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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Loma Mar, California
Bike Pescadero Creek County Park
5.012.5 mi / 1350 ft gainPescadero Creek County Park and the connected Sam McDonald and Memorial Park are located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains holding a vast network of secluded trails. From biking to backpacking, this area is a perfect place for a day or weekend adventure. This area also has the added bonus having r...Read more -
Loma Mar, California
Camp Under the Redwoods at Memorial Park
With old growth redwoods and a creek swimming area, Memorial Park is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. Memorial Park is only a few miles east of the town of Pescadero. To get here, you can either approach from Highway 1 and drive up Pescadero Creek Road or take Highway ...Read more -
Los Altos, California
Hike to Black Mountain and Stevens Creek Canyon
4.06 mi / 950 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, foreste...Read more -
Los Altos, California
Hike the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Loop
4.52.9 mi / 600 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 -
La Honda, California
Sam McDonald Park Loop
5.012.19 mi / 2192 ft gainThe Pescadero Creek Park Complex is a great place to escape for a day or overnight hike in the heart of the Bay Area. You will need to get a permit to stay overnight - these can be attained on a first-come, first-serve basis from the ranger station. Most of the campsites here are also available f...Read more -
Capitola, California
Camp at New Brighton Campground
/ 0 ft gainThis Capitola camping spot is the place to be if you're looking to do a variety of activities in a variety of landscapes. You can swim, fish, or explore the nearby forest of Monterey Pine and coastal Oak. In the evening, walk into Capitola for live music and great fish tacos. The S.S. Palo Alto,...Read more -
Capitola, California
New Brighton Beach Trail
0.85 mi / 112 ft gainNew Brighton Beach Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Aptos, California.Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Surf Pleasure Point
4.0Pleasure Point is located on the east side of Santa Cruz, California. It is a right hand point break that breaks year round. It is a popular surf spot for many people that live in the San Francisco Bay Area. There are 3 different peaks that break at Pleasure Point. Sewers, which is the furthest ...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Surf the Hook
4.0The hook is a surf spot found on the east side of Santa Cruz, located along East Cliff drive. If you keep driving past Pleasure Point, you'll get to it. It's a right hand point break that is usually smaller in size than Pleasure Point. It's a very crowded spot due to the easy access parking lo...Read more -
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, California
Hike Deer Hollow Farm Trail
4.02.7 mi / 259 ft gainRancho 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 aroun...Read more -
San Jose, California
Hike the Quicksilver Trail
4.35.1 mi / 915 ft gainThe trails are well maintained and offer good visibility. The trail can be muddy after it rains, and does not have much shade (so bring extra water in the summer). Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife - this trail is frequently used for bir...Read more -
Aptos, California
Hike to Nisene Marks' Maple Falls
4.68.5 mi / 900 ft gainAs you enter the park, you'll need to pay $8 for parking via a self-pay envelope, so it's recommended that you bring exact change. At the park booth, be sure to grab a map. The hike can be a little tricky with no cell service and limited trail signage. Once you've grabbed your map, keep driving p...Read more -
Los Gatos, California
Mountain Bike Soquel Demonstration Forest
11 mi / 2070 ft gainAs with many trail systems there are multiple routes and loops available at Sequel Demonstration forest of varying lengths and difficulty. The 3 main trails are all accessed via the same parking area on highland way. The most popular trail is the all skill levels "Flow" trail, followed by two sho...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Explore the Pidgeon Point Lighthouse
5.0Pidgeon Point Lighthouse is conveniently located just 50 miles south of San Francisco. Constructed in 1872 and standing at 115 feet, it is among the tallest lighthouse in America.Part of the state park system, it is surprisingly secluded. Numerous parking space were available in the lot with hand...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Exploring Big Sur to Pigeon Point
We started off in Big Sur and took as many pull-off viewpoints as possible between Big Sur and the final destination, Pigeon Point Lighthouse. The weather was foggy in some spots but would open up to reveal the vast Pacific Ocean and sun in others. The weather was mild for us but we're familiar w...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
