So much that I’ll go so far as to link to this item by that other outdoors writer named Tom.

Stand on top of Angel Island even once and you will realize how a special place can get inside your mind and realign your senses.


The 788-foot summit feels like the heart of the Bay Area. You tower over the surrounding bay waters, and as you turn in a full 360, take in views of hundreds of renowned landmarks. The panorama to the west of the Golden Gate Bridge makes it one of the best lookouts in America.

Well, it’s one of the more trivial treks in the region from an exertion standpoint … but the view speaks for itself.