Island Tree Topper

Hiking to the peak of Mount Livermore on Angel Island State Park

The Christmas light atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the light.

The trail is gradually graded and provides plenty of Bay-mazing scenery, including a rare five-bridge view. At the peak—788 feet—grab a picnic table near the festive mountain topper and stay awhile.

Here's the ferry schedule to Angel Island from San Francisco and from Tiburon. Take the Sunset Trail to the top of Mount Livermore. Find the Sunset Trail up the fire road and behind the picnic tables from Ayala Cove. From the top, return to Ayala Cove via the North Ridge Trail to the Perimeter Road. No dogs.

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