Superlative is the word that comes to mind when describing the views. Criss-crossing the diverse mountain faces, some overlooking the ocean and the bay, 100 trails and mixed use fire roads create a well-connected system of varying difficulty and distance for hikers of all abilities. Dramatically draped with ever-shifting layers of fog and sunshine up to an elevation of 2,572 feet, microclimates abound including stately redwood forests. Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, the proximity of Mt. Tam to residential Marin County communities and to the city is a major plus for day trippers. parks.ca.gov<