhill into a dune like landscape.

Stay left when the path meets El Camino del Mar and then follow the steps and path heading to Lands End. Keep following the path when it makes a left turn to head south, remain on the outer edges for great views.

Continue to Point Lobos Ave, cross over and continue on the dirt path leading into Sutro Height Park with great views of Ocean Beach. Head down the stairs to Balboa St, turn left and keep going till 43rd Ave, turn left and head up back to the parking location. See more

Twin Peaks West

This hike circles around Twin Peaks and offers spectacular views in all directions. Park at Panorama Dr shortly after exiting from Portola Dr. Walk over the hill on Panorama, make a right at Cityview Way, then a left at Knollview Way, leading you back to Panorama Dr.

Turn right at Marview Way, and go up the somewhat hidden stairs on the left after about 100 yds. On Fairview Ct., turn right, cross Marview Way and find the dirt path starting just right of the gate and fence. It leads by Twin Peaks Reservoir uphill to Twin Peaks Blvd. Turn right on Twin Peaks Blvd, taking the narrow dirt path beside the street and guide rail. Venture over to Christmas Tree Viewpoint if you want. Continue the trail by passing trough the cement barriers which close the east part of Twin Peaks Blvd to traffic.

Follow Twin Peaks Blvd until the closed section ends and take the dirt path and steps down to the left. On the second crossing, cross Twin Peaks Blvd and walk it down all the way to Portola Dr. See more

Bayview Loop

Park on Oakdale Ave at Bayshore Blvd, cross at the light and find tiny Faith St, leading up to a footbridge ramp over US-101. Turn right on Holladay Ave, follow it till a sharp left bend, then descend on the stairs leading down to the freeway hairball. Follow the bike path east, cross Cesar Chavez (safely at Kansas St) and walk up Vermont St. Continue on 26th St, turn left on Wisconsin St, right on 25th, and right on Pennsylvania. Cross Cesar Chavez and find the bike/footpath opening on the other side, wedged between Freeway exits.

Walk down the enclosed bike/footpath, follow it along Islais Creek Channel and enter Tulare Park. Proceed through the Skatepark, go down the stairs and keep going despite the walkway ending. There is a gap in the metal fence, slip through it to enter 3rd St.

Go south on 3rd St till the end of the bridge, past Custer Ave, and then turn right on Phelps St.. Follow it for a mile and then turn right on Palou Ave, which leads back to Oakdale (stay right). See more

Pacific Heights Lyon Stairs

On Sacramento St. near Baker, walk north through the library garden, then turn left on Clay St and right on Lyon St. Follow Lyon St, proceed down the stairs and then turn right on Green St. Make a right on Baker St, scale the Baker street steps and go left on Broadway, San Franciso's 'Billionaire Row'. Proceed until Scott St, turn right. At Jackson St, explore the park and then go east on Washington St to the starting point. See more

Lone Mountain Campus Loop

Start this hike on Masonic Ave between Turk Blvd and Anza St, enter the Lone Mountain campus on the east side, traverse through to Anza St and then go back uphill over the stairs until you're at the chapel level. Exit the campus on the south west corner, taking the paved pathway that starts to go west between Turk Blvd and Anza St.

Arriving at the Angelo Rossi playground, turn right and walk around to the closest entrance on Anza St. Pass through the playground, exiting on Arguello Blvd at the short stairs.

Go south on Arguello, enter Golden Gate Park and turn left onto the dirt path after 100 yds. Stay on the path until you see the Rec and Park log cabin, walk around it, and exit onto the Pan Handle. Walk east on the Panhandle bike path till Central Ave, then turn north and get back to Turk Blvd, and to the starting point. See more

Presidio Battery Bluff Park

Start at the Presidio Arguello entrance. After the golf course lot, turn left on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Walk until it exits onto Washington Blvd, follow it, then make a right to follow Nauman Road.

Turn right onto the dirt path, leading to the cemetery viewpoint. From there, take the stairs down to Park Blvd. Continue south on McDowell Ave and after about 300 yds, there's a paved footpath going off to the right, leading you to Presidio Battery Bluff Park.

Passing all the way through the park, you'll end up on Sheridan Ave, which forks off Infantry Terrace after 300 yds. Follow that uphill, go around the big left turn, to end up on Arguello Bvld again. Find the dirt path leading into the woods a bit left of where you exited, follow that, and turn right onto Ecology Trail shortly after. This leads you back to either Inspiration Point or west Pacific Ave to bring you back.

