San Francisco, CA: Northern California Chapter, Treasure and Yerba Buena Islands Hike

Join us as we step off the San Francisco mainland for a scenic island adventure that blends waterfront walking, sweeping skyline views, and layers of history. We’ll begin with a flat loop around Treasure Island, then add elevation with a hilly circuit on neighboring Yerba Buena Island, together forming a figure-eight route. And getting there is part of the fun. Arrive by ferry, bus, car, bike, or even on foot!

Our hike starts at the Treasure Island Ferry Terminal, just in front of the historic Administration Building, once a hub for the transpacific China Clipper. From there, we’ll trace the island’s perimeter, passing Cityside Park, community gardens, Gaelic football and hurling fields, and maybe a live fire department training session.

We’ll then cross over to Yerba Buena Island and make our way up to Panoramic Park for a stunning 360-degree vantage of the bay and city skyline. We’ll continue to the grand Nimitz House, home to Admiral Chester Nimitz during World War II, and carry on to the Bimla Rhinehart Vista Point, perched above the pier that once supported the original eastern span of the Bay Bridge.

Schedule: Meet us at 10:30 AM outside the gate of the Treasure Island Ferry Terminal. We’ll have lunch at Cityside Park and expect to arrive back at the ferry terminal by 3:00 PM. This is a rain or shine event! However, severe weather will cancel.

Level of Difficulty: This is a moderately easy hike. Total mileage is about 7 miles with total elevation gain of 591 feet. All on paved paths and sidewalks, with a steep climb up to the top of Yerba Buena Island.

Since this is a city hike with multiple transportation options, leaving along the way is OK. However, you must be able to sustain a consistent pace of about 2.5 mph to remain with the group. Participants who are unable to keep up may be asked to drop out in order to prioritize the safety and cohesion of the group.

If you are unsure of your fitness level for this type of hike, we recommend 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. 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: Please email us at norcal@americanpilgrims.org so we can offer your space to someone else.

Getting There

By ferry (from SF): Take the first Treasure Island ferry that departs at 9:50 AM from the San Francisco Ferry Building (Gate B). Buy your round trip ticket online with credit card, Clipper not accepted ($10). Trip is about 10 minutes.

By bus (from SF): Take the Muni bus 25 Treasure Island that leaves every 25 minutes from the Salesforce Transit Center bus deck Bay 27 on the third level (one-way $2.85/Adult, $1.85/Senior with Clipper or tap to pay with credit card). Offboard at the first stop at Treasure Island Rd & Clipper Cove Way. The gate to the ferry terminal is across the street. Trip is 15-20 minutes.

By car: Take the Yerba Buena exit from the Bay Bridge onto Macalla Rd. At its end, turn right onto Treasure Island Rd. At the first traffic light on Treasure Island, turn right onto Clipper Cove Way, and then take an immediate left into the small parking lot. Turn right and go all the way to the free dirt parking lot behind the Administration Building that backs onto Seven Seas Ave.

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.

For bonus pilgrim points, walk or bike the east span of the Bay Bridge from Oakland!

What to Bring: Dress for the weather (layers work well), snacks, water, sun (or rain!) protection, and bring a bag lunch (there is no place to buy on the route).

Restrooms & Water (at the meeting location): Available inside the Administration Building across from the ferry terminal. If closed, at the north end of Cityside Park along the waterfront path.

Leader: Guy Joaquin

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