Alameda, California

Looking for the best hiking in Alameda? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Alameda. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Alameda

  • Larkspur, California

    King Mountain Loop Trail

    5.0
    3.53 mi / 755 ft gain
    This beautiful hike takes you around King Mountain and through the King Mountain Open Space Preserve. The first .5 miles is on an exposed gravel fire road that is fairly steep, but the loop itself slopes gently around the mountain and through the forest, providing lots of shade.  This is a an ea...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Cordilleras & Dusty-Footed Woodrat Loop

    3.7
    3.83 mi / 676 ft gain
    Getting there: exit Highway 280 at Edgewood Road, travel .75 miles east, turn left on Crestview Drive, then immediately left again on Edmonds Road. Once parked, there are several different path options through the park. All of them connect in a large loop, and return to the parking lot. The Cord...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Hassler Loop Trail

    4.0
    1.48 mi / 289 ft gain
    Experience the natural beauty of the San Francisco Peninsula on the scenic Hassler Loop Trail, a 1.5-mile moderately challenging hiking trail nestled in Redwood City's Emerald Hills neighborhood. This beloved local trail offers hikers, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers a perfect blend...
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  • Emerald Hills, California

    Edgewood Loop

    4.0
    3.29 mi / 607 ft gain
    Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve rests in San Mateo County, California. The sweeping hillsides exemplify the true native flora of California, as the foundation of rock and soil is poor in nutrients. Only a few specialized native plants are adapted to live here--don't miss the unique wildflower ...
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  • Emerald Hills, California

    Sylvan Loop Trail

    2.53 mi / 522 ft gain
    Sylvan Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Redwood City, California.
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  • Clayton, California

    Hike the Waterfalls of Mount Diablo Loop Trail

    5.0
    6 mi / 1627 ft gain
    Winter and spring rains create scenic waterfalls in this hike at Mount Diablo, the East Bay's signature peak. Be careful hiking immediately post-rain, watch for slippery sections of mud. The trail is moderately difficult and is used by hikers, walking groups, trail runners, and for nature trips. ...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Gray Whale Cove Loop

    5.0
    1.22 mi / 518 ft gain
    Starting at the parking lot adjacent to Gray Whale Cove State Beach, proceed to the start sign indicating "Grey Whale Cove Trail". GWCT is a fun brisk hike with slight elevation gain that should be easy enough to take a small group or even children to. Take note of the tight spaces you may encou...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Gray Whale Cove Trail

    4.5
    2.23 mi / 367 ft gain
    Gray whale cove trail is a splendid, short, and easy hike for the entire family with beautiful ocean views. The starting point is conveniently located near a parking lot that accesses Montara State Beach. From the south end of the parking lot, follow the trail up through the coastal scrub. Within...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Montara Mountain North & Middle Peaks Loop

    4.3
    7.22 mi / 1929 ft gain
    NOTE: as of 2019, North Peak has been fenced off around the installation of a radio tower and weather station. Additionally, the summit has been found to be a habitat for the endangered San Bruno elfin butterfly. The Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a popular seaside trail that’s just 20 minutes s...
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  • Larkspur, California

    Dawn Falls Trail Loop

    2.79 mi / 466 ft gain
    The Dawn Falls Trail Loop is a scenic, moderately challenging hike nestled in the Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve in Larkspur, part of Marin County’s beloved network of forested trails. This lush, shaded loop winds through towering coast redwoods, fern-covered canyons, and quiet residentia...
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  • Larkspur, California

    Dawn Falls Trail

    4.7
    2.29 mi / 344 ft gain
    Take the Dawn Falls trail down into the Baltimore Canyon for an in-depth exploration of northern California nature. Rather than the usual dry, hardy vegetation that speckles the hills of many nearby trails, this trail is bursting with lush ferns and mossy trees as it meanders along next to Larksp...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Temelpa Trail

    4.5
    2.94 mi / 1929 ft gain
    The Mt. Tam Hill Climb via Temelpa Trail is an iconic, "best-of" climb in the trail running community, drawing some of the world's greatest athletes to experience its breathtaking views and technical downhill. Surprisingly though, outside of locals and the running community, the trail remains lar...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    McNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes

    4.88 mi / 1427 ft gain
    McNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes is a 4.8 mile trail located near Montara State Beach that offers ocean views when it is not too cloudy.  You can get amazing views when you hike up above the clouds.  This hike follows one of the main trails up the mountain, but there are many smaller trails to e...
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  • San Rafael, California

    Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site

    4.7
    4.37 mi / 988 ft gain
    The Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site trail in San Rafael, California, is a moderately challenging hike. The trail spans approximately 4.37 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 988 feet. The path is well-maintained and marked, making it suitable for hikers of varying skill levels....
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  • Marin County, California

    Mountain Home Inn to Mount Tam East Peak

    5.0
    3.93 mi / 1532 ft gain
    Mountain Home Inn to Mount Tam East Peak is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Mill Valley, California.
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  • Marin County, California

    Mount Tamalpais via Matt Davis and Railroad Grade Trails

    5.0
    7.59 mi / 1939 ft gain
    Mount Tamalpais via Matt Davis and Railroad Grade Trails is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Mill Valley, California.
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