The Best Backpacking in San Francisco

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.

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.

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...

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.

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

Orchard, Toyon Canyon, Lagoon, Briones Crest, Spengler and Diablo View Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Martinez, California.

Olema Valley, Lake Ranch, Stewart and Greenpicker to Bass Lake, Wildcat Campground and is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Point Reyes Station, California.

Green Valley to Wall Point Road Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Diablo, California.

Bear Valley to Sculptured Beach and Sky Camp is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Point Reyes Station, California.

Woodward Valley Backpacking Loop is a loop trail that is moderately difficult located near Point Reyes Station, California.

Point Reyes Extended Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Point Reyes Station, California.