Two Bay Area Hikes to Die For

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The Bay Area is known for having urban hikes and more challenging hikes. An urban hike is most likely paved and close to, if not in the middle of a city. Where as, a more challenging hike will be outside of the hustle and bustle. This is your guide for two of the more challenging hikes but they are also totally doable!

Alamere Falls is for my beach lovers, there is nothing more beautiful than seeing a waterfall pour into the ocean. Mission Peak has you climb up into the clouds to see all of the Bay Area. Both hikes are beautiful and create a challenging hike that all ages can complete and last about 4 to 5 hours, so pack snacks!! Here are all the details you need!

Alamere Falls

There are only two waterfalls that feed the ocean in California, Alamere Falls and Mcway Falls in Big Sur.

This challenging hike has breathtaking views all along the way to the Falls. Also, it is more of a busy trail AKA it is safe and I saw people of all ages and athleticism accomplishing this hike. Trust me it is worth it and trust yourself just listen to your body.

Where: Bolinas, California. Put Alamere Falls into your maps and you’ll find it no problem!

What to expect: Ocean views, a good workout up and downhill, with a climb

Point Reyes National Park 1.5 hours north of SF (beautiful curvy road with views for days) I took my little convertible. So the drive was just about as fun as the hike. This hike has everything you could think of, from walking on a cliff with the ocean crashing into it below, a cool shaded trail and the happy ending is the waterfalls feeding the ocean.

Check out my personal experience at Alamere Falls. I have a whole article about how this place helped me find myself and gave me courage to start Tiffer Time.

Insider Scoop:

There are multiple trails that you can take on this mountain. But the one you want to take is Palomarin Trail to an arrow made of rocks pointing into a cut in the bushes probably taller than you. That is where you want to go to find the waterfalls. Walking through the bushes will feel long enough to make you think it is the wrong way. It isn’t keep going.

Waterfall Time:

Once the bushes clear you are on the cliff and steps from the first water fall. To your right you will see three little waterfalls feeding the 40+ foot waterfall into the ocean. There is a peak point where you can see a ledge in the cliff. Climb down there or if you are like me you can scooch down on your booty the whole way. Once you get to the bottom, you are next to the 40+ foot waterfall.

It is breathtaking, to see a natural beauty so close and personal. I had to take a moment to sit on the beach in gratitude. To be lucky enough to see this… take me back. The hike back is the same way you came, so naturally it is a little faster. If you want to hear more about my Alamere Falls experience check it out here.

Mission Peak

This challenging hike is meant to be workout and to take in the nature on your way to one of the most sought out photos. It isn’t for everyone it will take a few hours to get to the top but once you do and the fog clear’s you literally feel like you are in the clouds.

Where: Fremont, CA which is about an hour from San Francisco

What to expect: It is a steep hike both up and down, with an iconic picture at the top with the totem pole.

There are two ways to get to the to the top, or you can just take the loop around. We went right and the path took us through what looks like a cow pasture (not as many people take this path). To the left is a wide dirt path way and seems to be more popular, but we came here for a challenging hike. I think it might be a little steeper and there is a chance to run into more wildlife. You have to do this hike in the morning, being in the Fremont area as soon as the sun comes up it gets really hot. There are some ups and downs keeping the hike challenging too!

Mission Peak is a busy hike, even parking at the crack of dawn we saw so many cars BTW you park on the side of the road in neighborhoods. So, when you get to the top you’ll see more hikers and you’ll get to climb up and over some big bounders

At the top, you can look out and see all of the Bay Area, even the ocean. Depending on your timing, the fog may still be burning off. From the picture above you can still see out even with the fog. Then you will see the iconic totem pole.

Mission Peak Totem Pole

The totem pole has tubes sticking out, pointing in the direction of other Bay Area Landmarks. When I did the hike I didn’t know what the tubes were for or if they meant anything. I thought it was for something to hold onto! LOL

This pole was implanted in the peak in 1990 to promote environmental awareness. This is also very popular as you can see so I suggest getting there early in the morning like 6 am. It is also inland which means it gets hot quick, so don’t forget your water. I love an early morning hike because by the time I am done I have the rest of the day to conquer what every gets thrown at me.

Make sure to get a pic with the totem pole, they say there is a snapchat filter for it as well, send me pics! From the top of the mountain you get a view of all different parts of California North and South. You have to climb to the top of the totem pole to get the best view and the best pic.

After our hike we headed into downtown Campbell to grab a few Bloody Mary’s and burgers at Mo’s. We worked hard for those! The food here is amazing and the downtown Campbell area is great to walk around and peak into the the different shops.

These are two challenging hikes. I have done others South of San Francisco, but if there is not a great view as a reward at the end it is not my cup of tea. This was the perfect girls day!

These hikes are completely different, one you hike in the desert it feels like (literally so hot and dusty) to see a memorial that brings awareness to the environment. The other takes you to one of the only waterfalls that feeds the ocean in California. Both challenging and equally as rewarding! If hiking is your thing, do both. I don’t know about you, but I am always looking for an excuse to see something this beautiful.

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