I made the gorgeous, multi-part journey from serene Stinson Beach up to the rocky crags of Mt. Tamalpais. As of now, this is my favorite hike in the entire Bay Area because it has so many gorgeous changes of scenery. It started in the verdant, lush Hobbit-esque creeks and ravines near Stinson, climbed  rapidly up into the grassy headlands (with a staggering view of San Francisco and the Twin Peaks tower), climbed up into narrow, manzanita-covered trails (with even more incredible San Francisco views), and eventually ascended into the more arid mountain lion habitats near the East Peak summit. Beautiful sights along the way, including the welcoming Pantoll Campground (around halfway up) and the charming West Point Inn, a hotel for hikers and cyclists close to the top of the mountain. This was the perfect combination of challenge and eye candy, a vibrant and ever-changing array of natural beauty with the best views in the whole Bay Area. Of all the hikes I've done, it's the one I truly can't wait to try again.