Tyler DrakeTeam

Chimney Rock is a 1.8 mile out-and-back, single-track trail. The trailhead gets crowded (even on weekdays) with amateur and professional photographers, as well as nature lovers clutching field guides. Hikers seeking a quiet nature experience may wish to look elsewhere. The display is impressive, though. Carpets of flowers such as goldenfields, blue-eyed grass, and mule ear sunflowers, are drama...

Jenner is a great spot to head out in calm water with your abalone gear. The dives will be in depths of 10 to 15 ft. of water, with visibility usually in the 5-20 ft. range. Spend a little time doing your homework before entering the water and you'll be able to find easier entry areas.When you head out into the water, be sure your partner is with you and that you have all your gear (ab iron, me...

This rocky, secluded beach is tucked in along the Land’s End Coastal Trail in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Located 100 or so steps down from the main trail, you’ll find this mysterious little beach that will make you feel like you’re in an old pirate movie. There are a lot of logs and different places to sit down, unpack your favorite drinks and snacks, and take in the views. You’...

These natural swimming holes are filled with water flowing from Kent Lake, so they're usually pretty refreshing. And by refreshing, we mean cold. We know this first-hand by testing the pools in the winter months. Let's just say if you can stay in for more than 5 seconds, you're a hero. If you jump off the rocks, do so from the far side (furthest from Sir Francis Drake Blvd), it's deepest on tha...

While hiking up the Koko Head trail, don't get too intimidated, there are grandparents and young kids hiking up these tracks. Take a sip of water, muster your mental toughness, and put one foot in front of the other along the rail trail. Once you're moving, there's no way you'll turn back! When you get to the top, soak it in for a minute, and think about what you accomplished! You'll see amazin...

Are you thinking, hit up two of the bigger peaks in SF, what a great idea? Well, you thought right! The first mile and a half is uphill as you charge to the top of Twin Peaks. This 6% grade leads to a 460 ft elevation gain. The good news is, if it's not foggy, the views of the bay are stunning, especially if you're running this route just before sunset. Once you get up to the parking lot at Twi...

Have you seen Come Hell or Highwater? No? You should and then you should head to Point Panic on the South Shore to see some of bodysurfing's best showing off. If you're a good swimmer with a fair amount of bodysurfing experience, grab your fins and head out for a few. Make sure you're respectful of the locals. Afterward, you can bbq and watch others head out in Point Panic Park.

Lake Anza makes for a great warm weather swimming hole. The parking area is close to the beach along with the trail, which will take you around the lake. The beach gets plenty of sun and is fairly wind protected, which makes for a relaxing day. Bring some picnic food out to the lake and snag your spot early or stop at one of the park's picnic areas and enjoy lunch before or after going for a sw...

This park can get a little crowded on weekends, so best to go early if possible. In terms of parking, there's a lot at the trailhead, but also plenty of available street parking.  The loop can be broken up in a various ways as there are several offshoots from the main trailhead/trail leaving from the parking lot.  To get started, head up the trail from the parking lot to the top of the park w...

Park at the Sherwin Lakes Trailhead. Begin your ascent through scrubby foliage and old pines. Once you arrive at a junction with a bench, turn around. Note that the uphill climb is pretty decent past Sherwin Lakes, so if you're feeling overly winded after the arriving at these lakes, this may be a good turn around point.  Alternatively, you can head up from the Valentine Lake Trailhead just d...

Just off of Highway 80, head up Emigration Canyon Road to the trailhead. There is a large parking area on the opposite side of the road from the trailhead. The parking area comes equipped with a bathroom if you need one. To get started, cross the road and start heading uphill. Keep in mind that the trail is exposed for the majority of the route, so if it's a warm day, remember to a hat, sunglas...