Hiking Angel Island in the San Francisco Bay is generally considered moderate, but its difficulty depends entirely on which trail you choose. The most popular route, the Perimeter Road, is a 5-mile paved loop that is relatively easy and accessible for families and casual bikers, though it does feature several "rolling" hills. However, if you choose to summit Mount Livermore via the North Ridge or Sunset Trail, the hike becomes more challenging. This 4.5 to 6-mile round trip involves a 788-foot elevation gain and roughly 140 stairs on the North Ridge section. While "experienced" hikers might call it easy, casual tourists often find the combination of the incline and the exposed, sunny south side of the island to be more taxing than expected. In 2026, the trails are well-maintained, but the "Difficult" rating often applied to the summit hike refers to the pace and the stairs rather than technical danger. It is the perfect "intermediate" experience that rewards hikers with a 360-degree view of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area.