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Poppy and Penny Lane

From 24th and Church St, proceed to slow Sanchez and walk south until 27th St. in Noe Valley. Turn right on 27th St and climb up the hill until Castro St, then turn left, climb Duncan Hill and continue south to 28th over the stairs.

Turn right on 28th St, then left on Diamond St, pass the 29th and Diamond open space, and then take Beacon St down to the left. With Billy Goat Hill to the left, take the steps to the right up to Walter Haas Playground. Exit the playground on the south end, onto Farnum St, continue walking to Moffitt St, turn left, then right on Diamond St, and then right on Arbor St.

Turn left on Conrad St, and after about about 100 yds, there's Poppy Ln to the left. Follow that until it exits onto Diamond St, then turn left into Penny Ln after 100 yds. At the end, turn left, up the stairs to Sussex St, right onto Castro and left onto Laidley. Follow Laidley all the way to 30th St and turn right to get back to central Noe Valley. See more

St. Francis Wood

This easy one hour hike leads through San Francisco's most schmancy neighborhoods, St Francis Wood, off of Portola Ave. It features extravagant villas and great views of Edgewood and the Sunset, all the way to the ocean.

Park on Ulloah and cross busy Portola Ave over the footbridge. Go down the stairs again and walk 100 ft west on the sidewalk of Portola, to make a left onto San Pablo Ave. At Santa Monica Way, make a right and follow it past the next intersection.

Turn left on Santa Clara Ave, right at San Anselmo Ave, left at Santa Ana Ave, proceed up to the fountain, then turn left on Saint Francis Blvd. Find the secret stairway on San Anselmo, go down, and up the stairs on the other side. Right on Yerba Buena and then left on Miraloma brings you back. See more

Montara Mountain Trail

This trail starts at the parking lot of 'San Pedro Valley County Park' in the Pacifica hinterland. Parking at the visitor center is 6 Dollars.

Make sure to choose a clear day for this hike, the views of Lindamar, Montara, but also South San Francisco are quite rewarding.

It can be done either as a 1.5 hour loop, or if you feel strong, once you reach the fire road, go left and follow it all the way to the power station at North Peak. Take a break and hike back to the loop and continue walking it down in the other direction. This bumps up the total hiking time to 3.5 hours because it covers extra elevation, but it's well worth it. See more

Hunters Point India Basin Innes Park

Biking from Noe Valley to Innes Park in Hunters Point! Take 23rd St down to Hampshire St, turn right and follow it to Cesar Chavez. Find the foot bridge to your left and cross busy Cesar Chavez.

Exit the bridge to the right, take the bike path underneath the highway maze. Cross two 280 exits and turn right onto Bayshore Blvd. Stay in the left bike lane, cross Marin St, then turn left onto Jerrold, and right onto Barneveld Ave. Follow it all the way over Oakdale Ave, and make a left on Palou Ave.

Follow Palou Ave all the way to Lane St, make a left. Turn left at McKinnon Ave, right on Mendell St. and follow it all the way to Fairfax Ave, make a right. Then make a right on Keith St., right on Evans and a left onto Jennings St. which leads to Heron's Head Park.

Heron's Head Park offers nice views. Turn back and keep left at the hut to find the grey/white footbridge over to India Basin Park. See more

John McLaren Park, Philosopher's Way

The trail starts at the parking lot at the corner of Mansell St and Visitation Ave in the Excelsior. Sizable rock slates with engraved arrows show the direction at pretty much every turn. Head west from the parking lot, to enjoy views of the Bay and San Bruno Mountains.

The trail moves along the upper border of the golf course, and stays clear of the sketchy parts of Sunnydale. At the western edge of McLaren Park, turn right and cross Mansell St. Continue until you hit John F Shelley Dr. Turn left to the parking lot and note a narrow paved path that leads up to the blue water tower. This landmark is visible all over the city, and accordingly offers a great 180 view of Downtown, Bernal Height and Glen Park from that highest point.

Follow the dirt path parallel to John F Shelley Dr going north-east, make a right at the playground and picnic area and follow the path uphill. The path leads past Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, and further up through a wooded area back to the trailhead at the parking lot. See more

Forest Hill

This loop hike leads you through one of San Francisco's old money neighborhoods. Marvel at vast mansions and climb lavishly wide stairs, and feel transported back to the 40ies and 50ies of the last century.

