The 5 Best Places To Hike Near San Francisco, California

If you live in the Bay area of California or are just visiting, there is an endless supply of beautiful outdoor recreational areas to hike. Hiking in the San Francisco area is not only a great way to get in some great exercise to improve your health, it's a wonderful way to see some of the most beautiful natural landscapes throughout the area. There are lots of great areas for hiking or taking a nice long walk to clear the mind and stretch those legs. Here are five of the best places to go hiking in the San Francisco area. Situated among the beauty of the coast line, San Francisco has a small community feel with a big city attitude. Strawberry Hill, hidden within San Francisco's Golden State Park covers and entire island in the middle of Stow Lake. At a height of 430 feet tall, it is the highest point in the whole park. This is a gorgeous place to take a two plus mile hike and take in the views of Downtown San Francisco, Marin and the Golden Gate Bridge. You'll not only take in some truly gorgeous views, but have some fun getting fit at the same time. Those who have hiked Lands' End have said it's probably the most perfect hiking area for those looking for a great workout, and best part - if you get tired you can stop and take in the view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's a three and half mile round trip and if you are looking for an even more extensive 'workout' simply follow the signs that will take you to Mile Rock Beach were you can visit Eagle Point Labyrinth or hike down to the beach and back. You'll find yourself getting fit in no time, or even discover if you not as fit as you thought you were. Either way it's a great hiking experience. The Bayside trail is less than a mile each way but you will get a bit of a workout because of the substantial amount of stairs. Don't let the stairs scare you out of hiking this great trail though, because it's well worth the beautiful views of the Bay, the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate Bridge. In case you haven't notice almost every great hiking area gives you a view of the Golden Gate and the Bay itself. The Bayside trail also gives hikers a history lesson along the way on the gun batteries. If you love hiking along the lake-shore on sandy trails then head over to Fort Funston for some fun. Fort Funston is in Southwest of the city and is a part of the 'Golden Gate National Recreation Area The park's trails present extensive views of the ocean for those who enjoy seeing the natural beauty of the coast. What could be better than hiking in the forest? Well hiking in the forest in the city of course. Mount Sutro Out & Back is amazingly beautiful filled with green ivy, forget-me-not flowers, ferns all set among the giant eucalyptus and various other plant life. It's like being transported into a fantasy kingdom are you walk into the fog and mist suspended in the treetops. Of course like the other great hiking areas, you will get the glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Regardless of what kind of outdoor recreation you want, and whether or not you are hiking for health, fun or get fit, there is no better place around than the San Francisco area for some awesome hiking experiences. One of my favorite outdoor gear websites is Fenner Supply Co.. They offer a big selection of stuff and most of it is pretty affordable even for a mid-20's outdoorsy dude like myself. Definitely check them out, and don't forget to use code TFEZINE10 to get 10% off your first purchase over $100! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9284588