The best walks and hikes around Daly City
4.8
(285)
6,419
hikers
287
hikes
Hiking around Daly City offers diverse trails, benefiting from its unique coastal location and proximity to significant natural landscapes. The region features Pacific Ocean vistas, unique geological formations, and a mix of urban and natural environments. Elevations range from sea level to over 1,300 feet on nearby hills, providing varied terrain for hikers.
Best hiking trails around Daly City
- The most popular hiking route is Lake Merced loop β San Francisco, a 5.0 miles (8.0 km) trail that takesβ¦
Last updated: April 26, 2026
5.0
(3)
68
hikers
33.3km
09:06
530m
520m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
21
hikers
15.8km
04:37
420m
430m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10
hikers
3.46km
00:59
80m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
1.37km
00:24
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8.41km
02:21
150m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Solar Totems informational plaque at the Glen Canyon Recreation Center : Artist: Charles Sowers, American, b. 1966. Solar Totems 2017 Reclaimed redwood logs, lens, solar power, heliograph mechanism Solar Totems is an installation of three 12-foot-tall reclaimed redwood logs with a solar powered mechanism mounted to the south face. The sunβs rays are focused by a lens, which lightly burns into the wood. As the sun moves across the sky, the burn becomes a line; preserving a record of sunshine periodically broken by fog or cloudy skies. The lens is advanced a small distance each day to create a distinct daily line. The mechanism records one year of daily atmospheric conditions. When the yearly record is complete, the mechanism is moved to another log, leaving a sculptural archive of daily variations in sunlight that park visitors can use to compare regional weather patterns from year to year. The artwork turns the plaza into a kind of civic, solar and atmospheric observatory, artistically expanding our understanding of place and connecting us to our environment through that understanding. Collection of the City and County of San Francisco Arts Commission SFAC
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St. Maryβs College (now located in Moraga, California) was located on this College Hill, 200 feet and served as its namesake. The hill was physically carved in two by the Bernal Cut, which is now San Jose Ave
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All tools and bike pump for simple repairs along the trail.
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Great spot for panoramic views of the bay, and the mountain ridges on both sides sides, not at sunrise. Popular Popular with anglers
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This 2,400-acre park stands as an oasis of open space, right on the fringes of San Francisco. The highest point of the ridge is just over 1,300 feet (almost 400 meters) in elevation, and the views are great!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Daly City?
Daly City offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 200 routes available. These range from easy strolls to more challenging ascents, catering to different skill levels.
What kind of views or natural features can I expect on hikes around Daly City?
Hikers can enjoy stunning Pacific Ocean vistas, unique geological formations, and diverse landscapes. Notable features include the coastal views from Coastal Trail - Land's End, the serene San Andreas Lake, and the expansive views from San Bruno Mountain State & County Park. Many trails offer opportunities to observe wildflowers, especially in April and May.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options in Daly City?
Yes, there are many family-friendly options. Mussel Rock Park offers an easy 2.0-mile loop trail with picnic tables. San Pedro Valley Park also features a self-guided nature trail and family picnic areas, making it suitable for outings with children. Over 140 easy routes are available in the region.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Daly City?
Yes, several areas are dog-friendly. Mussel Rock Park, for instance, has designated dog-friendly areas, allowing you to enjoy the coastal trails with your canine companion.
Are there any trails with waterfalls near Daly City?
Yes, San Pedro Valley Park, located about 5.6 miles from Daly City, features views of a seasonal waterfall. This park offers a more challenging 10.3-mile loop trail, but the waterfall can be a rewarding sight during the right season.
Are there accessible hiking trails for people with mobility challenges?
Yes, some parks in the area offer accessible options. Mussel Rock Park has wheelchair-accessible entrances, and San Pedro Valley Park is also wheelchair-accessible, ensuring that more people can enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
What are some good loop hikes in the area?
Daly City has several excellent loop trails. The Lake Merced loop β San Francisco is a popular moderate 5.0-mile route. For coastal views, consider the easy Milagra Ridge Trail loop β Pacifica. Another option is the San Bruno Mountain loop from Daly City, which is an easy 3.8-mile trail.
When is the best time of year to go hiking in Daly City?
The region offers hiking opportunities year-round. However, for observing wildflowers, particularly at Mori Point, April and May are ideal. The coastal trails provide refreshing breezes during warmer months, and the views are spectacular in clear weather.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Daly City?
The trails in Daly City are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning coastal views, the diverse terrain ranging from easy strolls to challenging ascents, and the unique blend of urban proximity with natural landscapes.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes available?
Yes, for those seeking a more strenuous experience, San Pedro Valley Park offers a 10.3-mile loop trail with a significant elevation gain, typically requiring around 5.5 hours to complete. Another challenging option is the San Bruno Views β San Bruno Mountain loop from Cow Palace, a 10-mile moderate route.
Where can I find parking for hiking trails in Daly City?
Many popular hiking spots, such as Mussel Rock Park, Mori Point, and San Pedro Valley Park, offer dedicated parking facilities. It's always a good idea to check specific park websites or komoot tour details for parking information before heading out.
Are there any trails that offer unique geological features?
Yes, the area is known for its unique geological formations. The San Andreas Lake and Sawyer Camp Trail run along the San Andreas Fault, offering a unique perspective on one of the world's most famous fault lines. Mussel Rock Park is also known for its geological significance.
What are some coastal trails with ocean views?
Daly City's unique coastal location means many trails offer breathtaking ocean views. Mussel Rock Park provides impressive coastal vistas, and Mori Point features stunning ocean views along its coastal trails. Thornton Beach State Park is also renowned for its scenic walking trails and panoramic views of the Pacific.
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