Park on Idora Ave, follow it until Garcia Ave, make a left, and follow Garcia Ave to Vasquez Ave, then make a left. Follow Vasques Ave to the giant roundabout at Dewey Blvd, cross through to Montalvo Ave and follow that upwards. Stay on Montalvo Ave when it crosses Dorantes Ave, and make a right at Castenada Ave.

Follow Castenada Ave beyond San Marcos Ave and Pacheo St, then make a right on Magellan Ave. Follow that downwards until it reaches Pacheo, make a left, cross Dewey Blvd again and proceed straight on, cross Merced Ave and continue down the stairs to Garcia Ave. See more

Upper Forest Hill

The upper part of Forest Hill is quite hilly, and this route not only features several stairways but extremely steep roads as well.

That along with the typical eclectic Forest Hill villa architecture, a hodgepodge of styles from modern to kitshy, and you're in for a good workout and great views unless it's foggy as it was when I was there. See more

Balboa High City College Loop

This hike leads over two college campuses in the Balboa Park working class neighborhood and includes two Freeway 280 footbridges.

Park on San Juan Ave near San Jose Ave and cross through grassy Balboa Park on the paved path, leading back out onto Havelock St. At its end, turn left and look for a footbridge leading first over the railroad tracks and then over the 280 freeway. On the other side of the bridge, follow Havelock and keep to the right of Ram Stadium.

Get back on campus, follow Cloud Circle, make a left, and walk by the cafeteria, then turn right on Science Circle. Pass the stairs up to the City College building, and turn right at Cloud Circle again.

After 300ft, make a left onto a paved thoroughfare, and continue until you hit Judson Ave. Make a right and continue on Judson, which becomes Paulding St, and leads first over 280 and then railroad tracks onto San Jose Ave. See more

Cumberland St to Dolores Park

Starting in Noe Valley, this hike leads through some of its hilliest parts with iconic stairs and crosses over to the Castro neighborhood, to finally circle back to Dolores Park and Noe Valley.

Start on Elizabeth St at Sanchez St and hike up steep, steep Sanchez St. until Liberty St. Note the famous Frederick Roeber house at this intersection, and turn left onto Libery St until it hits Noe St. Turn right and follow down Noe St, continue until Cumberland St and make a right.

Cumberland first moves uphill, then levels out and stairs lead down eastward toward Dolores Park. Proceed down to Church and make a right. Continue uphill until the peak at 21st St, then downhill and back into Noe Valley. See more

Quintara Grand View Loop

This loop through San Francisco's Golden Gate Heights neighborhood features spectacular views of the Sunset district, all the way to the ocean, as well as some gnarly steep and high up stairs. From Funston St and Quintara St, you can climb down Funston for a peek into the closed Hawk Hill area, but you need to backtrack, as that's a dead end.

Back at Quintara, hike up 14th Ave, past the impressive rock formations at Mount Ln, and all the way up to Grand View Hill. Take the stairs to the summit, walk all away around and enjoy the 360 view from the ocean to Golden Gate Bridge, to Twin Peaks.

Go down the stairs on the east side of the hill, continue on Moraga, make right on Funston and a left on Ortega. Follow Ortega to 11th Ave, turn right, and then turn left on Pacheco St., then right at 10th St. and right on Quintara, back to the starting point. See more

Rodeo Beach Loop

For this hike, you have to cross Golden Gate Bridge and exit at Alexander Ave, to drive to Rodeo Beach through the tunnel. At the beach, proceed all the way west until the end of the lagoon, then follow the stairs/footpath uphill.

If you go straight west, you'll end up at a dead end, but it offers nice views of the rocky coastline, all the way to Point Reyes on a clear day. For the loop trail, backtrack to the trail that leads up to the giant WWII bunker and get back onto the paved fire road. Proceed upwards the stairs toward the summit, where the trail meets the Coastal Trail, which you follow eastwards.

Follow the Coastal Trail until it hits Miwok Trail, then make a right, downwards, and follow Miwok Trail which winds back down all the way to the lagoon at Rodeo Beach. Follow the secluded footpath on the side of the road to get back to the starting point. See more

Devil's Slide

Devils's slide is a former section of Hwy 1, south of San Francisco, between Pacifica and Montara. It was shut down in 2013 and replaced by a tunnel, but the former highway is now a park open to pedestrians and bicyclists.

