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
-
San Francisco, California
Mile Rock Beach
4.71.64 mi / 223 ft gainThis rocky, secluded beach is tucked in along the Land’s End Coastal Trail in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Located 100 or so steps down from the main trail, you’ll find this mysterious little beach that will make you feel like you’re in an old pirate movie. There are a lot of logs an...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Baker Beach
4.8If you're looking for a beach that's a little more protected and scenic than Ocean Beach, then Baker Beach is it. Bring a cooler and some burritos out and kick it with your friends. On a sunny weekend day in SF, there's usually a sizable crowd here, so if you need parking, be sure to get here ear...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Hopper's Hands via the San Francisco Bay Trail
4.63.07 mi / 69 ft gainHundreds of people touch Hopper's Hands every day as a turn-around point on their runs in and around Crissy Field and The San Francisco Bay Trail. Running west through Crissy Field, passing the Warming Hut and pier, you follow Marine Drive until you dead end at Fort Point. If you continue through...Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaParadise Loop
4.337.61 mi / 2946 ft gainRiding this loop has long been a popular option for San Franciscan riders looking to escape the busy city streets. This 38-mile ride with 1,600 feet of elevation, is suitable for all personalities of rider: the fast paced racer or the person just out to relax and cruise. A great place to start t...Read more -
Oakland, California
East & West Ridge Loop
4.53.47 mi / 833 ft gainTucked away in the hills of Oakland, you will find one of the homes of California's Coastal Redwoods. Created by a unique geographical circumstance, this forest breathes winds funneled through the Golden Gate across the bay, which created environment opportune for Redwood growth. These Redwoods a...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Camp at the Rob Hill Campground
5.0Rob Hill Campground is a hidden treasure, located at the Presidio’s highest point above Baker Beach amid a beautiful eucalyptus grove. The campsite welcomes groups of all kinds and is also home to the Camping at the Presidio (CAP) program, which provides youth with meaningful outdoor experiences....Read more -
San Francisco, California
Bouldering at Ocean Beach
4.0Tired of climbing in a gym, check out one of the city's best outdoor climbing spots! Below the Cliff House at the north-end of Ocean Beach, there are several great bouldering problems and a retaining wall to climb. The rock is comprised of greenstone and sandstone with cracks and edges. These rou...Read more -
Pleasanton, California
Courdet Trail and Schuhart Trail
5.24 mi / 1122 ft gainThis is a 5+ mile out and back trail through the hills in the South Bay. The beginning of the hike has a steeper incline and then becomes more gradual later on. There is a beautiful views of the South Bay that are enjoyable in the day, but are fantastic in the evening. Some areas of the trail hav...Read more -
Sand Ladder, California
Baker Beach Sand Ladder
4.40.25 mi / 138 ft gainThe Baker Beach Sand Ladder is a section of the Pacific Coast Trail that is comprised of 200 ten foot poles tied together to form stairs down to North Baker Beach from Lincoln Blvd. If you’re looking for a lung and butt-busting workout, and you’d like a break from your standard routine, you need...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Sutro Baths Ruins
4.50.46 mi / 115 ft gainWhether you simply look down on the ruins from the [conveniently located] parking lot above, or choose to walk down the stairs and explore, you will be greeted with stunning views of the Baths, and the Pacific Ocean stretching infinitely beyond. The highlight of any trip to the Sutro Baths is ...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Canyon Rim Route
5.08.94 mi / 2070 ft gainLocated deep within the Santa Cruz Mountains, Butano State Park boasts a large redwood canyon with many miles of hiking trails as well as campsites. This state park is one of the quietest and least visited parks on the peninsula making a perfect place to escape the hustle of the Bay Area Butano...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Año Nuevo and Goat Trail Loop
4.03.76 mi / 761 ft gainThis steep and winding trail takes you to the top of a ridge where you can see the Pacific coastline and the redwoods piercing through the forest canopy. To do this trail connect the Ano Nuevo Trail, Olmo Fire Road, Goat Trail and the Six Bridges Trail. If you don't have all day to do the Canyon ...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 -
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 -
San Francisco, California
Marshall's Beach
4.8If you're looking for one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marshall's Beach gives you just that without the tourist crowds of Baker Beach. This small and hidden beach offers a narrow stretch of sand for those looking to throw a frisbee around or just hang out with friends. As it's tu...Read more
