Boulder Creek, California
Boulder Creek, California is a popular outdoor spot for camping, hiking, and fishing. With its picturesque views, the area offers plenty of attractions and activities for visitors. From beautiful trails to scenic spots, there are plenty of must-visit locations for nature-seekers. Explore the nearby redwood forests and the cascading waterfalls for a truly awe-inspiring experience. Take a walk along the creek and enjoy the beauty of nature. With its lush green surroundings, Boulder Creek is the ideal destination for a memorable outdoor getaway.
Top Spots in and near Boulder Creek
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Monterey County, California
South Plateau Trail to Bird Island
5.01.69 mi / 180 ft gainThe South Plateau Trail to Bird Island in Monterey County, California, is a moderately challenging hiking trail. Spanning approximately 1.69 miles round trip, the trail offers a variety of terrain, including sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and dense coastal scrub. The trailhead is located at the par...Read more -
Carmel, California
Point Lobos Natural Preserve Loop
4.77.14 mi / 640 ft gainPoint Lobos contains headlands, coves and rolling meadows, and its offshore area forms one of the richest underwater habitats in the world, popular with divers. Wildlife includes seals, sea lions, sea otters, migrating gray whales (from December to May), and thousands of seabirds, who also make t...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 -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Bird Island Trail
5.00.85 mi / 75 ft gainThis is one of the most rewarding short coastal hikes in Point Lobos. The Bird Island Trail offers sweeping ocean views, a peek into rugged shorelines, and a front-row seat to seabird colonies—all in under a mile. Trail Basics & Route Overview Trail Type: Lollypop / loop with a sp...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Point Lobos South Shore Trail
4.02.48 mi / 75 ft gainIf you’re craving an ocean-edge walk through rocky coastline, tide pools and bluff vistas, the South Shore Trail delivers. It’s a slightly wild coastal route that keeps you close to the sea and filled with surprises. Trail Basics & Route Overview Difficulty: Easy Trail Surface &a...Read more -
San Francisco, California
McLaren Park: Philosopher's Way Loop
5.02.25 mi / 315 ft gainBeyond McLaren's family friendly playgrounds and picnic areas, there are miles of trail to explore. The Philosopher's trail is a well-marked loop (notice the stone markings along the trail with arrows etched into them). There are several parking lots available where you can jump onto the loop. No...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Lake Merced Loop
4.74.53 mi / 180 ft gainLake Merced Loop is a loop trail in the southwestern part of San Francisco. This trail is used for running and walking. You'll see plenty of people getting exercise or taking their dog for a stroll. There are also benches and tables around the loop. The lake itself is fresh water and is used for...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Bernal Heights Park
4.70.95 mi / 128 ft gainBernal Heights Park is an excellent week night adventure for those who need an escape from the city. Sit atop this small, grassy peak in peace and look out over the San Francisco skyline. Park on the street bordering the park and follow a pathway that leads up to the top. You will be instantly g...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Fort Funston Trail
4.71.81 mi / 253 ft gainFort Funston is an SF gem I discovered when looking for a dog friendly hike near the city. Located west of Lake Merced, you'll find a gorgeous Northern California beach oasis where you and your dog can run wild and free :). Parking is located at the top of the park where you'll descend a steep se...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Billy Goat Hill
4.0Billy Goat Hill Park is located in the Glen Park neighborhood of San Francisco. The park has street parking at the top of the park on Beacon Street or at the base of the park on Ladley Street. Getting to the swing is only a short walk up or down the stairs that run through the middle of the park....Read more -
San Francisco, California
Bouldering at Glen Canyon Park
5.0Want to get out of the climbing gym, and do some bouldering in the city? Head to Glen Canyon park! After you park the car, take a short hike on a shade-covered path to the boulders. This climbing spot has history dating back to the 1930s when people first started scaling these boulders. This is a...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Glen Canyon Park Trail
5.01.76 mi / 394 ft gainGlen Canyon Park Trail is a loop most commonly used for running or hiking in the southwestern side of San Francisco, California. Parking for the loop is street parking, so be sure to take any valuables out of the car with you. Note: There are restrooms available at the Glen Canyon Recreation Ce...Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaMount Davidson
4.51.03 mi / 299 ft gainMount Davidson Park is located in the southwestern part of the city nestled between Diamond Heights and Portola Dr. The climb isn't too difficult, but to reach the top of the 928ft summit, you should wear close-toed shoes and be ready for some loose gravel or mud if it's been raining. The hike is...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Paddle at Crane Cove
5.0Crane Cove is a beautiful waterfront park with access for paddle boards and kayaks. This area is protected from the wind (it will be less choppy here than in the middle of the bay). If you decide to paddle up to mission bay or down towards Islais Creek you'll most likely face more currents and w...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Dolores Park
4.1Mission Dolores Park spans two city blocks in San Francisco's Mission District, offering 16 acres of recreational space with stunning city skyline views. This historic park, established in 1905, serves as a cultural hub and outdoor gathering space for both locals and tourists. Location & A...Read more -
Oakland, California
West Ridge and East Ridge Loop
5.08.04 mi / 1194 ft gainIt’s difficult to have a car in San Francisco, but oh-so worth it when it comes to weekend getaways, especially with all the Bay Area has to offer. This is a super accessible trail system just 30 minutes outside of the city that makes for a fun, easy trail run or hike. Redwood Regional Park, par...Read more
