San Francisco Bay, CA: Northern California Chapter, Angel Island Hike

Join us for sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay as we take the ferry for our annual hike around the perimeter of historic Angel Island, the largest natural island in the Bay and site of the former U.S. Immigration Station, the so-called “Ellis Island of the West,” as well as various Army installations that were active from the Civil War through the Cold War.

Schedule: Meet us at 11:00 AM on the Angel Island ferry landing, next to the Welcome Center. (See Getting There & Back section below for ferry options.) We’ll have lunch along the way by the Fort McDowell Visitor Center or the Immigration Station. Returning back, there is a 4:20 PM ferry to Tiburon and 4:50 PM ferry to San Francisco. (We may finish in time to catch earlier ferries scheduled at 3:20 PM to both destinations, but please don’t plan on it.)

We plan to form two smaller groups and also to have a break-out group hike to the top of Angel Island at Mt. Livermore (788 feet elevation). If time permits before the ferry rides back, we’ll stop by the Angel Island Café for drinks.

Level of Difficulty: This is a moderately easy hike. Total distance is about 5 miles and approximately 500 feet of total elevation gain. The route is entirely on pavement with a few modest uphills and long trail staircases.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register Now button below to sign up. Every participant must sign up online. No drop-ins permitted. Because space is limited, we ask that you 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.

Getting There & Back

OPTION 1: From SF to Angel Island, Golden Gate Ferry

• Ferry Building (Gate B): Depart from SF: 10:15 AM. Arrive at Angel Island: 10:45 AM.
• Depart from Angel Island: 3:20 PM or 4:50 PM.
• Round-trip ticket price, which includes the State Park admission fee: Adult with Clipper Card, $19; Senior 65+, $16. For ease and cost, paying by Clipper is highly recommended. Paper tickets may be purchased at the ferry terminal Gate C, but are much more expensive (one-way tickets are sold so buy two).

OPTION 2: From Tiburon to Angel Island, Angel Island Tiburon Ferry

• Tiburon Terminal: Depart from Tiburon: 10:00 AM. Arrive at Angel Island: 10:12 AM (~45 minutes before the hike start time as the ferry from SF doesn’t arrive until 10:45 AM).
• Depart from Angel Island: 3:20 PM, 4:20 PM or 5:20 PM.
• Round trip ticket price, including the State Park admission fee: Adult, $18; Senior 65+, $16. Purchase tickets online. Clipper is not accepted. The Tiburon ferry terminal is at 21 Main St. Here is parking information. There is also free parking 1/2 mile before town on the right side of the road, or $5 parking 1/4 mile from the terminal behind the CVS.

Carpooling: On the registration form is a link to an online “Carpool Bulletin Board” to post a message if you need a ride or can give one.

What to Bring: Dress for the weather (layers work well) and bring a bag lunch, snacks, water and sun protection (hat, sunscreen). Hiking poles may be helpful, but not necessary. Clipper card/app with enough funds if taking the Golden Gate Ferry from San Francisco.

The Ruff Stuff: Dogs are not allowed on Angel Island, except service animals.