San Francisco Bay Trail: Burlingame to Redwood Shores

The full 18.9 km (11.7 miles) route from Burlingame to Redwood Shores typically takes around 4 hours and 47 minutes to complete as a hike. This duration can vary based on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views or explore points of interest.

Yes, this section of the Bay Trail is generally considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for beginners. The terrain is predominantly flat with minimal elevation gain, though the length of the route contributes to its 'moderate' rating. It's a multi-use pathway, shared harmoniously with cyclists and joggers.

The terrain is largely level and features long, continuous stretches of shoreline path. The surface varies, including paved sections, gravel paths, and some dirt levee paths. While mostly groomed, some parts can be unpaved. It's designed to be accessible to a wide range of users.

You'll enjoy expansive views of the San Francisco Bay, often including the distant city skyline. The path winds through natural habitats like marshes, wetlands, and sloughs, which are teeming with diverse birdlife. It also passes through various parks and open spaces, offering a blend of natural beauty and urban integration.

Absolutely! You can find several points of interest, including the View of Planes Approaching San Francisco International Airport, the Observation Platform at Bair Island Marsh, and the Seal Point Park - West access bridge. Other highlights include Anza Fisherman's Park and the expansive Coyote Point Recreation Area.

Yes, the San Francisco Bay Trail is generally dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash. Please remember to clean up after your pet to help keep the trail enjoyable for everyone.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access this section of the San Francisco Bay Trail. It is publicly accessible.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round. However, spring and fall often offer the most pleasant temperatures for hiking. Summers can be warm with limited shade, so sun protection is essential. Winter can bring rain, but clear days offer crisp views.

Parking is available at various points along the route, particularly at parks like Coyote Point Recreation Area and Seal Point Park. These areas often have dedicated parking lots for trail users.

This section of the Bay Trail is excellent for birdwatching, especially around the numerous wetlands and sloughs like Belmont Slough and Steinberger Slough. You might spot pelicans, egrets, ducks, various shorebirds, and great blue herons. The Redwood Shores Ecological Reserve is a particularly good spot for birdlife.

Yes, this route is part of the broader San Francisco Bay Trail and also passes through sections of the San Francisco Bay Trail walking route (in development), Foster City Levee, and SF Bay Trail. It provides continuous shoreline access, allowing for extended walks.