Explore Best Hikes in SF Bay Area - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
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(early march 2024) one of the nicest hikes ive done near the bay especially when its so green!! pretty views of the ocean, hills, and elk
Definitely should wear hiking boots since there’s a major incline in the last quarter of the trail
It was a great day out. There was several herds of Tule elk grazing. We also saw a weasel and a skunk. The last part of the trail is sandy, and also is not clearly marked so there are several branching options. Be careful not to get too close to the edge! Also no bathrooms at the trailhead itself, but signage indicated some a little ways up the road.
Certain parts of the hike were steep and unstable. Make sure you’re appropriately dressed.
MidApril great wildflowers complemented by memorial garden on entrance. Great bluffs and rocky coves.
Crowded and lots of trail closures. Go clockwise around the loop.
Beautiful hike, elk and plenty of wildflowers! Hiked 10 miles, but phone died at 5
Flowers blooming, and great to see all the Elk! We even spotted a seal swimming at Tomales Point. Lots of brush to walk through, so be sure to wear pants.
The hike is beautiful. There some areas that are a bit challenging for non hikers.
I love everything about this trail except the parking situation. Be sure to arrive early if you want a spot in the lot. It was full by 9 am Friday. Some road parking available. Took the trail counter clockwise which I kind of liked because you get all the big action in the first 5 miles then stream trail is mellow for a while until the last bit of uphill back to the parking lot. Minor patches of mud on the stream trail side. Lots of Forget-me-nots lining the trail. Other scattered flowers including Douglas iris. There is a lot of up and down on this trail but it’s fun because it alternates a bunch. 90% shaded. Only a few bikes today. Mostly hikers and doggos
One tweak on the route: turn around at Eagle Point, go back down the same trail for a little bit and then cut up onto the path. As is, you walk through a parking lot for .25 of a mile.
Second time completing this loop, didn't have strong feelings the first time. Hiked this counter clockwise with no poles yesterday and was not a fan of the steep areas/scramble. Some coastal views, flowers, and a pretty garden by the parking lot, but with the exception of the area around The Point/Bluff, the views aren't that interesting and the path wasn't intuitive.
-Gorgeous trails along the cliffs of California. Plenty of wildflowers out right now. Breezy but it felt great under the direct sun. -Limited Parking: only about 6-8 parking spots. Arrived just before 8am and we were the 4th car there already. -Be careful: the cliffs are crumbling and the trail has sunken in significantly in certain areas related to the rainfall I’m assuming. -Areas with loose rock! Wear proper footwear as there is some minimal climbing required. -BONUS: got to watch the coast guard do some of their training! Dropping drop to “save someone”.
This was a nice trail with beautiful views of the Ocean. There is some incline up to see the Elk but nothing hard. I was in such aw with the Elk, it was a pleasant treat!
Beautiful long hike with blossoming flowers, wild life and pretty views.
Gorgeous view the entire way! Elks wander close to the trial. Quite windy though, so dress in layers.
Should be “Hard” not moderate and very limited parking. The trail overall is not hard, but to complete the loop there are a few very steep areas you have to pass. Those without sticks, hiking shoes, fear of heights, poor agility and flexibility (age or weight related) may find those parts very difficult or scary.
Beautiful coastal views, wild flowers out. Some steep rocky sections. Lots of bang for the buck.
There are quite a few wet spots that made it hard to pass without getting muddy. Trails get pretty uneven at times. The trail turns into more of a footpath right before reaching the peninsula at about 3-3.5 miles in.
Ran Saturday, 4/5, 3:30 pm start Route: Clockwise (added Lagoon Trail) Total moving time: 59 min Mileage: 5.34 Elevation gain: 1201 ft Pain rating: 2 - Easy climbs/Pristine trail Adventure rating: 7 - Stellar views Superb loop featuring coastal views and views into the Marin Headlands interior. I added a couple of minor variations for some stiffer climbs. Beta: The western side of this loop (Coastal Trail) is steeper than the eastern side (Miwok Trail), but it is still well-graded and easy. I always prefer a gentler descent. Trail conditions are great in either direction. Coastal Trail is mostly paved/crushed gravel fire road, but there are a number of more natural social trail variants that re-link with the main trail. If moving clockwise, Miwok starts as single track before turning into a fire road with sweeping descents; you can bomb down this section. Hill 88, the high point on this loop , is graffiti-tagged and ugly, and only worth it if you want the modest elevation gain. The Coastal/Lagoon Trail that goes around the south side of the lagoon is worth it for the water views. Just know this dumps you onto a sandy beach before crossing back over to the parking area. Tons of parking available, as well as bathrooms and water. Heavy trail traffic to the first lookout, and then it thins out. Minimal traffic on Miwok.
Only a 4/5 bc of the steepness and small rocks made some parts dangerous, small parking lot but AMAZING VIEWS
Trail was dry with a few short muddy spots. It does get windy and no shade while on the trail so dress accordingly. Highly recommend starting at mid morning. Overall great trail with an amazing view of the bay and ocean. Lots of wildlife.
Trail conditions were very good. Many wildflowers in bloom with more coming in the next few weeks. Bright and sunny. Some elk out and about, a few close to the trail. Get there early! Arrived at 8:15 and was with the first dozen or so cars. Had the trail to myself for the most part. Easily passed 200+ people on the hike out by 11:30.
Beautiful trail. You get a bit of everything. Coastal views, wildlife, flower blooms, and bay views. A bit overgrown towards the last mile and a half.