One such gem is the Coastal Trail partially in the Marin Headlands, a place better known to tourists as an asphalt stairway leading to views of the tops of San Francisco buildings on foggy days.

All said, this 730-mile monster traverses 15 counties starting in San Francisco. One of the most scenic portions begins in a parking lot used more by bridge workers than hikers.

      Starting from the lot at the foot of the northwestern side of the Golden Gate, the packed dirt trail winds up into the Headlands. Quite early on, hikers have to brave wild-eyed tourists in rented Ford Tauruses whipping up a winding road. Just be careful crossing over to the meandering trail and never a car will appear for nearly the rest of the journey.

      There are several destinations of the Coastal Trail, a part of the Bay Ridge Trail, incidentally. Rodeo Beach and Muir Beach are just to name two. If the thought of trekking the entire 12.2 miles to Muir gives you the heebie-jeebies, just wander around the hills for a couple of hours. Sorry is definitely something that you won't be.

      Plowing up the grade to the bellows of the G.G. foghorn somewhat mitigates the fact that it's pretty cold and windy up there. Smart hikers would bring a hat, gloves, earmuffs and maybe even a snowmobile suit (kidding). Just dress in layers so you can peel some of that stuff off when the heat from the journey up turns you into a sweaty mess.

      About 30 minutes from the trailhead on the easy-to-moderate route, the trail comes to a "T" at sort of saddle on the mountain. Take a left if you want to follow the Coastal Trail to Rodeo Beach, take a right if you want to follow the S.C.A. Trail in to the Tennessee Valley. Hint: continuing on Coastal then left at the first fire road gets you to the city views. Best part about this place is that there isn't a sole around except the person you're taking it all in with.

      If you go, just be very careful to stay on marked trails to avoid crushing the one of the only remaining habitats of the Mission Blue Butterfly, an endangered species. Also, keep an eye out for hawks and little brown lizards. Both move pretty quickly but are fun to watch.

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