Perimeter Loop, Angel Island CA

• 4-star hike
• 5 mile loop
• Moderate | Gain 580 feet
• Angel Island, CA | San Francisco Region
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This image shows a serene coastal town. Sailboats are anchored in a calm body of water, surrounded by trees and foliage. In the background, a hillside densely populated with houses and buildings adds to the sense of community and habitation. It's an idyllic, picturesque scene capturing the tranquility and charm of coastal life.

This image shows a serene coastal town. Sailboats are anchored in a calm body of water, surrounded by trees and foliage. In the background, a hillside densely populated with houses and buildings adds to the sense of community and habitation. It's an idyllic, picturesque scene capturing the tranquility and charm of coastal life.

Ayala Cove towards Tiburon, with a distant Mount Tamalpais.

Whether you're in search of tranquility, great views, or a little history lesson, Angel Island is the perfect choice. Situated in the middle of the San Francisco Bay and surrounded by water on all sides, the short ferry journey to the island transports you away from the hustle of the city and into a different world.

Separated from the mainland since the last ice age 10,000 years ago, the island was used almost exclusively for grazing livestock until the military established a base here during the American Civil War in 1863. Virtually every part of the island has been shaped by military presence in some way.

Upon arriving by ferry at Ayala Cove, you'll find restrooms, a café, and bicycle rentals close to the ferry dock. Be mindful that even the busiest ferry route to Angel Island is limited, so be sure to know the time of the last boat off the island.

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⬤ 4★ Perimeter Loop 4.8 mi loop, moderate, gain 580 ft
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We recommend a five-mile walking tour around the island's circumference to take in the major sights and curiosities, including military batteries and barracks, the immigration station known as the "Ellis Island of the West," and picture-perfect views all around the bay.

Angel Island welcomed nearly a million immigrants between 1910 and 1940. While most were processed within three days, 175,000 Chinese immigrants faced months of confinement due to exclusion laws. In 1940, operations ceased after the administration building burned. The large barracks and a portal recreation remain. Now a National Historical Landmark, the site retells immigrant stories through memorials and guided tours of the barracks museum. Visitors can explore the grounds freely, though museum tour fees apply.

This image shows an old, broken wooden wagon wheel lying on the grass. The wheel is missing several spokes and the outer metal rim is detached and rusted. The wooden parts of the wheel are weathered and cracked, indicating significant age and exposure to the elements.

This image shows an old, broken wooden wagon wheel lying on the grass. The wheel is missing several spokes and the outer metal rim is detached and rusted. The wooden parts of the wheel are weathered and cracked, indicating significant age and exposure to the elements.

Abandoned buildings and equipment are all around

On the west side of the island, we've marked an additional mile-long side trip on a single-track trail to Point Stuart, which winds through a wooded area and across a short ridgeline. Point Stuart was the site of a gun battery, and although there's no remaining evidence of this now, from here there are plenty of calm, quiet views of the San Francisco Bay toward both Tiburon and Alcatraz Island.

The island is accessible from Pier 39/41 at the heart of Fisherman's Wharf or from a separate ferry service operating from Tiburon. Be sure to plan ahead as services to the island are limited, and you'll want to make sure you'll have enough time to experience the best of the island before jumping on the last ferry home.

The image shows a hazy view of a city skyline with a large body of water in the foreground. There is a large ship, possibly a tanker, on the water. The city skyline is partially obscured by fog or mist, creating a soft, diffused light effect. The silhouette of a bridge can be seen on the left side of the image, and there are some landmasses with vegetation in the foreground.

The image shows a hazy view of a city skyline with a large body of water in the foreground. There is a large ship, possibly a tanker, on the water. The city skyline is partially obscured by fog or mist, creating a soft, diffused light effect. The silhouette of a bridge can be seen on the left side of the image, and there are some landmasses with vegetation in the foreground.

Awesome views from every part of Angel Island.

The image shows a serene beach scene with calm waters and a sandy shore. The beach is bordered by a lush, tree-covered hillside on the right. In the distance, there is a faint outline of a city skyline, partially obscured by mist or haze, and a bridge extending across the water. The sky is mostly clear with some wispy clouds.

The image shows a serene beach scene with calm waters and a sandy shore. The beach is bordered by a lush, tree-covered hillside on the right. In the distance, there is a faint outline of a city skyline, partially obscured by mist or haze, and a bridge extending across the water. The sky is mostly clear with some wispy clouds.

Quarry Beach only gets morning sun, but great day-long city views.

Tangents:
• Ferry Directions: San Francisco, Tiburon
• Official: CA State Parks
• AllTrails Public: Perimeter Loop
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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