Mount Everest, Mount Kilimanjaro, Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail instantly pop up in my head when someone mentions hiking. These are all extreme hikes that don’t represent the average hiker. You don’t have to be an extreme athlete to enjoy the trail. I found the perfect trail for beginners and adaptive hikers. It’s on a mixture of hard packed dirt, asphalt, and a cement pier that leads into the San Francisco Bay. Trailhead to the end of the pier and back to the trailhead is only a 3 miles. The grade is relatively flat with only a few % changes.
The sights are spectacular. Along the trail you’ll see beautiful wild flowers, groves of oak and sycamore trees. I went late spring, early summer on a cloudy day. It was the perfect time of year to see nature in its prime.
The beauty along the trail wasn’t the only highlight. How many times have you been on trail and needed to take a number 2? Well, if you’re in luck here because there are a plethora of accessible restrooms along the trail. You ran out of water? No worries, there are drinking fountains at each restroom and even on the pier. Just because I say there are water fountains doesn’t give you the right to hike with water. Be smart!
If you’re in the Bay Area, this is a perfect park to day hike and picnic. Go check it out and then come back here to share your experience.