The best walks and hikes around Tiburon
4.7
(791)
17,517
hikers
18
hikes
Hiking around Tiburon offers routes across a peninsula in Marin County, characterized by open grasslands, exposed ridgelines, and coastal paths. The area's geography provides expansive views of the San Francisco Bay, Angel Island, and the city skyline. Hikes often involve moderate inclines on a mix of paved paths and dirt trails through nature preserves.
Best hiking trails around Tiburon
- The most popular hiking route is the Picnic Rock & Spanish Trail loop β Old Saint Hilary's Open Space Preserve, a 5.4 mile (8.7 km) trail that takes around 2 hours 55 minutes to complete. This route features some steep sections and provides consistent bay views.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is the North Ridge and Sunset loop β Angel Island State Park, a moderate 5.1 mile (8.3 km) path. The trail ascends to the island's highest point, offering 360-degree views of the surrounding bay.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Perimeter Road loop β Angel Island State Park, a 4.9 mile (8.0 km) trail leading through historic sites, often completed in about 2 hours 20 minutes.
- Hiking around Tiburon is defined by trails in open space preserves, coastal routes, and island paths with views of the San Francisco Bay. The network of 14 routes includes options for both easy and moderate ability levels.
- The routes in Tiburon are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 300 reviews. More than 8,500 hikers have used komoot to explore Tiburon's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
5.0
(8)
33
hikers
22.0km
06:21
540m
550m
Embark on the Angel Island Fire Roads for a truly immersive hiking experience, where dirt trails wind through varied landscapes of oak woodland, open shrub, and chaparral. This difficult 13.7-mile (22.0 km) route, with its 1778 feet (542 metres) of elevation gain, offers constant visual rewards, including expansive views of the San Francisco skyline and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. You'll pass by historical sites like the Ridge sites 5/6 β Battery Wallace/Ledyard, making the roughly 6 hours and 20 minutes of hiking fly by.
Getting to Angel Island is an adventure in itself, as it's only accessible by ferry from Tiburon or San Francisco. Once on the island, be prepared for uneven trails and keep an eye out for poison oak and ticks. For the best experience, aim for a clear day to fully appreciate the 360-degree vistas, and consider a spring visit when wildflowers add a splash of color to the landscape.
Angel Island boasts a rich history, having served as a military base, quarantine station, and immigration facility, which you can explore alongside its natural beauty. The Fire Roads offer a more secluded experience compared to other parts of the island, allowing you to truly connect with nature and spot wildlife like deer and various bird species. It's a fantastic option for those seeking an escape from city crowds and a unique blend of history and breathtaking scenery.
21
hikers
3.24km
00:50
20m
10m
The Old Rail Trail offers a wonderfully accessible and easy walk, perfect for a quick escape into nature. As a former railway line, you can expect a mostly flat and well-maintained path, making it ideal for a relaxed stroll. The trail's connection to Richardson Bay Park suggests pleasant views and a chance to enjoy the local environment, providing a refreshing break from the everyday.
Planning your visit to the Old Rail Trail is straightforward due to its easy nature. With a distance of 2.0 miles (3.2 km) and a mere 58 feet (18 metres) of elevation gain, you can complete this hike in about 49 minutes. It's a great option for families or anyone seeking a gentle outdoor activity, and its easy difficulty means it's suitable for most fitness levels. Check for local parking or public transport options near the trailhead.
This trail is a fantastic example of how old infrastructure can be repurposed for public enjoyment, offering a glimpse into the region's past while providing a modern recreational space. Its short length and easy terrain make it a popular choice for a casual outing, and it serves as a convenient way to experience the natural beauty of Marin County without committing to a longer, more strenuous hike.
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1
hikers
1.81km
00:39
110m
110m
Easy 1.1-mile hike in Old Saint Hilarys and Uplands Preserve with panoramic Bay Area views and historic Old St. Hilary's Church.
20.9km
05:39
270m
270m
The Bay Trail: Paradise Drive to Bothin Marsh offers a long, engaging hike through a dynamic landscape, blending urban waterfronts with vital marshlands. You'll traverse wide, mostly flat paths, enjoying expansive views of Mount Tamalpais and Richardson Bay, especially from viewpoints like Immigrant Point Overlook. Keep an eye out for the rich birdlife in the marsh, a highlight of this 13.0-mile (20.9 km) journey.
