Burlingame, California
The best trails and outdoor activities in Burlingame, California, offer a mix of scenic views and physical challenges. One of the top spots is the Sawyer Camp Trail, a must-visit for its 6-mile path along the Crystal Springs Reservoir. The trail is flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for all fitness levels. It offers stunning views of the reservoir, unique rock formations, and an array of local wildlife. For a more challenging hike, head to the Mills Canyon Wildlife Area. This 1.5-mile trail features steep inclines and descents, with views of the canyon and surrounding woodlands. Both trails are perfect for hiking, jogging, and bird-watching. Near Burlingame, you'll find the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, a beautiful 366-acre space with a variety of trails and a dedicated off-leash dog area. These outdoor adventures offer a great escape from city life.
Top Spots in and near Burlingame
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Clayton, California
Hike the Waterfalls of Mount Diablo Loop Trail
5.06 mi / 1627 ft gainWinter and spring rains create scenic waterfalls in this hike at Mount Diablo, the East Bay's signature peak. Be careful hiking immediately post-rain, watch for slippery sections of mud. The trail is moderately difficult and is used by hikers, walking groups, trail runners, and for nature trips. ...Read more -
San Jose, California
North Rim Trail to Eagle Rock
5.01.94 mi / 240 ft gainNorth Rim Trail to Eagle Rock is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near San Jose, California.Read more -
Livermore, California
East Shore Trail Loop
4.45 mi / 1089 ft gainThis hike is best done during the spring, fall, or winter when moderate temperatures make the hike more comfortable. Be warned that this hike has a large elevation change despite being about 4.5 miles. Starting at the Arroyo Road Staging Area, take the East Shore Trail east, heading towards a s...Read more -
San Geronimo, California
Roys Redwood Preserve Loop
5.02.37 mi / 430 ft gainRoy's Redwoods Preserve is an easily missed pocket of Redwoods off Nicasio Valley Road in Marin County. Don't miss it: heading North on Sir Francis Drake Blvd turn right onto Nicasio Valley Rd--the gate for this little park is about a half mile up on the right. From the main entrance you enter a ...Read more -
Davenport, California
Kitesurf Waddell Beach
4.0Just north of Santa Cruz at the far west end of Big Basin State Park, Waddell Beach offers one of California's top spots for kiteboarding. Each spring and summer, you'll find consistent northwesterly afternoon sea breezes. With the added bonus of consistent waves from wind and ground swell, Wad...Read more -
Vallejo, California
Camp at Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve
4.01 mi / 20 ft gainThis old Naval Base is now home to, well, almost nothing. As a weekend volunteer trip, myself and about 50 others got a little dirty creating 3 new campsites for you and your friends!During the day, the island has hikers exploring everywhere, but the preserve closes upon sunset and it's just you ...Read more -
Novato, California
Buck Gulch Falls Trail
4.91.26 mi / 203 ft gainBuck Gulch Falls (also known as Fairway Falls) is an easy, scenic hike that takes you through a beautiful forest on your way to a 15-foot waterfall. This little neighborhood treasure is tucked away in Novato, CA at the end of Fairway Drive and there is ample parking near the trailhead. If you v...Read more -
Livermore, California
Condor, Volvan, Stone Corral, Coyote Loop
4.54.38 mi / 620 ft gainThis regional preserve is perfect for day hikes. There are also designated campsites and even a backpack campsite. Horses and dogs are welcome in the preserve. There are many different clearly marked trails that one can choose from. A good 4.5 mile loop is to start at the Park Residence entrance...Read more -
Davenport, California
Greyhound Beach and Greyhound Rock
0.26 mi / 128 ft gainThe trailhead is at the Greyhound Rock State Marine Conservation Area which is directly off Highway 1. There is a large paved parking lot with a good amount of trees so finding a shady parking spot isn't that difficult (if that's important to you). The parking lot is located on the beach cliffs ...Read more -
Lagunitas, CaliforniaThe Inkwells
4.5These natural swimming holes are filled with water flowing from Kent Lake, so they're usually pretty refreshing. And by refreshing, we mean cold. We know this first-hand by testing the pools in the winter months. Let's just say if you can stay in for more than 5 seconds, you're a hero. If you jum...Read more -
Lagunitas, California
Bolinas Ridge Loop
10.27 mi / 1568 ft gainNestled in the Samuel P. Taylor State Park this ten miler was a perfect escape from the chaos of the city. Hikers are able to pay a $10.00 park entry fee that includes plenty of parking spaces and restrooms before you hit the trail. The hike starts along the Cross Marin Trail, a path popular to ...Read more -
Novato, California
Schwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop
3.51 mi / 594 ft gainSchwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Novato, California.Read more -
Lagunitas, California
Redwoods Camping at Samuel P Taylor
These West Marin campsites are often overlooked. It does get busy during the summer, but take the rest of the year to explore this state park. The main campground boasts more than 50 campsites with restrooms, hot pay showers, and piped drinking water. A few spaces can accommodate trailers, but t...Read more -
Livermore, California
Del Valle Regional Park
4.5Looking for a quick summer escape filled with stand up paddling, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and picnics? Look no further than Del Valle Regional Park. Consistently considered one of the best campgrounds in the Bay Area, the centerpiece of Del Valle is a 5-mile long lake that allows swimming, fish...Read more -
Livermore, California
Murietta Falls
4.012.3 mi / 3947 ft gainGet ready for one of the toughest, lung busting hikes in the east bay with over 6-miles and 4,000ft of climbing in one direction. When you make it to the hike, it's also important to realize that without recent rain, there many not actually be a waterfall. With that said, you're still getting in ...Read more -
Livermore, California
Paddle Lake Del Valle
4.0Lake Del Valle is a reservoir located in Livermore, California. The lake has boat motor boats, pedal boats, patio boats, canoes, and row boats available for rent. There is a dock and rental house in the marina.The lake is also a popular destination for picnics, barbecues, and camping. Parking fi...Read more
