I’m back in San Francisco for the weekend, soaking up as much nature as possible, and today was my first time hiking Mount Tam. Hard to believe, considering it’s basically the Bay Area’s backyard playground.

Mount Tamalpais (or just “Mount Tam” to locals) is the highest peak in Marin County at 2,571 feet. It’s known for its microclimates—you can go from cool redwood groves to sunny, open ridges in just a few miles. We got a bit of everything today.

I hiked a scenic loop with a good friend, taking in the views, the fresh air, the lush greens, and plenty of good conversation along the way. It definitely satisfied my craving for nature—and will be a dear memory for a long time (not least because my sore muscles will keep reminding me for days to come!).

Fun fact: it’s considered the birthplace of modern mountain biking, with early riders racing down its slopes in the 1970s.