Planning your visit means preparing for a full day out, as this difficult route takes an estimated 5 hours and 38 minutes to complete, with 877 feet (267 metres) of elevation gain. The trail is largely exposed, so bring plenty of water and sun protection, especially on clear days. While parking is available, consider public transport to the Tiburon area, and be mindful of fast-moving cyclists on this popular shared path.
This section of the Bay Trail is a significant part of the larger San Francisco Bay Trail, following the historic route of the old Northwestern Pacific Railroad. The Bothin Marsh Preserve is a crucial tidal wetland, supporting numerous bird species along the Pacific Flyway, making it an excellent spot for wildlife viewing. It's a great option for those seeking a substantial hike with ecological interest and scenic beauty.
4.8
(12)
135
hikers
8.29km
02:23
210m
210m
The North Ridge and Sunset Trail Loop on Angel Island offers a fantastic escape from city life, providing diverse terrain and incredible vistas. You'll wind through shaded eucalyptus groves and open grasslands, with the highlight being the 360-degree views from Mount Caroline Livermore summit, showcasing the entire San Francisco Bay Area. This moderate 5.1-mile (8.3 km) hike, with 694 feet (212 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 23 minutes to complete, making it a perfect day trip for those who appreciate a good climb followed by expansive scenery.
Planning your visit involves a scenic ferry ride from Tiburon or San Francisco, so make sure to check the ferry schedules in advance. Angel Island is car-free, ensuring a tranquil experience, but it also means you'll need to carry all your essentials. It's wise to pack plenty of water and sun protection, especially on warmer days, as parts of the trail are exposed. Starting your hike in the morning or late afternoon can offer more comfortable temperatures and beautiful light for photography.
This trail is unique because it's located within Angel Island State Park, an island rich in both natural beauty and historical significance, sometimes called the "Ellis Island of the West Coast." Beyond the stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, you'll also encounter historic military installations and bunkers along the way. The varied landscapes, from coastal scrub to forests, and the chance to spot local wildlife like deer and birds, add to the appeal of this top-rated loop.
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Tips from the Community
Well signposted and close by you can park next to the beautiful access road along the side (just opposite the university entrance).
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Tiburon Harbor is a picturesque waterfront location with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay and Angel Island. Once a bustling railroad and ferry hub, it's now a charming spot for visitors with its marina, restaurants, historic Main Street, and scenic walking paths. The harbor is a popular gateway to outdoor adventures, from sailing and kayaking to catching the ferry for a day of hiking on Angel Island.
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The abandoned army church at Fort McDowell provides a striking window into the regionβs history and its role in past military life.
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You can get some incredible views while walking or biking the Perimeter Road on Angel Island. This is a sterling example, as you can see the entire span of the Golden Gate Bridge from here.
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While navigating the switchbacks here on Sunset Trail, enjoy rewarding views of Golden Gate, Richardson Bay, and Tiburon. The best views are on the corners of the switchbacks, and on some corners there are little wooden benches to sit on and take a break.
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The Angel Island Ferry Landing in Ayala Cove offers regular passenger ferry service to Tiburon and San Francisco. The Angel Island to Tiburon Ferry provides a 15-minute crossing of the Racoon Strait to the Tiburon Ferry Terminal. The island is car-free, providing safe trails to hikers and bikers. Unlike the Tiburon and Sausalito ferry piers, private boats can moor at Ayala Cove Pier under Angel Island State Park's rules. Late in the day, lines can grow long, and on busy dates, visitors may be left waiting at the pier when the ferry reaches capacity.
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Excellent remote primitive tent-only campground, pre-booking required. 3 sites, all year, all ages, 34 ft elev, tables, grill, water, toilets, fish, trail, hike, primitive. Campsite #7 is in the Sunrise site on the east side of the island with sweeping views of Berkeley, Oakland and the Bay Bridge. It is grouped with Campsites #8 and #9, each of which has its own picnic table, charcoal grill and food locker. The Sunrise sites share an outhouse and water spigot with drinking water.
