Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California

The 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 ...

The 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...

This quiet 10 mile hike features a winding creek and tall redwoods throughout the trail.  The parking at the Fall Creek Trailhead is limited, so it is best to get there before 10am.  There are redwoods very close to the trail and a good portion is alongside the creek.  Most of the trail is dirt, ...

Henry Cowell Redwood State Park is a super easy destination to get to from Santa Cruz, but the seclusion of the Fall Creek Unit makes this a big bang for buck hike. This hike will take you to Big Ben, a medium sized old growth Redwood, and the abandoned Henry Cowell Lime and Cement Company Kilns ...

Shark Fin Cove is a large rock formation in an inlet off Highway 1 in Northern California. It is located 1 mile south of Davenport and 10 miles north of Santa Cruz. There is a sizable parking lot located on the side of Highway 1 to park in. Walk down the path left of the parking lot and cross the...

Just 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...

Black Mountain via PG&E, Quarry and Black Mountain Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Cupertino, California.

Climbing an aerial obstacle course through the redwoods of Mount Hermon is a great way to experience the thrill of climbing and being in the trees.  See what it's like to scurry through the trees like a squirrel.  This unique vantage point offers amazing views of the redwoods. There are many aeri...

There are a few options to hiking Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. Usually I would recommend parking in the lot on Portola Road, but because the preserve doesn't open until 30 minutes before sunrise, it's best to park up on Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35). There are two places to park up on Skyline...

To get a good viewing point for the sunrise, take a quick on the Anniversary Trail up to Windy Hill. This is a real bang-for-your-buck adventure as the trail isn't too long and you get to see a spectacular sunrise combined with great views of both the Bay Area and out towards the ocean. Note tha...

Situated in the hills above Palo Alto; Foothills Park is the perfect spot to spend the day outdoors. With hiking, fishing, picnic areas, wide open fields, and expansive views of the Bay Area, this hidden gem is a must visit. Foothills Park is 2.7 miles west of 280 after exiting Page Mill. After ...

Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve has many beginner to intermediate hiking trails.  Deer Hollow Farm Trail Loop is a hiking trail for beginners, families, or anyone wanting to go on a short hike with nice views of the bay. The trail passes by a farm and deer can often be seen wandering arou...

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located just a few miles north of the city of Santa Cruz, along Highway 9. The park is home to an array of hiking and biking trails, but the crown jewel of the park is the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, which is only a 1/4 mile in from the park's entrance. Many peo...

The trail starts at the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Visitors Center. Grab a map in the center, as your hike has you turning onto a few different trails to get to the observation deck.  Starting at the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, follow the trail until it connects with the Pipeline Road Trail ...

Panther Beach: Santa Cruz's Hidden Coastal Gem Panther Beach is a stunning, secluded beach nestled among rocky cliff sides along California's Highway 1. This is a great place to catch an awesome sunset, and there's even some decent bouldering on the beach archway for climbing enthusiasts. Beach...

This 7.2-mile loop starts by heading out of the parking lot and onto the Spring Ridge Trail. Head Southeast On Spring Ridge Trail until you connect with Hamms Gulch Trail. When you jump on Hamms Gulch, head southwest for ~3.4 miles as you circle the far end of the OSP. At this point, you will con...