Angel Island Hike

San Francisco Bay, California

Saturday, August 27, 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Join us for beautiful vistas of the San Francisco Bay Area as we take the ferry and hike the perimeter trail around historic Angel Island, the largest natural island in the Bay and site of the former U.S. Immigration Station, the so-called “Ellis Island of the West,” as well as various Army installations that were active from the Civil War through the Cold War.

Schedule: Meet us at 10:30 AM on the Angel Island ferry landing for sign-in and briefing. (See Getting There section below for ferry options.) We'll have lunch along the way, perhaps Fort McDowell or the Immigration Station. There are multiple ferry departures from Angel Island, but we expect to return on the 4:20 PM ferry to Tiburon or 4:35 PM ferry to San Francisco. Depending on interest and leadership availability, we'll have a break-out group hike to the top of Angel Island at Mt. Livermore (788 feet elevation). Also, if time permits before the ferry ride back, we’ll stop by the Angel Island Café for drinks and live music.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate. About 6 miles on paved roads along rolling hills with a couple of steep climbs and trail staircases. Total elevation gain is 350 feet (35 flights of stairs). This hike is suited for those who can walk continuously for 2-3 hours with some inclines.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register Now button below to sign up by Thursday, August 25. Because space is limited, we ask that you register if/when you are certain you can attend. Thank you!

Cancellation: If you are unable to attend, please email us as soon as possible at norcal@americanpilgrims.org so we can offer your space to someone else.

Getting There

OPTION 1: From SF to Angel Island, Golden Gate Ferry

Ferry Building: Depart 9:20 AM (Adult $28, Clipper Adult $18, Senior 65+ $14)
Angel Island: Arrive 9:50 AM, Depart 4:35 PM

Prices are the round-trip total and include the Angel Island State Park admission fee. For ease and cost, paying by Clipper is highly recommended. Paper tickets are purchased at the ferry terminal Gate C (one-way tickets are sold so buy two). Ferry departs from Gate B.

OPTION 2: From Tiburon to Angel Island, Angel Island Tiburon Ferry

Tiburon Terminal: Depart 10:00 AM (Adult $17.40, Senior 65+ $16.20)
Angel Island: Arrive 10:12 AM, Depart 4:20 PM

Prices are round-trip and include the Angel Island State Park admission fee. Purchase tickets online. Clipper is not accepted. The Tiburon ferry terminal is at 21 Main St. Here are driving directions and parking information. There is also free parking 1/2 mile before town on the right side of the road, or $5 parking 1/4 mile further on behind the CVS.

Carpooling: Registered participants will have access to an online "Carpool Bulletin Board" to post a message if they need a ride or can give one.

What to Bring: Dress for the weather (layers work well) and bring a bag lunch, snacks, water and sun protection (hat, sunscreen). Hiking poles may be helpful, but not necessary. Clipper card/app with enough funds if using Golden Gate Ferry from San Francisco.

Leaders: Chapter members Andy Cohn, Dick Duker and Guy Joaquin.

The Ruff Stuff: Dogs are not allowed on Angel Island, except service animals.

Don't forget to check out our 2022 Schedule of Events. We hope to see you at one or more of our upcoming events!

We hold a shell ceremony during our ongoing walk around Lake Merritt in Oakland. We invite new pilgrims departing this year to receive a scallop shell, a traditional symbol of the Camino, and veteran pilgrims to come and join in the celebration. First Saturday of the month. 10:30 AM to Noon-ish. 3.5 miles. Rain or shine. Meet at the Lake Merritt Columns (aka Pergola). No RSVP required – just show up!

You might also find other events of interest to you from other chapters and the national organization on the American Pilgrims calendar.

American Pilgrims on the Camino

Visit the Northern California Chapter page

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