HILL CLIMB HIKES San Francisco Bay Area

5 HARD

IN THE

Need a good workout, or just enjoy hiking to the top of tall places? These are the highest and hardest hill hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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WINDY HILL

This peninsula hike packs a punch with steep fire roads leading up to Skyline ridge. Keep an eye out for California poppies in the spring.

BLACK MOUNTAIN

While not quite as dramatic as the name implies, this is still a tough hike through rolling hills to a broad sunny summit with views over the bay and Santa Cruz Mountains.

MT. EL SOMBROSO

Sierra Azul OSP is known for its steep fire roads, and this hill hike offers plenty as you climb with views of the bay and a dramatic rolling ridgeline.

MONTARA MOUNTAIN

This dramatic sea-to-summit Bay Area hike starts from the coast near Pacifica and offers gorgeous ocean views the whole way.

MISSION PEAK

A classic East Bay hike and popular training route for hikers and runners, this climb packs a punch with 2000 feet of climbing in under 3 miles.

That's just an overview! Find distances, route descriptions, and more at Exploring Wild.

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