A Walk In
Nature
Connie Tan
Batteries to Bluffs Trail, San Francisco, CA 94129; Level: Easy
This trail is around 0.7 miles long located near the shoreline. A walk there gives you a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge itself. The time to go, as said by frequent hikers, is when it is sunny. Batteries to Bluffs Trail is not difficult to hike, so it’s a trip for friends and family.
Lover’s Lane at the Presidio, San Francisco, CA 94129; Level: Easy
Lover’s Lane is around 0.6 miles long and dated to be Presidio’s oldest trail. The tall trees at this hiking area give this area a quiet and peaceful mood. That atmosphere allows you to stroll through the trails and even sit down from time to time to hear the birds chirp. The long wood twisting along the trail lets everyone have a fun time running on it while balancing themselves. While it is a hiking area, it is located near the residential houses, so it is aimed for those who want a casual walk not intending to exercise much.
Saddle Loop Trail from San Bruno State Park, 555 Guadalupe Canyon Pkwy, Brisbane, CA 94005; Level: Easy
A 2.7 miles looped trail south of San Francisco and near Bayshore Heights. Saddle Trail is not too busy for the most part. It features a forest setting that enables you to have an idle walk on a sunny day. The elevation of this trail is 236 feet. When you reach specific points, there will be lovely sceneries offered to you.
However, we do think of the mountains when we think of hiking places. Then, in that case, here are hiking areas outside of the SF.
Muir Woods Trail from Muir Woods National Monument, 1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941; Level: Easy
Muir Woods Trail is a looped trail that is 2.2 miles long located near Mill Valley, California. Though it is not exactly the mountain type of hike, you can still enjoy a walk on cement and boardwalk. Because of that, it is available to all skill levels. The elevation is 144, which makes it an easy hike. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed into the trail. Getting parking permit beforehand is recommended as it can get very busy there.
Cataract Falls Trail from Mount Tamalpais Watershed, California 94941; Level: Moderate
One of the most popular trails in Marin County near the San Francisco Bay Area. This trail stretches 3.3 miles long, offering occasional waterfalls along the way. The start of the trail is located off the Bolinas Fairfax Road which is just past Alpine Lake. Within a few steps, the trail starts to climb uphill through a shaded forest. You will cross upon several creeks on your way. Eventually, you will get to Laurel Dell Picnic Area and past that area is a trail leading to the upper falls. A nice pool is also located at the intersection of Helen Markt Trail and Cataract Trail for you to take a break. Dogs are allowed but make sure to put them on a leash. The best time to go is after raining so you will see more of the waterfalls.
Berry Creeks Fall Loop from West Waddell Creek State Wilderness, Davenport, CA 95017; Level: Hard
Another waterfall hike. However, this trail is much harder than the previously mentioned trail because the trail is 8.8 miles and has an elevation of 2,221 feet. Especially during the winter, the park may be closed due to flood or high wind;, therefore, it is best to double check before going. Berry Creeks Fall Loop gives you picturesque waterfalls and exquisite redwood grooves. Most people prefer to hike counter-clockwise, but you may go clockwise if you wish to. This loops travels from the Sunset Trail and is returned via Skyline to the Sea Trail. West Waddell Creek State Wilderness is state park so they will charge you $10 to park.
Lake Chabot: West Shore, Bass Cove, Columbine, Honker Bay, East Shore Loop from Lake Chabot Regional Park, 17600 Lake Chabot Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546; Level: Moderate
Similar to Berry Creeks Fall Loop’s distance, this looped trail is 8.4 miles long due to the combination of many trails. It’s more like a place to walk than a hike because of the little amounts of ups and downs. As suggested by the name of the location, this is a loop around Lake Chabot. There are plenty of spaces to have a picnic and presumably a boat rental service too. You can bring your dog(s), but they should be kept on a leash. The trail takes around 3-4 hours to finish. Make sure to bring plenty of water!
Montara Mountain North Peak Loop Trail from McNee Ranch State Park, Montara, CA 94037; Level: Moderate
The North Peak Loop Trail is 7 miles trail that features many wildflowers. The trail begins with moderate steep hills with shaded forest trees. After several miles, you will be exposed to the sun more. Feel free to go to other trails as there are junctions along the way. Otherwise, if you continue on the North Peak Loop, you will reach a summit that offers a 360-degree panorama of the SF peninsula and the northern parts of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The best time to get to the summit is the evening because that way you can enjoy the sunset over the Pacific Ocean as you descend. This hike would take around 3 hours to finish, including the breaks. Bring lots of water as well and be aware of the animals in the mountains.
It’s always good to take
a breather outside of your house and
enjoy the sunlight. Fresh air from nature can
refresh your mind and lessen your stress. One of the best
activity to enjoy mother-nature is hiking!