Popular trails earn their crowds, but the experience changes completely when you have the switchbacks to yourself. If you can take a Tuesday off, these are the kinds of routes where it pays most.
Seven miles with a long, shaded climb at the start. On weekends the lot is full by eight; midweek you can arrive at ten and still choose your spot. Carry more water than you think — the last stretch is exposed.
Short, steep and spectacular at golden hour. Start about two hours before sunset and bring a headlamp for the walk down.
Flat and easy, which is exactly why it is packed on Saturdays. On a weekday morning it is quiet enough to hear the wind move across the water.