Aptos, California
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park in Aptos, California, is the top spot for outdoor adventures. It offers a variety of hiking trails, each boasting unique scenic beauty. The Aptos Creek Trail, a must-visit, is a moderately challenging 7-mile hike that takes you through redwood forests and to the historic Loma Prieta Mill site. If you're up for a more strenuous hike, the Sand Point Overlook Trail offers panoramic views of Monterey Bay. For a leisurely stroll, the Old Growth Loop is a flat, easy trail that meanders through towering, ancient redwoods. Nearby, Capitola Beach is perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and fishing. The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Aptos offer something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Aptos
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Davenport, California
Old Davenport Pier
5.0The ruins of Davenport Pier are located on Davenport Pier Beach, just north of Davenport on Highway 1, which is about 11 miles north of Santa Cruz. The pier was never completed and the support system for it was left on the beach, the first pillar arch has had a chain swing added to it and can be ...Read more -
Los Gatos, California
Los Gatos Trail to Jones Trail Loop
4.03.91 mi / 577 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 -
San Jose, California
Coyote Peak & Rocky Ridge Trail Loop
4.53.8 mi / 755 ft gainThe Santa Teresa County Park loop is perfect for wildlife viewing! Be ready to see deer, coyote, hawks, turkeys, pigs and cows. The trail is rated as moderate - be cautious with mud if you are visiting the park after a rain shower. Dogs are allowed in the park, but must be kept on leash. There ...Read more -
Marina, California
Marina State Beach
3.5From the moment you turn into the parking lot, you know Marina State Beach is special. Grab a parking spot in the large lot and then run down the dunes and onto the shoreline! The beach feels spacious on this section of the shore and gives plenty of room to run around or to put down a blanket to ...Read more -
Sanborn County Park, California
Sanborn and San Andreas Trail Loop
4.03.88 mi / 1798 ft gainThis is a moderately rated 4-mile loop 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 a...Read more -
Los Gatos, California
Saratoga Gap & Ridge Trail Loop
4.64.73 mi / 1070 ft gainThe Saratoga Gap Trail is relatively lightly trafficked trail that is good year round, although waterfalls peak in late winter and spring. Overall, this 4.7 mile partial loop hike is moderate, with about 1000 feet in elevation change. Trailhead elevation is about 3090 feet. The featured hike desc...Read more -
Saratoga, California
Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail
4.430.22 mi / 3409 ft gainWant to experience one of the bay area's most memorable backpacking trips? We've got the details to get you out on the trail. To start the trek, drop your car at the Castle Rock State Park Parking Lot, which is located ~2.5 miles south of the junctions of Highways 35 and 9 off of Highway 35. Not...Read more -
Saratoga, California
Castle Rock Trail Camp via Saratoga Gap Trail
4.75.09 mi / 1158 ft gainCastle Rock Trail Camp has a different policy than other backcountry camps in the area (i.e. campsites along Skyline to the Sea). This campground is open all year and requires reservations for 15 of the 20 campsites. If you can, grab a spot a Frog Flat Camp. To get to the camp, park your car at t...Read more -
Davenport, California
Greyhound Beach and Greyhound Rock
0.26 mi / 128 ft gainThe trailhead is at the Greyhound Rock State Marine Conservation Area which is directly off Highway 1. There is a large paved parking lot with a good amount of trees so finding a shady parking spot isn't that difficult (if that's important to you). The parking lot is located on the beach cliffs ...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Sempervirens Falls (Temporarily Closed)
4.03.29 mi / 305 ft gainSempervirens Falls in Big Basin State Park is Temporarily Closed due to fires. More updates can be found at Parks.CA.Gov. The hike to Sempervirens Falls is an easy 3.3 mile out-and-back hike on the Sequoia Trail. You'll travel through the redwood forest and some of the campgrounds located in Big...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Sequoia Trail
4.05.73 mi / 696 ft gainSequoia Trail at Big Basin Redwoods SP is temporarily closed. Get updates and more details at Parks.CA.Gov. This 5.7-mile hike in Big Basin Redwoods SP is a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In the first half, there is a quick detour you can take to Sempervirens Fall...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Big Basin's Sunset Trail Camp
4.89.46 mi / 2146 ft gainThis trail and campsite is currently closed (learn more). Looking for a more authentic hiking and camping weekend, without having to drive hours away to find it? Then the Sunset Trail Camp within Big Basin Redwoods SP is your ticket. To access this site, you'll need to hike the famous Skyline-to...Read more -
Marina, California
Fort Ord Dunes State Park
5.03.08 mi / 141 ft gainOne of the best parts of Monterey is the beaches – but their popularity is also their weakness, so if you want seclusion head to the lesser-known Fort Ord Dunes for solitude and beautiful views of Monterey Bay and the Pacific Coast. Historically, this location was chosen as the location for Fort...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Berry Creek Falls Loop (Closed)
4.810 mi / 2310 ft gainUnfortunately, this trail is closed due to a past fire. See CA.Gov for updates on trails in Big Basin. Nestled in California's oldest state park, the popular Berry Creek Falls Loop hike begins at the Big Basin park headquarters. If you're up for 11 miles, a thousand feet of elevation gain throu...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Hike the Ocean View Summit Loop
4.06 mi / 600 ft gainThis hike begins at the Big Basin park headquarters. If you're up for 6 miles through giant redwoods and along serene creeks, and with an ocean view, then this is the hike for you. Ocean view summit loop starts on the Gazos Creek Road bridge, next turn right on to the Middle Ridge Fire Road, whic...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Camp at Big Basin Redwoods State Park
4.00.5 miBig Basin is currently closed including the campgrounds. Please visit the Parks.ca.gov site for updated details. An hour away from the thrumming city of San Jose, ancient immense trees live in a forest full of vibrant ferns and rushing waterfalls. Big Basin Redwoods State Park encompasses 10,00...Read more
