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Castro Valley, California

Castro Valley, California is a top pick for outdoor fun. With its scenic and serene views, it's a must-visit for those seeking a unique experience. There are plenty of top attractions in and near the area, including Lake Chabot Regional Park, Anthony Chabot Regional Park, and Skyline Wilderness Park. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. There are also plenty of trails to explore, offering breathtaking views of the Bay Area. For those who love nature, there are plenty of wildlife areas to explore, including the Hayward Regional Shoreline and the Don Castro Regional Recreation Area. Whether you're looking for an adventure or a peaceful day out, Castro Valley has something for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Castro Valley

  • Castro Valley, California

    Lake Chabot Regional Park Loop

    4.0
    8.65 mi / 1263 ft gain
    Looking for a fun day on a lake, but don't want to drive too far? We recommend heading out to the East Bay where you can combine a nice hike with an afternoon of fishing. This moderately challenging hike remains scenic throughout the 8.5 mile trek around the lake, and offers many opportunities fo...
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  • Oakland, California

    Run the Circumnavigation of Redwood Regional Park's Ultimate Trail Loop

    5.0
    7.5 mi / 1600 ft gain
    It’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, part ...
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  • Moraga, California

    Bollinger Creek Loop Trail

    1.43 mi / 213 ft gain
    Las Trampas Regional Wilderness offers an extensive trail system for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. The trail is open year round and dogs are allowed. The Las Trampas and Bollinger faults spread apart to reveal a wonderful wilderness area with ancient remnants of beaches. The entir...
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  • Oakland, California

    Hike Redwood Regional Park via the Dunn Loop

    5.0
    3.6 mi / 606 ft gain
    The Redwood Regional Dunn Loop is just outside of Oakland, and can be reached from anywhere in the Bay Area for a fun day or half-day trip. The trail is open year-round. In the spring, wildflowers are abundant. The trail has a great mix of sun and shade. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash. 
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  • Pleasanton, California

    Courdet Trail and Schuhart Trail

    5.24 mi / 1122 ft gain
    This is a 5+ mile out and back trail through the hills in the South Bay. The beginning of the hike has a steeper incline and then becomes more gradual later on. There is a beautiful views of the South Bay that are enjoyable in the day, but are fantastic in the evening. Some areas of the trail hav...
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  • Oakland, California

    East & West Ridge Loop

    4.5
    3.47 mi / 833 ft gain
    Tucked away in the hills of Oakland, you will find one of the homes of California's Coastal Redwoods. Created by a unique geographical circumstance, this forest breathes winds funneled through the Golden Gate across the bay, which created environment opportune for Redwood growth. These Redwoods a...
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  • Fremont, California

    Lake Elizabeth Loop

    3.0
    2.1 mi / 69 ft gain
    Lake Elizabeth is located in central Fremont.  It offers a nice break from the city streets and can be enjoyed by walkers, joggers, and bikers alike.  It is a park for all ages.   Other attractions include volleyball nets, multiple playgrounds, and aqua adventure park, geese, and peddle boats. ...
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  • Oakland, California

    Sibley Volcanic Trail Labyrinths

    3.5
    2 mi / 144 ft gain
    From Skyline Blvd, pull into the staging area for Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, you'll see the sign. Parking here is usually easy to find. You'll find an unstaffed visitor center with a restroom, park maps and informational displays featuring the history and geology of the park. Sibley is a...
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  • Sunol, California

    Hike the Pleasanton Ridge Trail

    4.3
    6.4 mi / 1443 ft gain
    Pleasanton Ridge Trail is a 6.4 mile loop. The loop is shared by dog walkers, trail runners, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. From the ridge your viewpoints will include Mount Diablo and the San Francisco Bay.  This hike from the Foothills Staging Area is an excellent introduction ...
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  • Walnut Creek, California

    Sugarloaf Open Space Loop

    1.91 mi / 243 ft gain
    Sugarloaf Open Space Loop is an almost 2-mile loop for hiking, running and walking. This trail is relatively easy and takes under one hour to hike. This loop is dog friendly. 
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  • Lafayette, California

    Lafayette Reservoir via Nature Area Rim Trail

    5.0
    5 mi / 758 ft gain
    Lafayette Reservoir is perfect for canoeing, mountain biking, trail running, and hiking. The Reservoir trail system is also used for nature walks and birding. The loop has several high points that have amazing views. The trails become very muddy after wet weather - so tread with caution.  Th...
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  • Danville, California

    Summit Mount Diablo via Rock City Trail

    5.0
    7.8 mi / 2299 ft gain
    Although steep in sections, this trail is a wonderful workout and hikers are more than rewarded for their efforts. The Rock City Trail is a direct route to the summit of Mount Diablo, and the park is an ecological treasure dear to the hearts of Bay Area residents. The best views are on clear days...
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  • Danville, California

    Hike in Mount Diablo's Madrone Canyon

    2.8 mi / 550 ft gain
    This hike starts at the Rock City area of Mount Diablo State Park. Begin at the Madrone Canyon Trail, hiking southeast towards the Devils Slide trail. Along this section of the hike, the trail dips into a wooded canyon and follows the path of a small creek. To best experience the beauty of the cr...
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  • Foster City, California

    Paddle the Foster City Lagoon

    The Foster City Lagoon is one of the most calm waters to paddle on.  This is a great spot for beginners to learn how to paddleboard for the first time. The lagoon gets very still and makes it the perfect spot for reflection photos.  On sunny days, there are many kayakers, SUP, small boats, and ev...
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  • Berkeley, California

    Stonewall Panoramic Trail

    4.5
    1.44 mi / 663 ft gain
    From the trailhead at Stonewall Road, the 1.5-mile trail makes for an excellent before or after-work run. But the steep hills and loose ground aren’t for those looking to find an easy nature walk. The incline starts well before the Stonewall-Panoramic trailhead, so you won’t even have time to w...
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  • Walnut Creek, California

    Run the Mt. Diablo Foothill Loop

    5.0
    6.2 mi / 875 ft gain
    Continue by car down Castle Rock Road until it dead ends at the beginning of the trail. Parking is usually easy to find. If full, there is another overflow lot about 500 ft back the way you came in.You'll walk a good half mile down the trail before getting the main gate. As you're walking, you'll...
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Camping and Lodging in Castro Valley

Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA
Pescadero, California

Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA

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