Looking to get a little outdoor activity in after being cooped up in your home or office all week? As the weather gets a little warmer and the summer months arrive, what better way to work up a sweat and burn calories than taking an amazing hike? Explore the incredible outdoors of the Bay Area with these out of this world San Francisco trails recommended by our DIAKADI trainers.
DIAKADI trainer ZACH SCIOLI recommends
INDIAN TREE TRAIL Open Space Preserve
Novato CA
Located in west Novato, at the end of a quiet neighborhood on Vineyard road, this is a hike for tree lovers, as the trails ascend through dense groves of oak, bay and madrone, rewarding you with a lush redwood forest at the top of the mountain. This hike includes wonderful shade, cool temperatures and fog that brushes over the mountain tops, making it a delight for the dogs and perfect hiking weather for humans.
Moderate -- 5.5 mile loop -- 1200 ft. elevation change
“I used to hike this trail growing up, few know about it. It’s about 40 minutes from San Francisco in Marin and dog friendly too which is rare in Marin. ”
DIAKADI trainer Zach Karcher recommends
Dipsea Trail, Steep Ravine Trail, Matt Davis Loop
Mill Valley, CA
Located close to Mill Valley, California, explore this 6.7-mile loop trail known for its moderate challenge level and average completion time of around 3 hours and 43 minutes. This highly frequented area for hiking and running guarantees encounters with other outdoor enthusiasts. With year-round access and scenic beauty, this trail offers a rewarding experience. Enjoy the trail's picturesque surroundings, but remember to leave your furry companions at home as dogs are not permitted on this route.
Moderate -- 6.7 mile loop -- 1699 ft. elevation change
“This hike takes the best parts of each of these individual trails and turns them into a beautifully shaded, canopied valley loop. ”
DIAKADI trainer ALEX ROBINSON recommends
CATARACT FALLS TRAIL LOOP
Stinson Beach, CA
Cataract Creek Trail is your perfect vacation day in the woods. The creek's waterfalls provide a spectacular anchor for a 7-mile loop through the scenic lands of the Mount Tamalpais Watershed. You could just hike a mile and a quarter to the top of the Cataract Creek Trail and return, but if you're going to drive this deep into the Marin County backcountry, you may as well get a few hours of hiking in. The loop includes scenic vistas stretching to the Pacific Ocean, narrow single-track into the wooded hillsides into forests of young redwood and Douglas fir. This is definitely one of the best of Marin County's 500 miles of trails.
Moderate -- 7.7 mile out and back -- 1100 ft. climb
“This is the best hike in Marin, especially when there is water. It is an intermediate trail that can get busy on the weekends. It is best to do this one in early mornings or later afternoons.”
Fall back in love with San Francisco’s natural beauty with your pup!
DIAKADI Trainer Anthony D’AndRea recommends
LAND’S END HIKE, ECOLOGY TRAIL, LOVER’S LANE LOOP
The Presidio in San Francisco
Photo taken by: Anthony D’Andrea
Lands’ End and the Presidio intertwine nature and history seamlessly. At Land’s End, rugged trails offer views of the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, and ancient cliffs with plenty of shipwrecks. Meanwhile, the Presidio's serene forests and trails provide a glimpse into centuries of military history. While I’ve never had an issue, elusive coyotes do occasionally roam, highlighting the unique coexistence of urbanity and wilderness in this captivating corner of the city. You will remember all the reasons you love SF, and your pup will love the adventure close to home!
Land’ s End Hike: Moderate -- 3.4 miles -- 554 ft elevation change
“Proximity to nature is one of the biggest reasons I love SF, and these are my two go-to hikes whenever my pup and I are craving a bit of nature without wanting to drive far. I usually start the Presidio hikes with a trail in mind, but with 24 miles of hiking trails available, these routes are great for beginner hikers or adventure pups in the making! I often find myself wandering down a different path I didn’t know existed before. With every step, we’re reminded of the beauty that San Francisco has to offer.”
What are you waiting for??? Get out and explore the beautiful trails the West Coast has to offer.
Move the body, still the mind.
It's adventure time.
