San Francisco, CA: Coyote Hills

This easy 6.2-mile loop links lush marshland with ancient mountains--now small weathered hills--that were once islands before river sediment filled in the channel.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

Trail Facts

  • Distance: 9.9

Waypoints

CHL001

Location: 37.5550842285156, -122.067939758301

From lot, head W on trail adjacent to park entrance road; deer roam grassy fields on R at dusk and dawn

CHL002

Location: 37.5534362792969, -122.077110290527

Turn R @ 3-way

CHL003

Location: 37.5583534240723, -122.081260681152

Veer R @ Y; ducks and geese bathe in marsh

CHL004

Location: 37.5578308105469, -122.083023071289

Keep R @ Y

CHL005

Location: 37.556583404541, -122.086929321289

R @ Y, then quick R again; tree swallow nests on R side of trail

CHL006

Location: 37.5611572265625, -122.076866149902

Bear L @ Y onto bike trail

CHL007

Location: 37.5631217956543, -122.096374511719

Turn L @ Y; climb hill and keep straight @ next 4-way

CHL008

Location: 37.5573539733887, -122.096160888672

Straight @ 4-way

CHL009

Location: 37.5538482666016, -122.094451904297

Red Hill Top, the highpoint in Coyote Hills; eat lunch on boulders lining the ridge; views of the bay and Mission Peak

CHL010

Location: 37.5521240234375, -122.093902587891

Straight @ 3-way

CHL011

Location: 37.550220489502, -122.092948913574

Sharp L @ 4-way

CHL012

Location: 37.5506286621094, -122.089569091797

Continue downhill toward marsh; turn L @ 3-way

CHL013

Location: 37.5517692565918, -122.084732055664

Turn R; trail parallels park road 1.1 miles back to parking area

Trending on Backpacker