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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Bolinas, California
Backpack to Coast Camp in Point Reyes via Palomarin Trailhead
20.5 mi / 2705 ft gainSpanning from just north of the small town of Bolinas (about an hour north of San Francisco) across Inverness ridge and to the top of Tomales Point, Point Reyes National Seashore is as stunning park featuring breathtaking ocean views and solitude among the grassy hillsides and forested ridges. Th...Read more -
Lagunitas, California
Redwoods Camping at Samuel P Taylor
These West Marin campsites are often overlooked. It does get busy during the summer, but take the rest of the year to explore this state park. The main campground boasts more than 50 campsites with restrooms, hot pay showers, and piped drinking water. A few spaces can accommodate trailers, but t...Read more -
Lagunitas, California
Bolinas Ridge Loop
10.27 mi / 1568 ft gainNestled in the Samuel P. Taylor State Park this ten miler was a perfect escape from the chaos of the city. Hikers are able to pay a $10.00 park entry fee that includes plenty of parking spaces and restrooms before you hit the trail. The hike starts along the Cross Marin Trail, a path popular to ...Read more -
La Honda, California
Hike the Brook Trail Loop
7.1 mi / 1500 ft gainThe Brook Trail Loop is a beautiful hike, starting off in Sam McDonald County Park and later entering into Pescadero Creek County Park. This adventure can be done in any season, with the trails almost entirely shaded for even the hottest summer days. Starting off from the Heritage Grove trailhead...Read more -
La Honda, California
Sam McDonald Park Loop
5.012.19 mi / 2192 ft gainThe Pescadero Creek Park Complex is a great place to escape for a day or overnight hike in the heart of the Bay Area. You will need to get a permit to stay overnight - these can be attained on a first-come, first-serve basis from the ranger station. Most of the campsites here are also available f...Read more -
Los Gatos, CaliforniaLost Mine Trail Run
Communes, dairy, and gold. These words are not often associated with trail running, but out on Monte Bello Ridge and Black Mountain which rise high above Silicon Valley, you might just hear them uttered.From the parking area in Skyline Open Space we start our run by crossing Skyline Boulevard and...Read more -
Mount Hamilton, California
Stargaze at Lick Observatory
3.8Hop on Road 130 heading out of San Jose and follow the winding two lane road up, up, up to to the top of Mt. Hamilton and the Lick Observatory. There are lots of deer, wild turkey, and pigs in the area. If you are lucky you will get to see a herd of deer grazing in a meadow. But be careful that y...Read more -
Nicasio, California
Hike and Fish at Nicasio Reservoir
5.03 mi / 300 ft gainNicasio is a quaint town just inland of the more popular coastal town of Point Reyes. It's most known for it's wine country, rolling hills, and the home of Skywalker Ranch, George Lucas's getaway home. Most visitors of this area either pass right on through for Point Reyes or use it's scenic road...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Stroll along the Southern Beaches at San Gregorio State Beach
4.02.9 mi / 413 ft gainNot a trail per se, but approximately 3 miles (down and back) of beautiful beach to walk down. Lots of interesting caves, wild animals, and rock formations to discover. This is a popular location for sea kayakers. San Gregorio State Beach was originally founded to protect the estuary at the back ...Read more -
Yountville, California
Bike the Napa Valley Wine Trail
12.5 mi / 100 ft gainThe Napa Vally Vine Trail is an ongoing project of the Napa Valley Vine Coalition which has the stated goal of creating a 47 mile long bike trail along the entire length of Napa Valley. Currently 12.5 miles of trail is available between downtown Yountville and Kennedy Park in the city of Napa. Yo...Read more -
Loma Mar, California
Camp Under the Redwoods at Memorial Park
With old growth redwoods and a creek swimming area, Memorial Park is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. Memorial Park is only a few miles east of the town of Pescadero. To get here, you can either approach from Highway 1 and drive up Pescadero Creek Road or take Highway ...Read more -
Loma Mar, California
Bike Pescadero Creek County Park
5.012.5 mi / 1350 ft gainPescadero Creek County Park and the connected Sam McDonald and Memorial Park are located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains holding a vast network of secluded trails. From biking to backpacking, this area is a perfect place for a day or weekend adventure. This area also has the added bonus having r...Read more -
Los Gatos, California
Hike Los Gatos Trail to Jones Trail Loop
3.8 mi / 511 ft gainThis trail winds its way along the Los Gatos Creek and ends at the Lexington Reservoir before looping back to the start. It is 3.8 miles and makes for a great way to get exercise and relax in nature. You can hear the creek as you hike, and can even go down to it. There is a lot of green foliage t...Read more -
Sanborn County Park, California
Hike Sanborn County Park via the San Andreas Trail
4.04.2 mi / 1282 ft gainThis is a moderately rated 4.2 mile trail that winds through the redwoods west of Saratoga. It features a dirt trail with tall trees and a creek. The hike is very tranquil and there is lot s of greenery. There are big rocks in the creek that can you can sit on. People often meditate here as i...Read more -
Petaluma, California
Hike Helen Putnam Regional Park
4.06 mi / 550 ft gainA 216-acre park, Helen Putnam offers 9 trails that are relatively short but can be combined however you wish. Go 2 miles or 10 miles. Loop in and out, up or around. I take a different route every time I hike here.For a good 6-mile hike, begin at the southwest corner, where the parking lot and res...Read more -
La Honda, CaliforniaHike through Portola Redwoods State Park
4.87 miLike redwood hikes? We do too, they're always very scenic and take you away from the hustle and bustle of the bay area. Not to mention, they also stay cool during the summer months. If you want a hike in the middle of the peninsula, this is a great bet.When starting this hike, head out from headq...Read more
