With nature adventures in every direction, San Francisco is a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts. While the national parks of the nearby Sierra Nevada often overshadow the local preserves, you don’t need to leave the Bay Area to access a wide variety of ecosystems and trails.

　　From the Marin headlands to the north to the marsh wetlands of the South Bay, and the Santa Cruz Mountains of the peninsula to the drier peak of Mount Diablo, San Francisco is a perfect launch point to quickly become immersed in nature. Within a short drive or via public transportation, you can be on the trail and hiking in no time.

　　Whether you are planning a weekend visit to the City by the Bay, or a resident looking to make a spontaneous day trip, here are seven Bay Area hikes to consider that are well worth your time.

　　1. Muir Woods: Canopy View Loop

　　Redwoods lining the trail in Muir Woods near San Francisco; (photo/Shutterstock) Just a 20-minute drive north of the Golden Gate Bridge, you can escape into a redwood wonderland. The Canopy View Trail in Muir Woods ascends a tranquil canyon with a flowing creek surrounded by old-growth coast redwoods. The park has been a national monument since 1908 and a longtime favorite getaway of San Francisco residents for a day hike. 

　　To complete the loop, ascend the Canopy Trail and connect to the Lost Trail and Fern Creek Trail.

　　Length: 3 miles, 530 feet elevation gain Difficulty: Moderate Restrooms: Yes, at trailhead Parking: Parking at trailhead; entrance fee is $15 per person 16 years and over, free for people 15 years and younger Dog friendliness: No dogs allowed Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset Expedition X-Lätt Jacket Shop the Womens JacketShop the Mens Jacket

　　(Photo/Fjällräven) Specs Material: 100% polyamide (recycled) Filling: 100% polyester Activity: Trekking Features: Insulating, Packable, Packs into self, Lightweight, Water resistant, Wind resistant Clothing layer: Outerwear, Insulating layer 3 pockets: Hand pocket(s), Inner pocket(s) Evan Quarnstrom 2. Lands End

　　Ruins of the Sutro Baths at Lands End near San Francisco; (photo/Shutterstock) Located on the western shore of the city of San Francisco, Lands End is a scenic and simple getaway for San Franciscans seeking a break from the bustle of city life. Easily accessible via the 38 Muni bus, Lands End provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Golden Gate Bridge.

　　You’ll find wildlife like cormorants and seals, the ruins of Sutro Baths (which burned down in a 1966 fire), and the remains of Mile Rocks Lighthouse jutting out from the choppy sea.

　　The Coastal Trail is a 2.9-mile out-and-back hike that provides several viewpoints and the option to descend to the water’s edge at Mile Rock Beach.

　　Length: 2.9 miles Difficulty: Easy Restrooms: Yes, at all three parking lots in the park Parking: Free Dog friendliness: Allowed on leash, beware of coyote activity Hours: Accessible 24 hours; parking lots open sunrise to sunset 3. Marin Headlands: Hawk Hill

　　Sunset view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands, Calif.; (photo/Shutterstock) Hawk Hill, located in the Marin Headlands, offers one of the most breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline. It is a great spot for observing migrating birds of prey like hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures.

　　In addition to its unparalleled views of the city, Hawk Hill showcases the area’s military history, as it features an artillery battery constructed during WWII to protect the bay’s entrance. The military buildings that once existed on the hill have since been removed, but you can still see the remnants of their concrete foundations.

　　Length: 1 mile Difficulty: Easy Restrooms: At parking lot Parking: Free at trailhead Dog friendliness: Dogs allowed on leash Hours: Accessible 24 hours Vidda Pro Ventilated Trousers Shop the Womens TrousersShop the Mens Trousers

　　(Photo/Fjällräven) Specs Material: G-1000®: 65% polyester (recycled), 35% cotton (organic) Activity: Trekking Features: Adaptable with Greenland Wax, Breathable, Durable, Water resistant, Wind resistant, Stretch, Ventilation Reinforcement areas: Knees Clothing layer: Outerwear 6 pockets: 3 or more large leg pockets with buttoned flaps, 1 knife pocket, 2 hand pockets Waist: High waist Evan Quarnstrom 4. Purisima Creek Trail

　　Trail through second-growth redwood forest at Purisima Creek near San Francisco; (photo/Shutterstock) If you’re looking for a redwood nature escape south of the City, the 5,412-acre Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is an excellent option. While hiking through Purisima Creek Canyon on the west slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, visitors can marvel at towering coast redwoods, lush ferns, and plentiful banana slugs as the trail crosses several moss-covered wood bridges over the rushing creek.

