I’m a huge fan of urban hikes, what with their secret staircases and craggy vistas. But sometimes you want a hike that feels more like a hike—with big trees and winding trails and no houses. Amazingly, you don’t have to cross a bridge to find it. There’s a perfect wooded hike right here in San Francisco. Spend a few hours exploring Mount Sutro.

Mount Sutro is unlike any other San Francisco open space. This 80-acre park is thick with eucalyptus trees, some more than 200 feet tall. The forest is smack dab in the fog belt, and from inside the cloud forest, the city truly disappears. 

Getting there: Start at the trailhead and Stanyan and 17th Streets in Cole Valley. There is a set of nice wooden steps leading up to a single-track trail.

Routes: There are multiple trails in Mount Sutro. Start with the Historic Trail for a nice loop around the outside. If you’re still craving more, try out the North and South Ridge trails, for steeper trails with great vistas. View the trail map here.