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San Francisco

The best hikes from bus stations around San Francisco

4.7

(782)

17,597

hikers

252

hikes

Bus station hiking trails around San Francisco offer access to a diverse landscape, blending urban environments with natural features. The region features rugged coastlines, significant urban green spaces, and hills providing panoramic views. Hikers can explore ancient redwood forests, dramatic national seashores, and trails with views of the San Francisco Bay. This unique geography provides varied terrain for outdoor activities.

Best bus station hiking trails around San Francisco

  • The most popular bus station hiking route is San Francisco Crosstown Trail, a 20.7 miles (33.3 km) trail that takes 9 hours 7 minutes to complete. This difficult route traverses various neighborhoods and natural areas across the city.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is San Francisco Bay Trail: Northern Waterfront, a moderate 6.3 miles (10.2 km) path. This trail offers views of the bay and city skyline along the waterfront.
  • Local hikers also love the Mount Sutro to Twin Peaks, a 5.7 miles (9.1 km) trail leading through eucalyptus forests and offering city vistas, often completed in about 2 hours 45 minutes.
  • Hiking around San Francisco is defined by coastal paths, urban hills, and forested reserves, with options for various ability levels.
  • The routes in San Francisco are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 790 reviews. More than 18,000 hikers have used komoot to explore San Francisco's varied terrain.

Last updated: April 25, 2026

5.0

(3)

68

hikers

#1.

San Francisco Crosstown Trail

33.3km

09:06

530m

520m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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38

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

5.0

(1)

28

hikers

9.14km

02:46

330m

230m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

1

hikers

3.57km

01:04

130m

70m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Hiking Collection by

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Tips from the Community

Traveler
April 30, 2026, Solar Totems - Glen Canyon Rec Center

Solar Totems informational plaque at the Glen Canyon Recreation Center : Artist: Charles Sowers, American, b. 1966. Solar Totems 2017 Reclaimed redwood logs, lens, solar power, heliograph mechanism Solar Totems is an installation of three 12-foot-tall reclaimed redwood logs with a solar powered mechanism mounted to the south face. The sun’s rays are focused by a lens, which lightly burns into the wood. As the sun moves across the sky, the burn becomes a line; preserving a record of sunshine periodically broken by fog or cloudy skies. The lens is advanced a small distance each day to create a distinct daily line. The mechanism records one year of daily atmospheric conditions. When the yearly record is complete, the mechanism is moved to another log, leaving a sculptural archive of daily variations in sunlight that park visitors can use to compare regional weather patterns from year to year. The artwork turns the plaza into a kind of civic, solar and atmospheric observatory, artistically expanding our understanding of place and connecting us to our environment through that understanding. Collection of the City and County of San Francisco Arts Commission SFAC

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Take moment to apprehend shimmer on the water

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Traveler
September 20, 2025, Twin Peaks Reservoir

The Twin Peaks Reservoir is a 10.5-million-gallon storage reservoir made out of 6-inch-thick (150 mm) reinforced-concrete slabs on the north slope of Twin Peaks. The reservoir is made up of two tanks, and each is able to empty separately for safety reasons. A trail wraps around the fence and on one side has great views toward downtown San Francisco.

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St. Mary’s College (now located in Moraga, California) was located on this College Hill, 200 feet and served as its namesake. The hill was physically carved in two by the Bernal Cut, which is now San Jose Ave

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Clarendon Heights (850 ft, 251 m) is the site of the Sutro Tower telecommunications tower. You can approach it only to the fence of Sutro Tower complex adjacent to reservoir.

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Great spot for panoramic views of the bay, and the mountain ridges on both sides sides, not at sunrise. Popular Popular with anglers

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One of the most popular viewpoints over San Francisco, Twin Peaks lives up to the hype. As long as you make your journey up before the fog rolls in you'll be treated to sweeping views across the city.

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Family owned 35+ years. Seafood & Cocktails on the waterfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many bus-accessible hiking trails are available in San Francisco?

San Francisco offers a wide variety of bus-accessible hiking trails. Our guide features over 200 routes that you can reach conveniently by public transport, catering to all skill levels.

Are there easy, beginner-friendly hiking routes accessible by bus in San Francisco?

Yes, there are many easy and beginner-friendly options. Out of the over 200 bus-accessible routes, 180 are classified as easy. A great option for a gentle stroll is the Lower Great Highway Trail, offering flat paths along the coast. Another accessible and pleasant walk is the Buena Vista Park Loop, providing urban nature with manageable inclines.

What kind of views can I expect on bus-accessible hikes in San Francisco?

San Francisco's bus-accessible hikes offer incredibly diverse and scenic views. You can expect panoramic city skylines from spots like Twin Peaks, stunning ocean vistas along the Pacific coastline, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Many trails also wind through lush urban parks and unique eucalyptus forests, providing a refreshing natural escape within the city.

Are there any family-friendly bus-accessible hikes in San Francisco?

Absolutely! Many of San Francisco's bus-accessible trails are suitable for families. Parks like Golden Gate Park offer extensive, mostly flat paths perfect for all ages. The Lower Great Highway Trail is also a great choice for families, providing easy walking along the beach with plenty of space to explore.

Can I bring my dog on bus-accessible hiking trails in San Francisco?

Many trails in San Francisco are dog-friendly, but regulations vary by park and specific trail. Always check local signage or park websites for the most current rules regarding leashes and restricted areas. Fort Funston, for example, is a popular spot for dog walkers, offering gentle loop trails overlooking the ocean.

What are some notable landmarks or points of interest I can see along these routes?

You'll find many interesting landmarks and viewpoints. For stunning city views, consider trails leading to Twin Peaks or the Twin Peaks view from Christmas Tree Point. Along the coast, you might encounter historical sites like the Sutro Baths ruins. The San Francisco Bay Trail: Northern Waterfront offers views of the bay and city skyline.

Are there any loop trails accessible by public transit in San Francisco?

Yes, several bus-accessible trails offer a convenient loop format. The Buena Vista Park Loop is a great example, allowing you to start and end at the same point after exploring the park's trails and enjoying city views.

What is the best time of year to go hiking on bus-accessible trails in San Francisco?

San Francisco's mild year-round weather makes it suitable for hiking almost any time. Spring brings blooming native flowers, especially in parks like Corona Heights. Fall often offers clear, crisp days with excellent visibility. Summer can be foggy, particularly along the coast, while winter is generally mild but can bring rain. Always check the forecast before heading out.

What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in San Francisco?

The komoot community highly rates hiking in San Francisco, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from nearly 800 reviews. Hikers often praise the incredible diversity of landscapes, from urban green spaces to dramatic coastal cliffs, all easily accessible by public transport. The breathtaking views of the city, bay, and Golden Gate Bridge are frequently highlighted as major draws.

Are there longer, more challenging bus-accessible hikes for experienced hikers?

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the San Francisco Crosstown Trail is an excellent option. This difficult, 33-kilometer route traverses the city, offering varied terrain and significant elevation changes. It's a fantastic way to experience many different facets of San Francisco's natural and urban landscapes.

Can I find trails that connect different parts of the city or offer a longer journey?

Certainly! The San Francisco Crosstown Trail is designed for this, connecting various neighborhoods and natural areas across the city. Another route, Mount Sutro to Twin Peaks, offers a moderate journey between two prominent urban natural spaces, providing both forest immersion and panoramic city views.

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