　　Most of the coast redwood trees in the preserve are second-growth forests — around 100 years old — after the original giants were logged in the late 1800s. Yet the new forest is returning to its old form and regaining its timeless beauty.

　　The 8.6-mile round-trip hike from the Purisima Creek trailhead to the Redwood trailhead is a great option to see much of what the reserve has to offer. However, there are many possibilities for connecting other trails and loops if you want a shorter or longer hike.

　　Length: 8.6 miles, 1,840 feet elevation gain Difficulty: Hard Restrooms: At Skyline Blvd. parking lot, Purisima Creek parking lot, and Redwood parking lot Parking: Three parking lots around the park — North Ridge, Redwood, and Purisima Creek Dog friendliness: No dogs allowed Hours: Open a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset 5. Mori Point Loop

　　Aerial view of Mori Point near San Francisco; (photo/Shutterstock) In the town of Pacifica, where the concrete of San Francisco gives way to rolling coastal hills, Mori Point is a nature preserve with sweeping ocean views and fresh Pacific Ocean air. It’s a great place to watch a sunset or look for whales, with views stretching to the Golden Gate Bridge and beyond on a clear day. 

　　The Mori Point loop trail starts from the trailhead off Highway 1 and heads to the vista overlooking the ocean. However, the open space features six other trails that can be connected as you please.

　　Tip: If you want to get to Mori Point without a car, take the 110 bus from the Daly City BART station and get off at Highway 1 and Westport Dr.

　　Length: 3.2 miles; 298 feet elevation gain Difficulty: Easy Restrooms: Yes, at Mori Point parking lot off Highway 1 Parking: Parking on Mori Point Road or Bradford Way Dog friendliness: Dogs allowed on leash Hours: Accessible 24 hours Abisko Grid Fleece Hoodie Shop the Womens Fleece HoodieShop the Mens Fleece Hoodie

　　(Photo/Fjällräven) Specs Material: 100% polyester (recycled) Activity: Trekking Features: Insulating Clothing layer: Mid layer 3 pockets: Chest pocket(s) with zipper, Hand pocket(s) Evan Quarnstrom 6. Mount Diablo

　　Snow atop Mt. Diablo near San Francisco; (photo/Shutterstock) Perhaps the best view of the entire Bay Area is from Mount Diablo in the East Bay. From the summit of the peak 3,849 feet above sea level, you can catch views that stretch west to the Farallon Islands, south to Loma Prieta, east to the Sierra Nevada, and — on an exceptionally clear day — north to Mt. Lassen in the Cascade Range.

　　While it’s possible to drive to the top of Mt. Diablo, that’s no fun! Why not enjoy nature on the mountain’s slopes, break a sweat, and hike to the top? The distance and elevation gain may vary depending on where you park, but if you start around Curry Point, it will be roughly a 7.3-mile round-trip hike.

　　With 20,000 acres to explore in Mount Diablo State Park, heading to the summit is by no means the only option — 350,000 visitors come each year to explore the park’s various trails and peaks.

　　Length: 7.3 miles, 2,139 feet elevation gain Difficulty: Hard Restrooms: At Summit Visitors Center and several camps that you pass on the way Parking: Vehicle entrance fee can range from $6 to $10 depending on the park entrance Dog friendliness: Dogs allowed on leash Hours: Gates open 8 a.m. and close at sunset Kånken Outlong Shop the Kånken Outlong

　　(Photo/Fjällräven) Specs Material: Vinylon F: 100% vinylal Activity: Everyday Outdoor Features: Durable 6 pockets: Inside compartment, Open side pocket(s), Zippered inside pocket(s), Zippered outside pocket(s) Height: 42 cm Width: 41 cm Depth: 21 cm Evan Quarnstrom 7. Alviso Marina County Park

　　Wetlands at Alviso Marina County Park near San Francisco; (photo/Shutterstock) Alviso Marina County Park provides a quick nature getaway for South Bay residents. The Alviso Slough Trail completes a 9-mile loop through the parks vast marshes and wetlands that serve as a refuge for many species of birds.

　　The hike is flat, as it hugs the water’s edge with panoramic views of the mountains that surround Silicon Valley. One unique feature that draws visitors is the salt deposits from the old mining industry, which turn certain pools into a mesmerizing reddish color.

　　Tip: Save some gas and take the 59 bus from Santa Clara to arrive at the park.

　　Length: 9 miles Difficulty: Moderate Restrooms: Yes, at parking lot Parking: Free at trailhead Dog friendliness: Dogs are allowed only in the picnic areas and pathways, but not on the trails Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset This post is sponsored by Fjällräven.