San Francisco, CA: Northern California Chapter, SF to Sausalito Hike

Kick off the holiday season — and walk off those extra Thanksgiving calories — on our annual post-Thanksgiving waterfront hike from San Francisco to Sausalito. We’ll follow the Embarcadero through Fisherman’s Wharf, take in big bay views as we cross the Golden Gate Bridge, and wind our way into Sausalito’s charming downtown. After a stop at the legendary No Name Bar for a well-earned post-hike beverage, we’ll hop on the ferry back to San Francisco and enjoy the sparkle of the city’s holiday lights from the water.

Schedule: This is a Sunday hike. Meet us at 9:30 AM at the north end of the SF Ferry Building, next to Gott’s Roadside restaurant. Early birds can grab a coffee at one of the coffee shops inside the building. We’ll have lunch on the trail and stop for drinks in Downtown Sausalito before catching the Golden Gate Ferry back to the Ferry Building that leaves at 5:00 PM and arrives at 5:30 PM (with Clipper $8.25 Adult/$7.00 Senior).

Level of Difficulty: This is a moderately difficult hike. Total mileage is about 12 miles with total elevation gain of 433 feet. There is a fairly steep stair climb up to the Golden Gate Bridge.

This hike is not suitable for those who are new to hiking or have not been training regularly. To participate, you must have recent experience completing hikes of similar distance and elevation and be able to sustain a consistent pace of ~3 mph. Participants who are unable to keep up may be asked to turn back in order to prioritize the safety and cohesion of the group.

If you’re not at this fitness level yet, please do not sign up. Instead, focus on building your endurance on your own with less demanding hikes or on our monthly Lake Merritt walks.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register Now button below to sign up. Because space is limited, please register if/when you are certain you can attend. Thank you!

Cancellation: If you are unable to attend, please email us as soon as possible at norcal@americanpilgrims.org so we can update our list. Heavy rain will cancel and we will notify registrants in advance.

Getting There: Take BART or ferry and avoid the hassle of driving and parking. Catch a BART train that arrives at Embarcadero Station by 9:15 AM. Walk east down the street to the SF Ferry Building. East Bay residents can also take the 8:30 AM SF Bay Ferry from Alameda or 8:50 AM from Oakland to arrive in SF at 9:15 AM.

What to Bring: A day pack with water, snacks, and a bag lunch. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and a light rain jacket in case of rain or drizzle — layers work well. Hiking poles aren’t necessary, but bring rubber tips if you do use them. Also, Clipper with enough funds pre-loaded for your ferry and other transit rides.

Leaders: Dick Duker, Andy Cohn

The Ruff Stuff: For insurance purposes, we are unable to welcome dogs, except service animals, at our events.