Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, Portola Valley, CA

Just off I-280 on Alpine road, Windy Hill provides a formidable hike, with an 1100+ foot elevation gain over 2.5 miles (>5-mile round trip). Start at the trail head, then go 0.7 miles along Meadow Trail before turning left when you hit Spring Ridge Trail. Continue for 1.6 miles up the steep rolling hillside paths, then take Anniversary Trail 0.2 miles to the summit. You'll enjoy excellent views of the bay. Be sure to bring water and sunscreen. For those who want to skip the uphill struggle, park at Skyline Boulevard and take the 0.7-mile Anniversary Trail loop.

Trail: Spring Ridge Trail + Meadow Trail, 5.4 miles, 1100ft elev gain
Difficulty: >Moderate (elevation change, steepness, exposure to sun)

Sweeney Ridge, San Bruno/Pacifica, CA

This scenic hike features views of San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Park at the trail head at Sneath Lane, and continue 1.7 miles on foot. Along the way, the trail overlooks the San Francisco Watershed and San Andreas Reservoir (which is situated along the San Andreas Fault). Further into the hike you'll get excellent views of SF bay. Once you hit a crossroads near the top of the ridge, you can continue northwards on Sweeney Ridge trail or go southwards on Baquiano trail for a longer hike and views of the Pacific coast before turning back.


Trail: Sneath Lane trail, 3.3 mile round trip, 540ft elev change
Difficulty: Moderate

Marin Headlands, Sausalito, CA

Just north of the Golden Gate bridge, the Marin Headlands offers several trails with excellent coastal views. To get there, exit on Alexander Avenue, turn left on Danes Drive/Bunker Road (stopping at the tunnel until the 5-minute stoplight turns green), and follow the signs to the visitor center, where you can get a trail map. Parking is free everywhere in the park. Visitor center staff and hikers are courteous and helpful. It may be a good idea to check the weather beforehand.

There are several points of interest in this scenic area.

The first, Point Bonita Lighthouse, is accessible via Field Road. Walk 0.5 miles along the Point Bonita trail while taking in pleasant ocean views before hitting a tunnel. Between 12:30 and 3:30pm on weekends and Mondays, one can reach the lighthouse through this tunnel. The surrounding area is also home to several historic military installations including Fort Barry (with several gun batteries), built around 1900, and a Nike Missile Site active during the cold war.


From a hiking standpoint, the main attraction is the Coastal/Miwok trails. Park at the northeastern corner of Rodeo Lagoon and walk 1.6 miles on Miwok Trail, which rises hundreds of feet in elevation. Bear left on Wolf Ridge Trail for 0.7 miles. The journey is somewhat strenuous but worth it. As soon as you hit Coastal Trail you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Rodeo Cove, Bird Island, and the Pacific Ocean. Continue west, then south, descending along the Coastal trail for 1.5 miles. Point Bonita Lighthouse should be visible in the distance (photo #1b). Turn left on Lagoon Trail and continue for another mile or so until you return full circle to the trail head.



Trail: Miwok + Wolf Ridge + Coastal trails, 4.8 miles
Difficulty: >Moderate (elevation change, length)