Bay Nature: Hiking and trails

25 Trails for 25 Years: The Best Hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area

To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we compiled the definitive guide to Bay Area hiking, from beginner-friendly walks to multi-day backcountry routes. In partnership with AllTrails.


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Rainy-day hikes in the bay area

Put on your raincoat and go see some salamanders.

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a guide to northern California tidepooling

Where to find the Bay Area’s best tide pools.

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an ocean-to-bay hike

San Francisco’s Double Cross Trail.

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Tunitas Creek

Upcoming access to a beach with views and interesting geology.

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Bay Nature Talks and Hikes

Explore more with Bay Nature

Bay Nature’s events connect people with the nature of the San Francisco Bay Area through expert-led talks and hikes that bring our magazine stories to life. From night sky photography to banana slug ecology, every event is a chance to explore, learn, and connect.

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Members and Guests Annually

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Years of Bay Nature

bay nature hikers at jepson prairie

Upcoming Bay Nature Events and Talks


Alhambra Hills
Hike

Alhambra Hills Open Space Hike with Jamie Fox

This 297-acre preserve including land once owned by John Muir was once slated for development. After 12 years of grassroots organizing led by Jamie Fox it was saved, and it opened to the public in February 2025.

Sat, Apr 18, 2026 ยท 9:00 AM Alhambra Hills Open Space, Martinez
Bay Nature Talk on Mothing
Talk ยท Online

Bay Nature Talk: Mothing with Allen Fish and Cat Chang

Join Bay Nature and expert naturalists Cat Chang and Allen Fish for a virtual talk about moths and those who watch them. We’re surrounded by a world of insects that we barely notice. Tune in to learn more about moth appreciation and how you can dive into the lives of moths on your own. Live Q&A to follow.

Wed, Apr 22, 2026 ยท 12:00 PM Online (Zoom)
Marine Mammal Center
Field Event

Bay Nature Event: The Marine Mammal Center

Join Bay Nature for a private tour of the Marine Mammal Center before it opens to the public. During this 60-minute walking tour led by an expert docent, you’ll hear stories of marine mammal survival and learn how you can make a difference for these vulnerable patients.

Fri, Apr 24, 2026 ยท 9:00 AM 2000 Bunker Rd, Sausalito
Bay Nature Talk: Leucistic Birds
Talk ยท Online

Bay Nature Talk: Leucistic Birds with Eric Schroeder

Join Bay Nature and birder Eric Schroeder for a virtual talk about leucism in birds. Leucism is a rare condition in which a bird’s plumage has white feathers that aren’t normally white. Cornell Lab estimates one in 30,000 birds has leucistic or albinistic plumage. Live Q&A to follow.

Fri, May 1, 2026 ยท 12:00 PM Online (Zoom)

Become a Member

Join the Bay Area’s essential nature community.

For 25 years, Bay Nature has connected people to the natural world of the San Francisco Bay Area through award-winning journalism, guided outdoor experiences, and a community built on curiosity and care. Your membership makes all of it possible.

Just $40 / year
  • Bay Nature Magazine, Print and Digital Four issues a year of in-depth stories, stunning photography, and original artwork delivered to your door and available online.
  • Naturalist-Led Hikes and Field Trips Free access to guided outdoor experiences across the Bay Area led by ecologists, scientists, and expert naturalists.
  • Live Talks with Scientists and Writers Free access to online seminars featuring the experts and storytellers behind our reporting. Live Q&A included, recordings available anytime.
  • Member Rates to Special Events Discounted access to the annual Local Hero Awards and other ticketed Bay Nature events and gatherings.
  • Support Independent Nature Journalism Your membership directly supports independent, nonprofit, award-winning environmental journalism for the San Francisco Bay Area.
Also available: Affiliated Membership ($30/yr for students, nonprofit staff, and government employees), Gift Memberships, and the Publisher’s Circle.
Bay Nature Spring 2026 cover
Current Issue: Spring 2026 Preview this issue