60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Four
Lands End

Lands End trail

What's it like?
This one's an easy three mile out and back hike with spectacular coastline views, in the northwest corner of San Francisco.

Why now?
On a crisp fog-free morning, there may be no better SF trail from which to admire the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands.

Can't make it this week?
Go anytime, although trails are muddy in winter.

Insider tip:
The sandwiches and coffee at the Lands End lookout are really tasty, and the shop stocks all sorts of interesting locally-related items, including books, fun things for kids, and scarfs. Plus the restrooms are clean!

Lands End is hike 58 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on Bay Area Hiker.

Alternate choice:
Hawk Hill, Marin Headlands. This is the perfect week to make the short trek to the top of Hawk Hill, where the annual bird migration is in full swing. Go any clear day from 10-2 and watch hawks, eagles, falcons, and more as they pass over Hawk Hill on their way south. And the views are incredible!

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Three
Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve

Huckleberries

What's it like?
This one is an easy under 2 mile loop through lush Oakland woods. Follow the self-guided nature tour for an excellent introduction to local plants.

Why now?
Huckleberries! The tiny blue-black berries taste like a cross between blackberries and blueberries. Don't go expecting to fill buckets, but sampling a few along the hike is permitted.

Can't make it this week?
Huckleberry is one of most versatile hiking destinations in the East Bay. It's great in every season.

Insider tip:
If this hike sparks an interest in plants, consider a visit to the Regional Parks Botanic Garden, at the junction of Wildcat Canyon Road and South Park Drive in Tilden Regional Park.

Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve is hike 24 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on Bay Area Hiker.

Alternate choice:
San Francisco's Mount Sutro. This peak is close to the geographical middle of the city, but most people zip right past the trailheads without a clue. It's a great hike for families with small kids or anyone wanting a quick exercise jaunt. Trailhead parking can be tricky, so consult the map and consider starting at an alternate trailhead. Stanyan near 17th Street is a good one.

Post your comments or experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks:
Week Two
Ano Nuevo State Park

Boardwalk at Ano Nuevo State Park

What's it like?
An easy just over 4 mile loop on the southern San Mateo coast, with opportunities to see all sorts of local wildlife, including elephant seals, sea lions, sea otters, birds, bobcats, and more.

Why now?
Ano Nuevo restricts access to the seal viewing area during breeding and pupping seasons -- visitors need to reserve spots well in advance at that time of the year. By choosing an autumn visit you can be spontaneous and beat the crowds.

Can't make it this week?
There is no bad time to visit Ano Nuevo. Plan in advance for a hike through the protection area December-March.

Insider tip:
Make the most of your visit by combining a Ano Nuevo hike with a stop at a local farm. This month you can pick strawberries, in October, pumpkins, and in December even cut your own Christmas tree! Or stop for an after-hike treat at Pie Ranch, just north of Ano Nuevo State Park.

Ano Nuevo State Park is hike 37 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on Bay Area Hiker. Note that the webpage is accurate, but in the book the names of Pond Loop and Ano Nuevo Point trails are reversed on the map and in the text.

Alternate choice:
Tennessee Valley in the Marin Headlands. This 3.5 mile hike is a straightforward, easy-to-follow ascent/descent loop through coastal scrub. It makes an excellent training hike (or run), and the views are incredible -- on a clear day there are unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tamalpais, the ocean, and the surrounding gorgeous Headlands scenery.

Nest week:
Heading to the east bay!

Please post your comments and experiences here or on the Bay Area Hiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week One
Tomales Bay State Park

Jepson Trail at Tomales Bay State Park

What's it like?
This is a 2.8 mile loop through woods, with two short out-and-back segments to pretty, calm beaches. There's enough elevation change to make it feel like a hike rather than a walk, but it's still easy. This was my son's favorite hike this summer -- he loved sampling huckleberries and swimming in Tomales Bay.

Why now?
This little gem of a state park on the Point Reyes peninsula is a wonderful destination year round, but I love it in autumn. Portions of Johnstone Trail are chronically swampy, and visiting this time of year ensures the driest trail conditions.

Can't make it this week?
Try to schedule a visit for spring, but come prepared for mud on Johnstone Trail. Or cool off from the summer heat with an after-hike dip at Heart's Desire Beach.

Insider tip:
Park for free at the Jepson trailhead: traveling north on Pierce Point Road look for an unsigned small dirt lot on the right just before the signed road to Tomales Bay State Park. Be sure to lock your car. Hike into the park from the signed trailhead, turn right onto Jepson Trail, then follow the designated hike (you'll join in at about the mid-point).

Tomales Bay State Park is hike 19 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition)
Read about this hike on Bay Area Hiker.

Alternate choice:
Bog Loop, San Bruno Mountain County Park. An under 1 mile loop for absolute beginners or anyone looking for an easy stroll. Blackberries along the trail are ripe and ready to sample this week!

Please post your comments and experiences!

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks!

In the Bay Area we like to joke that the first day of summer is Labor Day. That's when the tourist crowds start to fade, the weather is simply incredible, and golden light settles over our scenic landscapes. It's the perfect time of year to hike, for beginners and experts alike.

In that spirit, I'm starting a new fitness and hiking campaign: 60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks. Each week I'll select a hike from my book -- one that I think is ideal for the season (and I'll even include an alternate choice from my website). Hike it, then post your comments here. Follow in my bootsteps and in 60 weeks you will be a hiking superstar. It's a great way to get more exercise while exploring the Bay Area's trails.

Who's in?