Belmont, California
Belmont, California is a top destination for outdoor adventures, offering some of the best trails and outdoor activities. One must-visit trail is the Water Dog Lake Park Trail, a moderate difficulty trail that spans 3.8 miles. Along this scenic route, hikers can enjoy views of the beautiful Water Dog Lake and encounter unique rock formations. If you're up for a challenge, the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail is a 2.8-mile trail that boasts panoramic views from the summit. For those interested in bird watching, the Crystal Springs Reservoir offers a rich array of bird species. Near Belmont, the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is another great spot for hiking and wildlife viewing. These outdoor attractions in and near Belmont are sure to satisfy anyone seeking adventure and natural beauty.
Top Spots in and near Belmont
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Half Moon Bay, California
Gray Whale Cove Trail
4.52.23 mi / 367 ft gainGray 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...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Montara Mountain North & Middle Peaks Loop
4.37.22 mi / 1929 ft gainNOTE: 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...Read more -
Pacifica, CaliforniaSurf at Pacifica State Beach
4.5If you're looking for a place to surf and Ocean Beach isn't quite your speed or Santa Cruz is too far, head to Pacifica, specifically Linda Mar. Linda Mar is usually more wind protected and user-friendly than ocean beach. Break out your longboard or hybrid board and head to this beach. There is e...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Milagra Overlook Trail
5.02.51 mi / 558 ft gainFound this hike with some friends after spending some time googling in my car when we were in the area looking for a quick hike with a view! Dog friendly Free parking (but quite limited) Ocean views Known to have gorgeous wildflower blooms (we were not there during this)Porta-potty type toilet...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Devil's Slide Bunker
4.3The Devil's Slide Bunker is perched out on a point the defiantly juts out into the ocean. The Bunker is covered in constantly changing graffiti, which provides a stunning contrast to the gorgeous seaside. Hop on Highway 1 South. Just south of Pacifica there is a tunnel. Once you go through the t...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Rockaway Beach
5.0Rockaway is a dark sandy beach located in the south of Pacifica, CA. It has numerous hiking trails around it, most notably Mori Point. The Mori Point trail will take you through the hills and overlooks Rockaway Beach. There are paths to come down to the beach. There are biking paths and park...Read more -
Santa Clara County, California
Black Mountain via Rhus Ridge Trail
9.75 mi / 2992 ft gainJust outside of Los Altos is a very long ridge of mountains, one of which is Black Mountain. This is a very dry hike, with no tree canopy, so it can get very hot! Be aware that this can make the hike feel a lot more difficult with the sun beating down on you. Follow Rhus Ridge Trail to Black Mo...Read more -
San Francisco, California
San Francisco Crosstown Trail
5.016.71 mi / 1975 ft gainThe San Francisco Crosstown Trail runs point-to-point from Candlestick Point to Land End. The SF Crosstown Trail officially opened in 2014. It connects park trails to neighborhoods and communities. In it's in entirety it's almost 17 miles long with 5 Sections available for those looking to bre...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Picnic at Sharp Park Beach
4.0A medium size beach with darker sand with big rocks and a paved path for walkers and joggers. The beach is a great place to bring a picnic and watch the sunset. It is located next to Pacifica Pier, which is popular for fishing.Read more -
Pacifica, California
Fish at Pacifica Pier
5.0This is a great place for fishing or just taking a walk to watch the sunset. It's a great place to walk or jog, or even bring a pup! There are lot of people fishing throughout the pier. A short walk away is Sharp Park Beach, where you can relax and bring a picnic to watch the sunset.Read more -
Los Altos, California
Stevens Creek & Canyon Loop
4.52.77 mi / 446 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
Black Mountain and Stevens Creek Canyon
4.05.47 mi / 1066 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, forest...Read more -
Daly City, CaliforniaSan Bruno Mountain
4.03.63 mi / 781 ft gainSan Bruno Mountain is a fun, mellow hike that climbs easily on a well-graded path to the ridge line, and then drops back to the trailhead. Along the way, the trail runs along a creek, ascends through chaparral, and provides excellent views of downtown San Francisco, the East Bay hills, and the Sa...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Russian Ridge Loop
4.55.45 mi / 837 ft gainRussian 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 get your parking space, jump on the Ridge Trail and start gaining a little elevation while you head...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Bayview Hill Loop
4.51.24 mi / 184 ft gainBayview Hill Loop is a loop trail that starts with a paved uphill climb and views of the bay facing toward the East Bay located in the Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco, California.Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Southern Beaches at San Gregorio State Beach
4.01.48 mi / 16 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
