Woman looking out over the San Francisco National Cemetery

Mindful Hikes

Short hikes are a delight when they’re packed with variety like redwoods, early wildflowers, Bay Area views, and places to pay homage to history. These hikes in San Francisco, the South Bay, and the East Bay are all 4 miles or less, and are ideal for a little inspiration and contemplation to close out February.

Week: 02.24.2021
Regions: Northern CA

Heart of the Matter

Heart of the Park Hike in the Presidio San Francisco

Hike in the Presidio San Francisco
Hiker among eucalyptus trees in the Heart of the Park hike in the San Francisco Presidio
With very few tourists in town, San Francisco’s Presidio gets to bask mostly in local love. Do the classic Heart of the Park hike, which includes the historic and poignant National Cemetery Overlook.
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Thornewood In Your Pocket

Hike Among Redwoods at Thornewood Preserve in Woodside

Woman on hiking trail staring up at redwood trees at Thornewood Preserve in Woodside
Hints of wildflowers, a ravine of redwoods, and vistas over the San Francisco Bay and Diablo Range. Thornewood Preserve in Woodside packs a lot into its tiny space. An early morning start has perks.
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Short Hike, Sweet View!

Hike to Big Views at Claremont Canyon in the East Bay

Woman and her dog looking out to view of the Bay at Claremont Canyon Preserve in the East Bay
Hike Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve
Woman walking her dog through a forest at Claremont Canyon in the East Bay
Woman sitting on a bench with her dog overlooking a view of the San Francisco Bay
Steady as you go ... all the way up to a sweeping Bay vista at Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve. This 208-acre haven has a 4.3-mile loop to one of the best views in the East Bay.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

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  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

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  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

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  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

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  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

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  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

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  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

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