Carmel Valley, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Carmel Valley, California, offer a variety of top outdoor adventures. The Garland Ranch Regional Park is a must-visit for its scenic hiking trails that wind through dense forests, steep canyons, and along the Carmel River. The park is home to unique rock formations and a waterfall, providing a challenging yet rewarding hike. Nearby, the Palo Corona Regional Park offers more leisurely walks with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. For a different kind of outdoor activity, try horseback riding at the Carmel Valley Ranch or visit the Earthbound Farm Stand for a farm tour. These attractions make Carmel Valley a top destination for outdoor adventure.
Top Spots in and near Carmel Valley
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Scotts Valley, CaliforniaLodato Loop Trail
5.01.24 mi / 315 ft gainLodato Loop Trail is a loop trail that is moderately difficult located near Scotts Valley, California.Read more -
Felton, California
Observation Deck Loop in Henry Cowell Redwoods SP
4.35.3 mi / 869 ft gainThe 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 ...Read more -
Felton, California
Redwood Grove Loop
4.00.93 mi / 144 ft gainHenry 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...Read more -
Scotts Valley, California
Panther Beach
5.00.27 mi / 22.97 ft gainPanther 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...Read more -
Felton, California
Tree Climb Mount Hermon
5.0Climbing 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...Read more -
Gilroy, California
Redfern Pond via Hunting Hollow
5.07 mi / 1263 ft gainHenry W. Coe State Park, northern California's largest, provides outdoor enthusiasts with over 89,000 acres of land to explore, as well as 22,000 acres of designated wilderness area. With all of this space, the outdoor adventures are seemingly endless. We recommend a multi-day backpacking trip to...Read more -
Felton, California
Limestone Kilns and Big Ben Redwood Loop
5.08.37 mi / 1598 ft gainHenry 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 ...Read more -
Felton, California
Fall Creek Trail
5.07.21 mi / 1096 ft gainThis 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, ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Sand Dollar Beach
4.80.35 mi / 82 ft gainHead into Big Sur and get a campsite at Plaskett Creek. You can either make a reservation through recreation.gov or show up and hope to luck out on one of the first-come, first-serve campsites. The campground is much more crowded during the prime summer months, so if you want to get better surf ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Jade Cove
2.00.34 mi / 95 ft gainThe entrance to jade cove is off the side of the road on Hwy 1. There is lots of side parking available. You go down a short unmarked trail and keep left. You'll find yourself at the top of a cliff/mountain side that uses 2 ropes to get down. The first rope is short and not super difficult. ...Read more -
Davenport, California
Shark Fin Cove
4.3Shark 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...Read more -
Davenport, California
Old Davenport Pier
5.0The 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 ...Read more -
Big Sur, CaliforniaLuxurious Camping at Treebones Resort
5.0If you’ve always wanted to experience Big Sur, but sleeping on the ground isn’t really your thing, Treebones might be exactly what you’re looking for. Nestled along Big Sur’s beautiful coastline, Treebones Resort offers expansive views and easy access to everything the area has to offer. With a t...Read more -
Monterey County, California
Camp at San Martin Top
San Martin Top is a magical spot overlooking the coast in Big Sur. Accessible via a rutted, windy dirt road, it’s remote enough to guarantee some privacy though you’ll see fellow adventurous souls on surrounding ridges. Take care on the drive up, then set up camp overlooking the ocean or rolling ...Read more -
Morgan Hill, California
Mississippi Lake via Coe Headquarters
5.025.52 mi / 4974 ft gainIf you're tired of trying and failing to get reservations for backcountry camping around the bay area, then Henry Coe State Park is the perfect place to visit. No reservations need to be made prior to the trip. All you need to do is get to the HQ on the morning of your trip, get your permits and ...Read more -
Morgan Hill, California
Backpack to Coit Lake
5.026 miThis trail can be started from Coe Headquarters or Hunting Hollow Trailhead. The trail from Coe HQ is 2 miles longer, almost all elevation but provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. These directions will be starting from Coe HQ.Follow the loop around the parking area to the backpa...Read more
