The Best Backpacking in Pacifica

Thousands of years ago, this island was a fishing and hunting ground for the Miwok Native Americans. It has also been an outpost for the U.S. Army and a cattle ranch. Now, it’s one of the closest places to escape from the hustle of San Francisco and set up camp. Camping on the island requires ba...

Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop via Coastal Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Sausalito, California.

Dipsea to Ben Johnson Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Stinson Beach, California.

Aaron Alcorn Castro Valley to Brentwood Memorial Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Castro Valley, California.

Lake Lagunitas, Bon Tempe and Alpine Lakes, Cataract Falls to Mount Tam Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Greenbrae, California.

The Pescadero Creek Park Complex is a great place to escape for a day or overnight hike in the heart of the Bay Area. You will need to get a permit to stay overnight - these can be attained on a first-come, first-serve basis from the ranger station. Most of the campsites here are also available f...

Coast Trail: Palomarin Beach to Limantour Beach is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Bolinas, California.

In order to make this trip possible, go to recreation.gov and make a reservation for Wildcat Camp (available year-round). On your way to the trailhead, make sure to stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center to grab your camping permit. For more information, visit: http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvis...

Day 1 Before heading to the trailhead, make sure to stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center to pick up your permit. To stay overnight in Point Reyes, you must stay at one of the trail camps.   Camping anywhere else in the park is not allowed.   Permits for the trail camps can be booked up to 6 mo...

Spanning from just north of the small town of Bolinas (about an hour north of San Francisco) across Inverness ridge and to the top of Tomales Point, Point Reyes National Seashore is as stunning park featuring breathtaking ocean views and solitude among the grassy hillsides and forested ridges. Th...

Rhus Ridge and Chamise Trail is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near Los Altos, California

Briones Peak via Lafayette Ridge Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Lafayette, California.

Wildcat Canyon Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Cupertino, California.

Black Mountain via PG&E, Quarry and Black Mountain Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Cupertino, California.

Black Mountain via Rogue Valley, Chamise, Black Mountain, Quarry and PG&E Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Cupertino, California.

Located deep within the Santa Cruz Mountains, Butano State Park boasts a large redwood canyon with many miles of hiking trails as well as campsites. This state park is one of the quietest and least visited parks on the peninsula making a perfect place to escape the hustle of the Bay Area Butano S...