As the dust settles from Election Day, you may be in search of ways to take a break and find some quiet or solitude — even just for an hour or two.

(Previously, experts advised those experiencing anxiety before the election to unplug from the news as much as they can, exercise and get enough sleep — but these tips may be proving difficult for many right now.)

Before the election, we rounded up these 12 Bay Area hikes that local outdoor experts, nature enthusiasts and KQED staff recommended as particularly peaceful or soothing in anxious times, mindful of the documented benefits of being outside for mental health. And we hope these ideas might be of use to you at this moment.

Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, Oakland

Recommended by: Xiomara Batin, Community Engagement and Marketing Manager at GirlVentures, a nonprofit based in Oakland that focuses on outdoor education for girls and gender-expansive youth

One of Batin’s favorite things about this protected area of the East Bay Regional Park System is that she can “get a wonderful workout along with stunning views of the Bay Area.”

She said she also feels safe on this trail as a solo female hiker: “I have space to be alone and consistently see people on the trail, so I feel very comfortable.”

Leona Heights Park, Oakland

Recommended by: José González, the founder of Latino Outdoors, which aims to inspire, connect and engage Latino communities in nature

González recommends this 2.3-mile out-and-back trail in Oakland because of its “dynamic diversity of habitats in such a short hike.”. The trail starts in an urban neighborhood, “but that disappears pretty quickly, and you are immediately immersed in nature,” he said.

“The view up at the top is fantastic, and such a classic ridgeline view of the Bay Area.”

Tennessee Valley Beach, Marin Headlands

Recommended by: Deandre Latour, the founder of Melanated Adventures, which aims to create a safe space for Black people and people of color looking for a hiking community in the Bay Area.

This short in-and-out hike with a cliffside bunker “traverses through a valley that opens up into a beach,” said Latour.

“The bunker makes for a great place to escape if it’s a windy day,” he said — and “the beach makes for a great place to decompress and calm oneself with the continuous sounds of the waves.”

Lonely Trail, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

Recommended by: Divya Konda, the founder of Weekend Wanderers Inc., a social media space recommending different hikes around the Bay Area

Konda chose this trail for a fall hike as it is “often veiled in lingering fog, making them even more beautiful in the mornings.”.

“This particular trail is usually quiet and uncrowded, making it one of my favorite spots to connect with nature and unwind,” she said.

Miwok and Coastal Trail Loop, Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Recommended by: Preethi Chandrasekhar, content creator and founder of Outdoorsy South Asians.

Chandrasekhar chose this coastal hike because it’s “so soothing and beautiful.”. Being out in nature helps her stay calm and mitigate emotions like anxiety, she said.

“Such emotions tend to arise during times like elections,” said Chandrasekhar, “and a great way to help with that is to get outside, and there’s nothing like the sight and sounds of the ocean to help us relax.”

Kehoe Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore

Recommended by: Syren Nagakyrie, founder and director of Disabled Hikers, a disabled-led organization celebrating people’s experience in the outdoors while advocating for justice, access and inclusion in the outdoors

This 0.5-mile trail to the beach is generally flat, with compacted gravel, said Nagakyrie, and “once you get on the beach, you feel like you are in a secluded cove.”

“The beach is my favorite place to unwind; smelling the salt air, listening to the waves, or gazing out at the horizon always helps me relax,” they said.

For more recommendations for accessible trails in the area, Nagakyrie recommends their Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Northern California, which was published earlier this month.

Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline, Richmond

Recommended by: Brian Watt, KQED’s morning news anchor

Watt recommends taking this trail before sunset, which is also a great time to take some stunning photos.

“We need a place to go to remind ourselves of how lucky we are to live where we do,” said Watt. “It’s reassuring in uncertain times.”

Devil’s Slide, Pacifica

Recommended by: Olivia Allen-Price, host of KQED’s award-winning Bay Curious podcast

Allen-Price recommends this accessible coastal trail as being suitable for the fall, when “the risk of fog is lower than in the spring and summer,” she said. “So your chances of seeing those big ocean views are much higher.”

“As someone who hikes often with little kids and grandparents, I love how accessible this trail is,” said Allen-Price. “When I’m feeling anxious or overwhelmed, I like to step back and try to see things from a bigger perspective.”

“In the context of time — millennia! — and space — infinite! — whatever human problems ail us seem a little bit smaller.”

Harry Street Stairs, through Glen Canyon to Twin Peaks, San Francisco

Recommended by Ezra David Romero, KQED’s climate reporter

Romero recommends a more urban trail beginning at Harry Street Stairs in San Francisco. (Here’s a map of the 2.8-mile path.)

“From Harry Street Stairs, you walk to the Colleen Way stairs and then into Glen Canyon for a hike of your choosing!” he said. “I like to walk through Glen Canyon and then pop out at the Safeway in Diamond Heights and walk back to my car.”

Lands End Trail, Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Recommended by: Bianca Taylor, KQED News producer and host of The Latest podcast

Taylor recommends this trail in San Francisco this time of year because it’s typically less foggy on the coast. Throughout the entire walk, “you’re treated to panoramic views of the Bay: you can see the Marin headlands, Point Bonita lighthouse, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the SF skyline,” she said

“It’s a reminder to me of why I love living in this city. It’s a really nice detox from sitting at a desk and reading the news.”

Mt. Wittenberg from Bear Valley

Recommended by: Danielle Venton, KQED’s science reporter

Venton said she plans to climb Mt. Wittenberg from Bear Valley trailhead, “taking the ridge to the ocean and walking back through Divide Meadow in Point Reyes,” to take the edge off her own Election Day stress.

“This is a fairly long, challenging hike, passing through a variety of vegetation types: bay trees, conifers, areas burned with wildfire now growing back and coastal prairie,” she said.

“It’s perfect for quieting your mind and being absorbed in your surroundings and the work your body is doing. Plus, you get beautiful views of the Pt. Reyes peninsula.”

Mission Peak Regional Preserve, Fremont

Recommended by: me, Sarah Mohamad, science engagement producer/reporter

This 6-mile out-and-back hike that begins at the Stanford staging parking lot is my go-to hike and is a favorite of mine in the fall and winter because of the cooler, less daunting weather. The trail is mostly uphill, with about a 2,000-foot elevation gain before the summit.

Once you get to the peak, take your victory photo with the infamous pole — known to some as the “Peeker Pole” — which is located at about 200 feet from Mission Peak’s 2,500-foot summit.

Parking is limited, but there’s plenty of street parking about 5 minutes down the road.

This story was originally published on Nov. 1. KQED’s Carly Severn contributed reporting.