Park either at the north or south entrance, parking on the north side is limited to about a dozen spots, the south side maybe twice that. The road section is 1.3 miles long and covers some elevation, but can be hiked in about half an hour. It offers scenic views of the ocean and rocky cliffs. See more

Mori Point Loop

Mori Point trail up from Pacifica's Rockaway Beach offers stunning views. Park at the Rockaway parking lot next to Hwy 1 and proceed along the boardwalk, passing the motel and restaurant. On the other side, there's two options: Either cross through Calera Creek (depending on water flow) and proceed upward on the trail leading up the cliff, or take the paved footpath alongside Calera Creek eastwards to loop back onto the cliff trail.

Work your way upwards, enjoying the gorgeous views of the bluffs and the coastline. Follow the trail until it hits the intersection of Headlands Trail and Coastal Trail, and first follow Headlands Trail to the left, all the way to Mori Point.

Then, backtrack, and follow the Coastal Trail, winding downward toward, and leading back to Rockaway Beach, either through the creek or the more accessible footpath winding around the area. See more

Ring Mountain, Tiburon

Ring Mountain is located north of San Francisco, in Tiburon. After parking at the trail head on Paradise Dr, proceed upwards the dirt path and stay on the left when the other part of the loop meets the trail on the right.

Follow Loop Trail until it meets Turtle Rock Trail and enjoy the 360 degree view over large parts of the Bay Area. On a clear day, you can see downtown San Francisco in the distance.

To descent from the summit, proceed downward on Phylis-Elman Trail, which leads back to the trail at the meeting point, from there follow the original path back to the starting point.. See more

Stinson Beach Steep Ravine Tour

This four hour hike starts and ends in Stinson Beach, about 20 miles north of San Francisco. It covers a fair amount of elevation at first, but then levels out and offers great views, weather and fog permitting.

Park somewhere near the beach and proceed up Laurel Ave, then make a right at Buena Vista Ave, which turns into publicly accessible dirt path right by the garden of a residence. The path crosses over to meet Matt Davis Trail, follow the latter upwards.

After a long ascent, the wooded area opens up and a path leads along the grassy ridge, offering views of beach and ocean. At Bare Knoll Point, on a clear day, you can see the skyscrapers of downtown SF!

Follow Matt Davis Trail all the way to Pan Toll Campground, and take Steep Ravine Trail downward from there. It eventually leads along a small creek with waterfalls, and even requires climbing down a very well made ladder at some point! See more

Sutro Tower Up Close

San Francisco's Sutro Tower is prominently visible even from a great distance, all the way from San Bruno Mountain to the South, and Point Reyes to the North. This city hike approaches it as far as legally possible, using some lesser known paths in its vicinity.

Park on Panorama Dr, make a right at Cityview Way, left at Knollview Way, and keep right when the street merges back onto Panorama Dr. Turn right on Marview Way, and take the stairs to the left after 400ft, labeled Fredela Ln. At the top of the first flight of stairs, cross the street and look for a second set, slightly to the left, go up.

On Farview Ct, turn right, then left on Marview and look for a dirt path entrance into the park to the left. Stay close to the tower, and at the dead end, search for another dirt path on the left that leads into the woods. It's winding downwards between the trees, and ends on La Avanzada St. Make a left and another left shortly after onto Dellbrook Ave, continue to Olympia, to turn right on Panorama Dr. See more

Sawyer Trail Crystal Springs South

Crystal Springs Reservoir is located about 20 miles south of San Francisco and serves both as water reserve and recreational area for Silicon Valley dwellers. The paved path alongside its eastern shore is open to both pedestrians and bicyclists.

The southern part of this so-called Sawyers Camp Trail starts at Crystal Springs Rd 280 exit and extends 6 miles to the North, passes the dam at the south end of San Andreas Lake, and ends at the Hillcrest Blvd 280 exit.

The trail is fenced off all the way, both to the water and to the 280 side, so walking it 6 miles one way gets somewhat long in the tooth, but riding it on a bike is a breeze. The small dam at San Andreas Lake is quite scenic, the trail continues from here north for another 2 miles, but it's a dead end (except a 280 exit and a footpath further north), so it's best to turn around from there and head back. See more

San Bruno Sweeney Ridge Loop

This trail starts near the county jail in San Bruno, at the end of Sneath Ln. Not a bike but a foot trail, because the last trail segment before getting back into San Bruno is a half mile of steep stairs down and back up a canyon, only accessible to hikers.

After a steep ascent on a paved road, turn right onto Sweeney Ridge Trail, which offers stunning views to both the Pacifica and the South San Francisco side all along the way.

