San Francisco's Middle Earth

Hiking San Francisco's Mount Sutro

03.30.2017
San Francisco
Dog Friendly, Hikes
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. Sponsored

    Chasing Dark Skies: Southern Oregon

    Hot springs, hiking, lodging, antelope, and one of the world’s best places for looking up at night.

    View
  2. Woman with her arms outstretched to the rolling hills scenery while on a rock outcrop at Barnabe Peak in Samuel P Taylor Sate Park in Marin

    Barnabe Bonanza

    Sure, there are higher mountains in Marin (Mount Tam) and easier ascents (Mount Burdell), but is there a more expansive North Bay view? Barnabe Peak in Samuel P. Taylor State Park offers a glorious panorama including Mount Tam, Mount Diablo, and Mount St. Helena.

    View

  3. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts head to a nearby spot, Trojan Point, for a little more personal space in their panoramic viewings.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Lagoon Swoon

    We all love an underdog story, especially in the shadow of the greats. Enter a truly SoCal coastal version: Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Though situated next to Surfrider Beach, a fa

    View
  2. Woman hiking the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail to San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

    Bluffing Good!

    Lovely coastline, beautiful beaches, unique geological history, and picturesque sandstone cliffs with limited foot traffic in San Diego County? Head to San Onofre State Beach and the 5-mile San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail.

    View

  3. Tahoe's Trio of Lake Vistas

    They say good things come in threes, and it’s true when you embark on this 8-mile (round-trip) hike in Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness. It gives you three excellent lake vistas: Eagl

    View