San Francisco may be one of the greatest places to be during the wintertime—if you hate snow and freezing temperatures, that is. In fact, the mild climate is ideal for a winter hike. There are at least 11 of the best winter hikes around San Francisco that are perfect for this time of the year.

Take a casual stroll along the coast or a mesmerizing excursion through a vast redwood forest. Please beware that visitors to any of the recommended hikes are advised to check the weather and hiking conditions before heading out. As the winter rains start up, many of the Bay Area’s most popular hiking trails may be too muddy and slippery to enjoy.

1. Cataract Falls Trail: 801 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley
801 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA
Alan Grinberg/Flickr
Cataract Falls on Mt. Tamalpais is a Bay Area winter favorite for hiking. This stunning 2.6 mile hike features cascades, moss, mushrooms and lichens. The rain may make this one more challenging or unforgettable! If you’re looking for things to do in San Fransisco, you can always finish it up with a bite to eat, too!
2. Batteries to Bluffs Trail: The Presidio: Battery Godfrey, San Francisco
Battery Godfrey, Langdon Ct, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
Leah C/Yelp
This is a classic hike at any time, however, don't forget your hoodie. From the Lands End Trail, marvel at the beauty of Baker Beach and then weave your way up and down the coastline. There are parts of the trail with great Golden Gate Bridge shots. Also, climb the batteries, and take in breathtaking views the whole way through. Although it is chilly, we love this winter hike in San Fransisco.
3. Muir Woods: 1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley
1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA
Derek/Flickr
This hike is popular in all seasons because it is a truly one-of-a-kind spot. Muir Woods National Monument contains 6 miles of trails. These trails showcase beautiful giant redwood trees. Be prepared to be wowed. Muir Woods National Monument easily contains some of the best hikes near San Fransisco.
4. Donner Canyon Waterfall: LoopRegency Drive, Regency Gate, Clayton
Donner Canyon, Clayton, CA 94517, USA
Stephanie H/Yelp
This waterfall loop at Mount Diablo State Park is a remote hike that is relatively easy with scenic views. Here you will find paths for hiking, running, and biking. Mount Diablo State Park has a ton of great winter hikes near San Fransisco. Try one the next time you’re in the area!
5. Chimney Rock Trail: Point Reyes National Seashore, 1 Bear Valley Rd, Point Reyes
1 Bear Valley Rd, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956, USA
Mary H/Yelp
Explore a 1.8 mile trail out to the bluffs on the Chimney Rock Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore. On this hike, you'll enjoy a dramatic coastline, crashing waves, and the fog rolling into the sunny inlet. What a great place to enjoy winter in San Fransisco!
6. Land's End Trail: 680 Point Lobos Avenue, San Francisco
680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
Cc. R/Yelp
A must-do for any visitor or local this is by far one of the best places in San Francisco for a hike. There are miles of trails in the area, and they provide fantastic examples of coastal terrain while also letting you see the Golden Gate Bridge from many different angles. Lastly, don't miss the labyrinth hidden just beyond the Land's End Trail. It’s a beautiful place to find things to do around San Fransisco.
7. Tomales Point Trail: Pierce Point Rd, Inverness, 94937
Pierce Point Road, Pierce Point Rd, Inverness, CA 94937, USA
Nal S/Yelp
An incredible hike that can't be missed, the Tomales Point Trail showcases gorgeous scenery with ocean cliffs and crashing waves, and a variety of wildlife and wildflowers along the way.
8. San Leandro Bay Regional Shoreline Hike: 1600 Neptune Dr, San Leandro
1600 Neptune Dr, San Leandro, CA 94577, USA
East Bay Regional Park District Public Affairs/Flickr
A hidden gem in the East Bay, this hike features marshland and is a great place to bring your dog.
9. Presidio Promenade Trail: Lombard Gate, San Francisco
Lombard Street, Lombard St, San Francisco, CA, USA
Duluoz Cats/Flickr
Presidio Promenade Trail is a 4.5-mile loop trail located in San Francisco that offers historical points of interest and scenic views.
10. Robert Louis Stevenson State Park: 3801 St. Helena Hwy, Calistoga
3801 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515, USA
Daphne B/Yelp
This longer hike is mostly on a fire road, and is about 10.5 miles. The hike up to the top of Mount St. Helena in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park offers some of the best views of any hike in Northern California.
11. Steep Ravine Trail: Panoramic Hwy and Old Mine Trail, Mill Valley
Old Mine Trail, California 94941, USA
Jennifer N/Yelp
Another hike on Mt. Tamalpais is the Steep Ravine Trail, which grants coastal views, and is known for its ladder. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to Stinson Beach. Bundle up for this hike because even in the summer it can be chilly. We think this is one of the best hikes near San Fransisco, if only for the jaw-dropping views!

Did we miss a Bay Area hike you enjoy doing in the winter? What are some of your favorite winter hikes around San Francisco? Let us know in the comments below!

For more great adventures, check out these 10 incredible hikes in San Francisco under 5 miles that everyone will love.

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More to Explore

Winter Hikes Around San Francisco

Megan McDonald | November 17, 2022

Is San Fransisco good for hiking?

San Fransisco is good for hiking! There are plenty of great spots in and around the city that offer both bay and ocean views. There are great hikes that get you up high for views over the city, and others that take you right along the coastline.

Some of the best hikes in San Fransisco are:

 

Is Alamere Falls Trail a hard hike?

Alamere Falls Trail is a moderately challenging hike, that takes about 1.5 hours to reach the falls. It’s a long trail and clocks in at about 8.4 miles. That trail is not maintained and can be difficult. It is much easier to hike to Wildcat Campground and then walk a mile south on Wildcat Beach to reach the falls.

What is the best hike in San Fransisco?

The best hike in San Fransisco depends on what you are looking for. There are lots of different hikes in San Fransisco for all different skill levels. The Russian Hill Hike is a great hike with beautiful views of the city, and the short and sweet trail Fairy Gates Trail. 

Some other good San Fransisco hikes are:

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