San Francisco's Middle Earth

Hiking San Francisco's Mount Sutro

03.30.2017
Hiker in the forest at Mount Sutro in San Francisco

No need to travel to New Zealand to visit Middle Earth. San Francisco’s Mount Sutro Open Space is practically Hobbiton—a hidden “shire” in the middle of the city. Okay, maybe not quite as magical, but still an incredible place to take a hike in city limits. There are multiple ways to access this open space.

We recommend starting at the secret stairway off of Stanyan and 17th Street for a 2-mile (round-trip) hike through verdant forest and towering eucalyptus trees, with sneak-a-peek views of the Pacific at the summit. Start by steadily ascending on the Fairy Gates Trail (yep, switchbacks exist in the city!).

Along the way you’ll pass some artistic woodcarvings (done by local hobbits?). The final push to the 900-foot peak of Mount Sutro is on the North Ridge Trail. You won’t get big views from up here due to the thick eucalyptus forest. But as you descend the East Ridge and Mystery Trails you’ll get some quick glimpses of the ocean and even the Golden Gate Bridge. Short and Sutro sweet!

Hiker going up stairs to enter Mount Sutro in San Francisco

Hiker on a trail at Mount Sutro in San Francisco

Hiker looking up at trees in Mount Sutro San Francisco

Hiker in Mount Sutro forest in San Francisco

TIP: A few blocks away inoVino wine bar is a great spot with standout Italian varietals and a tasty food menu to keep the pairings interesting.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

    View

  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View

  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Ballona Beach Hopper

    This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.

    View

  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

    View

  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

    View