The largest landmark on the northern part of the San Francisco Peninsula, San Bruno Mountain’s ridgeline is around four miles long. Though the march of human progress continues to slowly encroach on the mountain, it remains home to several rare and endangered species of flora, fauna and wildlife, including the elfin butterfly.

The Ridge Trail atop San Bruno Mountain provides for panoramic peninsula views, but mostly of urban sprawl. Still, the views up here are terrific, which you'll get to share with the hawks combing the grasses for their next meal. The turnaround at the East end of the hike is not obvious, so pick your own point at which to to head back.

When you start your hike from the Guadalupe Canyon trailhead the Ridge Trail hike length is around 6.8mi and 1,083 foot.

Alternatively you could start in Brisbane for a more uncommon route, where the trail ascends the grassy flanks of the mountain for a 2.5 mile and 990 foot hike.

Pick a nice clear day for this hike, as San Bruno Mountain is usually a magnet for clouds and fog. There again, we've seen some spectacular views from the ridgeline as the fog rolls in on an evening.