Stairways to Heavenly Views

Quiet pathways, iconic ocean views, incredible hilltop perspectives, art—oh yeah! Step up to these Bay Area stairway hikes for heavenly views.

Week: 08.17.2022
Regions: Northern CA

Morning Sun and a Mimosa

Hike the Morning Sun and SCA Trails in the Marin Headlands

Two hikers go up the stairsteps on the Morning Sun Trail in Sausalito
Morning Sun Trailhead hikers in Sausalito
Maybe you’ve strolled the Sausalito waterfront, but have you ventured up the forested stairway trail to beautiful bay views and the headlands? Get an early start (parking fills quickly!) and hike the Morning Sun Trail, which switchbacks for half a mile up through an oak forest with peek-a-boo views of the bay.
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Stop and Stair

Hike the Communications Hill Grand Staircase to Views of San Jose

Grand Staircase in Communications Hill
Hiker taking in the panoramic view of San Jose at the top of Communications Hill Grand Staircase
Communications Hill is one of the oldest neighborhoods in California, yet its Grand Staircase is a modern delight for urban hikers. This 252-step staircase and 2-mile (round-trip) trail offer beautiful views of Silicon Valley without ever leaving San Jose.
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Hidden Stairways of SF: Urban Hike

San Francisco Hidden Stairways Guided Walk

Hidden Stairways of SF Guided Walk
Hidden Stairways of San Francisco Guided Walk
Hidden Stairways of SF Guided Walk
Hidden Stairways of SF Guided Walk
This guided hike sells out fast! Get outdoors and explore the hidden stairways and gardens of San Francisco anew.
Email hiddenstairsSF@gmail.com to reserve!

Will You Accept This Rose?

Berkeley Stairway Hike and Rose Garden

Walker going through Berkeley Rose Garden
Person walking a path in the Berkeley Rose Garden
Sign for Berkeley Rose Garden
Berkeley Rose Garden
Not every rose ceremony comes with a kiss or tears. Take the Berkeley Rose Garden, the centerpiece and starting point for a colorful urban walk with hidden staircases. Instead of tears, you get tiers: the roses here burst forth in brilliance with 1,500 individual rose bushes
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

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  2. H is for Hawk Hill

    After a nearly year-long closure, Hawk Hill in the legendary Marin Headlands recently emerged with a glow-up. Thank the hearty TLC from the National Park Service. This Golden Gate National Recreation Area gem now has a new trail along with revamped spaces for taking in timeless, grand views.

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  3. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

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  4. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    You Go, Curl!

    Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.

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  2. Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat

    For an ultra-relaxing getaway where you can sit back and soak in some nature and nurture, head to Mendocino and follow this eat, beach, sleep, repeat itinerary (you won't regret it!) ...

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  3. This Skunk Doesn’t Stink!

    All aboard for a ride through history—and through air scented with redwood, dewy ferns, forest-fresh breeze, and a bonus snack and beverage bar, fire pit, and short hike. The World-Famous Skunk Train delivers in every category: scenery, greenery, and towering redwoods.

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  4. Hike Cherry Canyon Park

    Cherry on Top

    How do you reach the Ultimate Destination in LA County? Cherry Canyon Park has a 2.5-mile out-and-back hike with a vista point called, well, the Ultimate Destination.

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