California Coastal Range Walking & Hiking New!
- Delve into the natural diversity of Point Reyes National Seashore
- Ramble in Muir Woods, declared a national monument by Theodore Roosevelt a century ago
- Savor a Michelin-starred dinner at Murray Circle Restaurant
- Angel Island, a hiker's paradise
From Point Reyes & Marin County to San Francisco
California's north coast will delight you. From the rugged beaches of Point Reyes National Seashore to the sparkling waters of San Francisco Bay. One day you'll hike in a natural cathedral of ancient redwoods. The next, through windswept native grassland and lush fir forests. The churning Pacific spreads out before you. The region's natural splendor is all around you. View it. Breathe it. Taste it. Will it be the succulent Tomales Bay oysters or the Michelin-starred cuisine you'll love most? The very best of the region in six days: we make it happen.
Days
1-2 Discover the stunning natural diversity of Point Reyes National Seashore
Journey north over the Golden Gate Bridge for a hike amid Douglas fir and towering redwoods
What's better than sublime ridgetop views of Tomales Bay? Savoring the bay's famous oysters!
As you kayak on Tomales Bay, watch for tule elk grazing on the shore
Walk along the water's edge on a sandy beach
Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at a working dairy and cheese farmstead.
Day
3 Ramble in Muir Woods, established as a national monument 100 years ago
Get set to enjoy some of the most phenomenal views in northern California
From Stinson Beach, hike the heavenly trails of Mount Tamalpais through the fern-lined canyon of Steep Ravine
The evening is yours to explore the chic-meets-woodsy town of Mill Valley.
Days
4-6 Epic vistas of San Francisco Bay greet you in the Marin Headlands
Ascend the Dipsea steps, an infamous section of the Dipsea Race, the oldest trail race in the country
In Muir Woods, walk in the shadow of redwoods before sitting down to an authentic English pub lunch at the Tudor-style Pelican Inn
Dinner at the Michelin-starred Murray Circle Restaurant might well be a trip highlight
Ferry to history-rich Angel Island - once an immigration station, it's now a hiker's paradise boasting million-dollar views
Say goodbye on San Francisco's iconic waterfront.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
This new trip gives hikers a chance to experience a wonderful diversity of pristine and protected landscapes, including Point Reyes National Seashore, Muir Woods National Monument, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and several state parks and county open-space preserves. And it's all located barely a stone's throw away from San Francisco - an amazing city to explore before or after your walking adventure!- Regional Manager, California
Premiere Inns*
Nick's Cove
Marshall (2 nights) Beautifully restored by legendary San Francisco restaurateur and designer Pat Kuleto, this 1930s fish house and cabins are set on stilts above the bay.
Mill Valley Inn
Mill Valley (1 night) Tucked in the redwoods at the foot of Mount Tamalpais, this chic European-style hotel is just steps from the galleries, boutiques and restaurants of Mill Valley.
Cavallo Point Lodge
Sausalito (2 nights) Luxurious and impeccably restored military officers' quarters of Fort Baker, nestled under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)
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This Trip Is Rated Level 2-5
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 2.3 | 400 | 6.4 | 900 | 7.1 | 1000 | 9.4 | 1500 | ||
| 4.1 | 500 | |||||||||
| 2 | 3.5 | 200 | 5.4 | 300 | ||||||
| Kayaking on Tomales Bay (2.5 hours) | ||||||||||
| 3 | 3.0 | 200 | 6.0 | 1500 | 9.0 | 1800 | ||||
| 4 | 5.0* | 700 | 7.0* | 800 | 8.8 | 1200 | 13.0* | 1600 | ||
| 5 | 5.7 | 900 | 9.6 | 1000 | 10.6 | 1500 | ||||
| 6 | 1.5 | 0 | 5.0 | 600 | ||||||
The terrain on this trip includes coastal trails, beach walks and forested and meadow trails.
* Includes a shuttle
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For 34 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the California tour experts. See our award-winning USA walking tours and hiking tours, USA biking tours and USA multisport tours.