is San Francisco/Marin, and from there the chapters (and trips) proceed roughly clockwise around the Bay Area, ending with the Peninsula. Thus the book reflects geography, and parklands that are neighbors will be found on neighboring pages. (Appendix 1 is a selection of highly recommended trips.)
In addition to the route description, each trip has highlights of the route, directions to the trailhead from the nearest major roadway, and what facilities, if any, are available at or near the trailhead. Each route has a map, along with symbols and capsulized summaries, which are explained below.
Capsulized Summaries
DISTANCE AND TRAIL TYPE
DISTANCE An estimate of the total mileage of the trip, exactly as described. Mileage for each out-and-back trip is the sum of its outbound and return legs.
LOOP, SEMI-LOOP, OUT-AND-BACK These designations identify the type of trip. Loop and semi-loop routes, the most common in this book, have been designed to minimize steep downhill sections whenever possible.
HIKING TIME
An estimate of the time it takes an average hiker to complete the trip, including stops along the way.
TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS
Approximate sum of all the uphill and downhill segments of the trip (includes outbound and return legs for out-and-back trips).
DIFFICULTY
A subjective rating based on distance, total elevation gain/loss, and terrain. Here is an explanation of the four categories:
EASY Short trips with little or no elevation gain.
MODERATE Trips of several hours or more, with some ups and downs but no significant elevation changes.
DIFFICULT Extended trips with significant elevation changes.
VERY DIFFICULT The longest, most rigorous trips in this book.
TRAIL USE
BACKPACKING OPTION A few Bay Area parklands have campsites along or near the trip as described. Most of these require advance registration, as noted in the text.
MOUNTAIN BIKING ALLOWED Bicycling is allowed on the trip as described. Always check for seasonal closures and obey all posted restrictions. If a trip segment is closed to bicycles, and an alternate route is possible, this is noted in a footnote.
LEASHED DOGS In areas where dogs are allowed, they generally must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
GOOD FOR KIDS These are easy, short trips with not much total elevation gain, or longer trips that can be modified.
BEST TIMES
Most Bay Area parks can be visited all year, but there are a few caveats to keep in mind. Summer brings fog and often wind to areas near the coast and along the crest of the Peninsula, but inland the heat can be extreme. Many trails may be muddy in wet weather, and there may be snow/ice on the highest peaks in winter. On the bright side, spring brings wildflower displays to Bay Area grasslands, and fall is usually perfect for enjoying the outdoors just about anywhere.
AGENCY
This is almost always a government agency, either federal, state, or local. (Skyline Park Citizens Association, a volunteer group, runs Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa.) A listing of agencies, along with the abbreviations used in this book, is in Appendix 3.
RECOMMENDED MAP(S)
Most agencies administering Bay Area parklands produce maps that cover the trips in this book. In many cases, these maps are available at the trailhead. Sometimes, however, maps are available only at entrance kiosks or visitor centers, and these may be closed when you visit. Some agencies have maps available by mail, by phone, or on the Web (agencies are listed in Appendix 3). There are also excellent, commercially available maps that cover some of the trips in this book.
Overleaf: A couple enjoys a quiet stroll on the Shoreline Trail in China Camp State Park.
Chapter 1
San Francisco/Marin
TRIP 1 Golden Gate Park: Native Oak Grove
| Distance | 1.5 miles, Loop | |
| Hiking Time | 1 hour or less | |
| Difficulty | Easy | |
| Trail Use | Leashed dogs, Good for kids | |
| Best Times | All year | |
| Agency | SFR&PD | |
| Recommended Map | Map & Guide to Golden Gate Park (Friends of Recreation and Parks) |
HIGHLIGHTS Tucked in the northeast corner of the park, this loop wanders through secluded groves of coast live oaks, but also joins joggers, skaters, and strollers beside busy John F. Kennedy Dr., as they zoom past the photogenic Conservatory of Flowers, reopened not long ago after years of repairs. It is hoped this brief introduction to Golden Gate Park will entice you to explore on your own, because there is much to see and do here.
DIRECTIONS Parking around Golden Gate Park is often hard to find, especially on weekends. Also, there are road closures within the park on weekends and most holidays. If possible, use public transportation. San Francisco Muni bus lines 5, 21, and 33 serve the trailhead at Fulton and Arguello streets. For more information, call SF Muni: (415) 673-6864.
FACILITIES/TRAILHEAD Restrooms, phones, and snack/food vendors are scattered throughout the park. There are no facilities at the trailhead, which is at Clark Gate, on the southeast corner of Arguello Blvd. and Fulton St.
Conservatory of Flowers is one of the park’s best-loved and most-photographed buildings.
From the trailhead, you go through a gap in the stone wall, just left of the two pillars flanking the Arguello entrance to the park. Steps help you negotiate a steep uphill pitch that leads southeast, into a forest of ivy-draped coast live oaks. Passing a rest bench, you follow a single-track trail to a fork, where you bear left (the right-hand branch soon rejoins). Joining the native oaks in this part of the park are planted species such as eucalyptus, cypress, Monterey pine, acacia, and olive.
At the next fork, bear left and
