Best Hiking Trails in San Francisco

Dress in layers! Start with moisture-wicking base layer, add a fleece or light jacket, and bring a windbreaker. Fog and wind are common, especially on coastal trails. Wear sturdy shoes with good traction - trails can be steep and sometimes muddy. Sunscreen and hat are essential even on foggy days.

Yes, trails are generally safe during daylight hours. Stay on marked trails, especially on coastal paths with cliff edges. Let someone know your plans. Carry water and a phone. Some areas like Glen Canyon and Mount Sutro can feel isolated - hike with a buddy if concerned. Avoid trails after dark.

Many trails allow dogs, but rules vary. Fort Funston and parts of the Presidio allow off-leash dogs in designated areas. Lands End and most other trails require leashes. Always clean up after your dog and bring water for them. Check specific trail regulations before visiting.

Difficulty varies widely. Easy trails include Presidio Ecology Trail and parts of Lands End. Moderate trails include Batteries to Bluffs and Fort Funston. Challenging trails include Lyon Street Steps and steep sections of Twin Peaks. San Francisco's hills make most hikes more strenuous than flat terrain.

Not necessarily. Good athletic shoes with traction work for most trails. Hiking boots are recommended for muddy conditions (winter/spring) or if you have ankle concerns on steep terrain. Avoid sandals or smooth-soled shoes on steep or uneven trails.

Batteries to Bluffs offers the most unique under-bridge perspective. Lands End provides classic bridge views from a distance. For the iconic bridge walk, the 1.7-mile pedestrian path across the bridge itself is unbeatable. Battery Spencer in Marin (just across the bridge) offers the best photo vantage point.

Limited facilities exist. Lands End Lookout has restrooms and a cafe. Fort Funston has restrooms at the parking lot. Twin Peaks has portable toilets. Most neighborhood trails (Lyon Steps, Glen Canyon, Mount Sutro) have no facilities - plan accordingly.

Yes! San Francisco's mild climate allows year-round hiking. Summer (June-August) can be foggy and cool. Fall (September-November) offers the best weather. Winter (December-February) brings rain but also green hills and fewer crowds. Spring (March-May) features wildflowers but can be windy.