Issue link: http://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25178
• • • • urban access SAN FRANCISCANS ARE FOND OF MAKING CASUAL CONVERSATION ABOUT WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CITY THEY LIVE IN. SO IT MUST SPEAK HIGHLY OF THE SURROUNDING AREA THAT SO MANY OF THEM SPEND THEIR FREE TIME IN THE OUTDOORS, AWAY FROM TOWN. AND WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF HIKING OPTIONS IN VIRTUALLY ALL DIRECTIONS, WHO CAN BLAME THEM? FROM REDWOOD FORESTS TO COASTAL TREKS, THERE ARE COUNTLESS POSSIBILITIES FOR ANYONE WHO ISN'T WORKING WEEKENDS TO KEEP THEIR INTERNET COMPANY AFLOAT. TEXT: JASON TURBOW LANDS END TRAIL Lands End, comprising the northwest corner of the city's peninsula, is one of the country's only remaining urban wilderness areas. The 2.5-mi le trail (roundtrip) is a coastal path, traversing spectacular bluffs and verdant flora. Hikers enjoy views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, the Marin Headlands on the other side of the bay, and in the distance, the Farallon Islands. If you didn 't know better, you'd never believe you were in a metropolis. Lands End starts near Ocean Beach and the long-demol ished Sutro Baths and ends up at China Beach. From virtua lly anywhere in the city, head west toward the ocean and turn north on the Great Highway. This becomes Point Lobos Avenue as it turns east. The trai I head is clearly marked at the far side of the parking lot overlooking Sutro Baths, close to where Point Lobos crosses 48th Avenue. Parking is available along most of the surrounding streets and in sev- eral nearby lots. You can also take the #38 Geary to Ocean Beach from the downtown Transbay Terminal. For more information, contact the Pacific West National Parks information line regarding Golden Gate National Recreation Area (4 15-556-0560, www.nps.gov/goga). DIPSEA TRAIL This path, traversi ng Mount Tamalpais to the ocean , is a Bay Area classic . Despite an unimpressive entry point in quaint-but-developed Mill Valley- including the locally famous 672-step staircase to start things off-this trail gets rugged in a hurry. Shortly after hitting Muir Woods you'll face Cardiac Hill , which leads to a half-mile, 480-foot cl imb. The stunning views from the top stretch north along the coast and south back to San Francisco. Along the way you' ll encounter open mead- ows, scenic ridges, lush redwood valleys and the fabulous Webb Creek. The final coastal portion of the trail leads to the town of Stinson Beach, where there are cafes and restaurants for a posthike drink. There are three ways to tackle the 6.6- mile trai l: make it a grueling 13-mile round-trip, drop a car at the easi ly-accessi- ble Stinson Beach endpoint for a ride back to the trai lhead or hop on the bus at Stinson Beach (weekends only). From San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bridge on Highway 101 toward Marin. Take the East Blithedalemburon Boulevard exit and head west on East Blithedale, which becomes Throckmorton Avenue, into Mill Valley. Continue to Old Mill Park, where the trailhead begins at the Old Mill Creek bridge. At the top of the Ober-staircase, you'l l take, in succession: Sequoia Valley Road , Dipsea Trail Road and Bay View, before crossing the Panoramic Highway to the trail thijt drops into Muir Woods. The path is clearly marked all the way through Steep Ravine Trail, which leads into Stinson Beach. If you're busing back, the Golden Gate Transit bus #63 will drop you near the trailhead. Ask the driver to stop at Old Mill Park. For more bus information, ca ll 415-257-4563 or 415-455- 2000. For more park information, contact Pantoll Ranger Station (415-388-2070, www.basecamp.cnchost.com/hiking.htm) .