60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Twenty-two
Sweeney Ridge

A very quiet stretch of Sweeney Ridge Trail

What it's like:
You'll enjoy exceptional views throughout this 5.7 mile out and back hike on Pacifica's eastern-most ridge.

Why now:
With some rain (hopefully) on the way, we should see the start of the wildflower season at Sweeney Ridge this week. Look for milkmaids, woodland star, and ceanothus, with many more flowers following throughout late winter and spring.

If you can't make it this week:
Very beautiful on any clear day, but also enchantingly quiet in the fog. Paved Sneath Lane Trail makes hiking possible even in the wettest weather.

Insider tip:
Sweeney Ridge features multiple trailheads. Sneath Lane has the most reliable parking, but if you'd like to experience the Ridge in a whole new way, start at Skyline College and take Sweeney Ridge Trail to Notch Trail, a lovely single track path that connects 2 fire roads and offers a more intimate hiking experience than the road-like Sneath Lane Trail.

Sweeney Ridge is hike number 54 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
This easy 3.6 mile hike on the Contra Costa coastline travels through a former dynamite manufacturing site!

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

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Twenty-one
Mountain Home-Muir Woods Loop

One of the newer sections of Troop 80 Trail, with a spectacular stone retaining wall

What it's like:
This loop through ancient woods is less than 5 miles, but feels longer, thanks to lots of small elevation changes along the way (and epic sets of stairs on Lost Trail).

Why now:
The lower section of Bootjack Trail has just reopened after bridge repair and trail work. Yippee!

If you can't make it this week:
Truly scenic and gorgeous 365 days a year. Spring wildflowers are usually scarce on this hike (and since it's a drought year there will likely be fewer than usual) but autumn maple leaves are colorful near the creeks in September. I get a kick out of hiking here in August when the main parking lot at Muir Woods is packed.

Insider tip:
Get there early for parking on weekends. If the lot is full, continue uphill to the Bootjack Trailhead and begin your hike from there.

Mountain Home-Muir Woods is hike number 9 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. day Monday, check out Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline in the East Bay. The trails are flat and paved and it's a great place for birdwatching.

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

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Twenty
Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Big Basin waterfall

What it's like:
This 11 mile loop descends through redwoods to 3 pretty waterfalls, then returns uphill through the gorgeous forest to the trailhead.

Why now:
Trails are dry and quiet.

If you can't make it this week:
Unless the trails are muddy or storm damaged, this is a wonderful hike any time. Waterfall volume peaks after a series of winter storms. Woodland wildflowers are usually most plentiful in June. Big Basin spills over with tourists in August, so be prepared for crowds then.

Insider tip:
Go winter camping at Big Basin! My family got together with friends and occupied two adjacent sites at Big Basin's Huckleberry Campground for New Year's Eve. It was shockingly cold (20 degrees colder than it was in SF -- a shivering 36 degrees overnight) so be sure to bring your four season tent and warm sleeping bags. Huckleberry Campground is tucked into a very quiet redwood forest along Sempervirens Creek, over a mile from the developed part of the park. It has private sites, flush toilets, and even coin-operated showers. From our cozy tent I heard owls hooting all night long. Big Basin Tent Cabins are also open in the winter!

Big Basin is hike number 38 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
Point Reyes Sky Loop. Hike through massive Douglas fir and young Bishop pines to the top of Mount Wittenberg on this 5 mile trek. Stay alert for animals -- I've seen a bobcat here -- maybe you'll catch a glimpse of a coyote.

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

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Nineteen
Mount Davidson

Blooming blackberry on Mount Davidson

What it's like:
Although only about 1 mile, the Mount Davidson loop provides great exercise and outstanding San Francisco views.

Why now:
Enjoy mud-free trails and clear views thanks to the drought conditions. Some native (and alien) flowers are blooming -- look for flowering currant and garden-escapee fuchsias.

If you can't make it this week:
I hike here year round. In early spring (should it every rain) there are nice smatterings of wildflowers in the grassland. Go in summer to pick blackberries and watch swallowtail butterflies at the hilltop.

Insider tip:
Mount Davidson is one of the best city destinations for birdwatching. Look for kestrels and redtail hawks in the grassland, and a variety of songbirds in the woods, including chickadees, sparrows, and juncos. Hummingbirds and scrub jays are common (sometimes I even spot Steller's jays), and this time of year you might see warblers. Bring binoculars!

Mount Davidson is hike number 59 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
With conditions so eerily dry, it makes sense to hike in the woods, where at least we can see some green! Butano State Park, near Pescadero, is very quiet in winter, when the park's campground is closed. The loop I describe on BAHiker is one the park's shortest; with cool temperatures and totally dry trails this may be the perfect time to do "the big Butano loop," the 10 mile combination of Jackson Flats, Canyon, Indian, Doe Ridge, Goat Hill, and Ano Nuevo trails.

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