At the crossing with the Mori Ridge Trail, stay on Sweeney to get back to San Bruno an not wander over to Pacifica. Back into San Bruno, make sure to find the small unmarked trail entrance after passing the refuse collection site, which leads right by the county jail complex at an elevated level. See more

Sign Hill Park South San Francisco

Driving from the airport towards San Francisco on freeway 101, have you ever noticed the big letters on left hand hill side near San Bruno that spell out 'South San Francisco The Industrial City'?

Well, these giant letters are located at Hill Side Park, accessible by foot from Diamond Ave in San Bruno. Park at the gate and proceed on foot through the gate and up the steep, paved road.

When the path forks near a big water tank, the dirt path to the right leads upwards on a reasonably sloped trail. After it levels out at the top, find a small path through the grass on the left, to peek at the giant white letters painted onto concrete. Then proceed on the main path to the weather station and find very steep steps leading down to the lower level and a leveled path leading back to the entrance gate, with more views of the big letters. See more

Milagra Ridge Trail

Milagra Ridge Trail starts at the end of a small residential street off of Sharp Park Rd in Pacifica. Start by going left, up the stairs at the gate, and pass the fenced in reservoir area to your right.

Follow the path, keep left at all times and close to the edge for great views of the Pacifica Pier. On a clear day you can even see as far as Mori Point and Pedro Point.

Continue by staying close to the left edge, until you see a WWII fortification up the hill to your right, then climb up there and cross over to the roped in summit area. From there, complete the loop by hiking back on the paved path, which leads straight back to the gate. See more

San Bruno Mountain Bike Tour

Starting from the Crocker Trail trail head at Crocker Ave in Daly City, a paved path winds down all the way to Guadalupe Canyon Pkwy, which you can cross safely through an underpath off the parking lot.

On the other side, continue on the paved path through a gate, and follow Radio Rd all the way up to the summit with an impressive assortment of radio towers and great views.

The bike path ends here, but there's a foot path that continues east all the way down to Brisbane if you'd like. Otherwise, turn around and proceed down the mountain following Radio Rd until it meets Guadalupe, cross to the other side of the park again, and turn right towards the picknick area, take the unpaved path upward to the right of the lawn.

The unpaved path leads around the mountain, offers great views of the Bay, then descends into Daly City and towards the Crocker gate. See more

Sister Cities San Bruno Ridge Loop

Park near South San Francisco's Hillside Blvd near Mills Montessori School and find a hidden metal gate to a dirt path leading upwards.

Reach San Bruno Ridge Trail after a steep and strenuous 900ft ascent and enjoy a 360 degree view, including the Bay, Downtown San Francisco, the Peninsula, Daly City and the backside of Sign Hill.

Continue east on the Ridge Trail for about a mile and find an unmarked but wide grassy path downwards to South San Francisco to your right. After a steep descent, pass the fenced in water tower on the narrow path on the right and find back to the paved road leading up to the tower and back through the gate onto residential Parkgrove.

Continue west on Hillside Blvd until you see the school on your right. The footpath north of Hillside Blvd ends at the school fence, so you either need to scale down the steep hobo trail to Hillside Blvd close to the trail end, or hike back on the sidewalk south of Hillside Blvd. See more

Gray Whale Cove Loop

Driving south on Hwy 1 after Pacifica, passing by Devil's Slide, right before reaching Montara, there's a parking lot to your left named 'Gray Whale Cove' with access to the beach down below.

The trail starts at the south end of the parking lot, leading upwards and parallel to Highway 1. After a turn and few hundred feet, take the small steep path upwards to your left.

After reaching the top, continue straight and reach a fire road after half a mile, turn right and follow the road downhill. Another half mile and there's a fork in the road, stay on the right and continue downwards. The road keeps winding down the hill, shortly before reaching the bottom make a right at the path labeled 'Gray Whale Cove'. Follow the path above Highway 1 and enjoy fantastic views. See more

Devil's Slide North Arroyo Trail

Park at the Devil's Slide North parking lot, preferably the lower lot, because we're going to go north, against the flow of hikers going South on Devil's Slide. Proceed towards Hwy 1, but stay left on the paved sidewalk and enter Pedro Point Headlands.

At the fork, go left and uphill, and enjoy the view of the Devil's Slide brige and tunnel to your left. Stay on the South Ridge Trail, then continue north on Bluff Trail, all the way to the summit, which is a dead end.

Return to the fork with Middle Ridge Trail, enter the latter and make a right to get down to Arroyo after half a mile. On Arroyo Trail, make a left and follow it all the back to Hwy 1. See more