The San Francisco Bay Area remains the wildest metropolitan area in the United States. Although grizzly bears no longer roam here as they once did, coyotes still gallop across the grasslands, herds of tule elk still wander the coastal hills, and mountain lions and bobcats still prowl for prey. Elephant seals breed on the Bay Area’s beaches, river otters ply the waterways, and golden eagles and peregrine falcons soar overhead. And all of this occurs in the backyard of nearly seven million human beings.

The following 10 adventures invite you to explore the wild places of the Bay Area using only hiking boots or a bicycle and our expansive public transportation system. Leave your car in your driveway, pack a lunch, and get intimate with the wild side of the Bay Area.

1. Hiking or Biking the Bear Valley Trail, Point Reyes National Seashore
   
2. Hiking or Biking the Perimeter Trail, Angel Island State Park
   
3. Hiking the Matt Davis & Steep Ravine Loop, Mount Tamalpais State Park
   
4. Hiking the Coastal Trail & Hill 88 Loop, Golden Gate National Recreation Area
   
5. Hiking or Biking the Bay View Loop, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline
   
6. Hiking the Franklin Ridge Loop, Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline
   
7. Hiking the San Pablo Ridge & Wildcat Creek Loop, Wildcat Canyon Regional Park
   
8. Hiking Wildcat Peak, Tilden Regional Park
   
9. Hiking the Land’s End Coastal Trail, Golden Gate National Recreation Area
   
10. Biking the Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail, San Mateo County Parks