Alamo, California
The best trails and outdoor activities in Alamo, California, offer a variety of scenic and must-visit locations. One of the top choices is the Iron Horse Regional Trail, a popular hiking and biking path that stretches over 32 miles, passing through Alamo and connecting two counties. It's an easy to moderate trail with a flat, paved surface, making it accessible for all fitness levels. The trail offers views of the surrounding hills, creeks, and local wildlife. Another must-visit is Mount Diablo State Park, located near Alamo. This park offers challenging hikes with panoramic views, unique rock formations, and a variety of flora and fauna. Both locations offer great outdoor adventures for those seeking to enjoy Alamo's natural beauty.
Top Spots in and near Alamo
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Half Moon Bay, California
Hike the Cowell-Purisma Trail
5.07 mi / 400 ft gainThis is a popular trail that has beach access to Cowell Ranch Beach. Along the trail, there is a steep staircase that goes down to the beach. The trail also features fields, a bridge, and beautiful views of California's rugged coastline. This trail is paved in some parts, and can also be biked...Read more -
Novato, California
Mount Burdell Open Space Loop
4.87 mi / 1234 ft gainStart at the wide gravel parking lot. You will find the start of the San Andreas Fire Road on the south side leading up the mountain. The San Andreas Fire Road heads up the southern slope before joining the Middle Burdell Fire Road and then very quickly the Deer Camp Fire Road. Keep your eyes p...Read more -
Napa, California
Alston Park Loop Trail
2.76 mi / 184 ft gainAlston Park Loop Trail, located in Napa, California, is a 2.76-mile loop trail that offers a moderate level of difficulty for hikers. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running and is accessible year-round. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, making it suitable for ...Read more -
Los Altos, California
Hike the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Loop
4.52.9 mi / 600 ft gainThis hike is best done in the late fall, winter, and spring so that the creek is running and the hills are green. Starting at the preserve parking lot, the first half of the hike is predominantly downhill. At the main trailhead, start in the direction of the Stevens Creek Nature Trail, as told by...Read more -
Los Altos, California
Hike to Black Mountain and Stevens Creek Canyon
4.06 mi / 950 ft gainThis hike can be done during any season, but for the creek to be running and for more comfortable temperatures, it is best to go on a cool winter or spring day. Starting at the preserve parking lot, take the Stevens Creek nature trail, allowing you to witness spectacular views of a large, foreste...Read more -
Sonoma, California
Sonoma Valley Wine Tour Bike Ride
This 12 mile bike path starts at a rental shop in Sonoma Country called Sonoma Valley Bike Tours and Rentals. Follow the trail through the quaint residential area and into the back country vineyards and dirt trails. This ride can be anything between a hardcore 2 hour cycling workout with a few in...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hike Russian Ridge
4.54 miRussian Ridge offers a great place to jump on the trail and in the right season, see some of the best wildflowers blooming. On top of that, you get access to amazing views from the ridge. Once you hit your parking space, add a little extra warm up before jumping on the trail to make this 3.7-mil...Read more -
La Honda, California
Mountain Bike Skyline Ridge Preserve
4.03.5 mi / 313 ft gainThere are a bunch of beginner to intermediate mountain biking trails at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve (click here for a trail map). There are some beginner mountain biking classes that come here to learn. You can find specific trails that match your ability at MTB Project. There is a Chris...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Watch the Sunset at Martin's Beach
4.5Martin's Beach is a beach about 7 miles south of Half Moon Bay. It features a large, very cool looking rock formation right off the coast. This beach is accessible via Martin's Beach Road, which is a small turn off on your right when southbound on Highway 1, though sometimes the road is only open...Read more -
Saratoga, California
Hike the Seven Springs Trail Loop
2.8 mi / 500 ft gainThe Seven Springs loop is only one great option of several in the preserve. Starting from the Prospect Rd parking lot the loop is 2.8 miles of rolling hills in and out of the shade. Most of the trail is at least 2 person width so easy to walk with a friend or furry companion. There have been larg...Read more -
Lagunitas, CaliforniaSwim at the Inkwells
4.5These natural swimming holes are filled with water flowing from Kent Lake, so they're usually pretty refreshing. And by refreshing, we mean cold. We know this first-hand by testing the pools in the winter months. Let's just say if you can stay in for more than 5 seconds, you're a hero. If you jum...Read more -
La Honda, California
Hike Peters Creek and Long Ridge
4.05.7 miFrom the parking lot, take the connector trail towards the Peters Creek Trail for 0.4 miles. As you descend into a small valley, notice the sound of running water that appears. When you reach the first trail intersection, turn left on the Peters Creek trail. This will give you your first encounte...Read more -
Bolinas, California
Alamere Falls via Palomarin Trailhead
4.513.54 mi / 1614 ft gainAlamere Falls is the tallest waterfall in the bay area. It is known as a tide fall because it empties directly into the Pacific Ocean. This is extremely unique because there are only 34 tide falls in the world and two in California, the other being McWay Falls in Big Sur. Enjoy stunning views of...Read more -
Bolinas, California
Point Reyes' Wildcat Camp via Coast Trail
5.011.19 mi / 1926 ft gainIn order to make this trip possible, go to recreation.gov and make a reservation for Wildcat Camp (available year-round). On your way to the trailhead, make sure to stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center to grab your camping permit. For more information, visit: http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvis...Read more -
Bolinas, California
Bass Lake via Palomarin Trailhead
4.26.11 miFollow the Coast Trail from Palomarin Trailhead to Bass Lake. It's a fairly easy ~2.5-3 miles to the Lake. As soon as you pass the lake, on the left you will see a narrow unmarked dirt trail. Take this trail and you'll get to a nice clearing with easy lake access (this will be a great spot for lu...Read more -
Bolinas, California
Glen Camp Loop via the Palomarin Trailhead
4.715.72 mi / 3091 ft gainDay 1 Before heading to the trailhead, make sure to stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center to pick up your permit. To stay overnight in Point Reyes, you must stay at one of the trail camps. Camping anywhere else in the park is not allowed. Permits for the trail camps can be booked up to 6 mo...Read more