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This island is the largest in San Francisco Bay, with a long history. It has been a hunting and gathering location for the local native tribes, a haven and supply stop for Spanish explorers, a cattle ranch, a place to process hundreds of thousands of immigrants, and a refuge for the military dating back to the Civil War era, up to the 1960s. The island's transition into a California State Park took over to protect the remains of the former immigration and quarantine stations, as well as military defense installations, and allow visitors to enjoy this beautiful hidden gem surrounded by the urban Bay area. Ayala Cove is the landing area for Angel Island State Park and is only accessible by ferry. It is a passage from Tiburon or a longer ride from San Francisco. From here, the entire island is car-free and reserved for hikers and bikers to explore this fantastic island.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many dog-friendly hiking trails in Tiburon?
Yes, many trails and parks in the Tiburon area welcome dogs, though they often need to be on a leash. A popular spot for a walk with your dog is Blackie's Pasture, which connects to a scenic, flat waterfront path. For hillier terrain, the Tiburon Uplands offers a short but steep hike with great views where leashed dogs are also permitted.
What are some good, easy hikes for families or beginners?
Tiburon has several easier options perfect for families. The Tiburon Historical Trail is a well-regarded, relatively flat path that offers a pleasant walk with interesting local history. Another excellent choice is the paved Old Rail Trail, which provides stunning bay views along an accessible 2.5-mile path suitable for all ages and strollers.
How do I get to Angel Island to go hiking?
You can reach Angel Island State Park by taking a short and scenic ferry ride directly from the Tiburon ferry terminal. It's best to check the current schedule and ticket prices with the official ferry provider before you go, as times can vary seasonally.
Are there any circular or loop hikes in the area?
Yes, there are several great loop trails. For a moderately challenging hike with 360-degree views of the Bay Area, consider the Sunset Trail lookout β Sunrise Site loop from Belvedere. This route offers a comprehensive tour of the peninsula's scenic ridges.
What kind of views can I expect while hiking around Tiburon?
The hiking trails around Tiburon are famous for their panoramic views. On clear days, you can expect sweeping vistas of the San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Angel Island. Preserves like Old St. Hilary's are particularly known for their world-class, unobstructed bay views.
What is the terrain like on the Tiburon trails?
The terrain is quite varied. You'll find everything from flat, paved coastal paths like the Old Rail Trail to steep, dirt tracks on the hills of Old St. Hilary's Preserve. Many trails in the area, such as those in Ring Mountain Preserve, feature open grasslands and exposed ridgelines with a mix of packed dirt and rocky sections.
Are there restrooms available at the trailheads?
Restroom availability varies. You can find public restrooms at popular, well-developed areas like Blackie's Pasture and near the ferry terminals for Angel Island. However, many of the trailheads for the more natural preserves, like Tiburon Uplands or Ring Mountain, are more rustic and may not have facilities.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Tiburon?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers consistently praise the incredible, expansive views of the San Francisco Bay available from nearly every trail. The mix of accessible coastal walks and more challenging ridge hikes is also a frequently mentioned highlight.
How many hiking trails are there around Tiburon?
There is a network of over a dozen curated hiking routes around Tiburon. These range from easy, flat shoreline walks to moderately difficult climbs in the area's open space preserves, offering plenty of options for different fitness levels.
Can I go biking in Tiburon?
Absolutely. Besides hiking, Tiburon is great for biking. The Old Rail Trail is a popular 2.5-mile paved path perfect for a leisurely ride with fantastic bay views. For a more adventurous ride, you can take your bike on the ferry to Angel Island and cycle the Perimeter Road.
What are some notable places to hike in Tiburon?
Tiburon offers several highly-regarded hiking destinations. Some popular spots include:
- Old St. Hilary's Preserve: A favorite for its windswept hills, rare wildflowers, and what many call "world-class" views of the bay.
- Tiburon Uplands: Known for a short but steep trail that rewards hikers with excellent vistas.
- Blackie's Pasture: A scenic waterfront park that serves as the starting point for an easy, flat walking and biking path along the bay.
- The Tiburon Historical Trail: A well-maintained trail that combines pleasant walking with local history.
What is the best time of year to hike in Tiburon?
Hiking in Tiburon is enjoyable year-round. Spring is particularly beautiful when the hills are green and wildflowers, like the rare Tiburon Mariposa Lily in Ring Mountain Preserve, are in bloom. Autumn and winter often provide the clearest days for spectacular views across the bay. Summer can be warm, so it's best to start early to avoid the midday heat.
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