Concord, California

Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve rests in San Mateo County, California. The sweeping hillsides exemplify the true native flora of California, as the foundation of rock and soil is poor in nutrients. Only a few specialized native plants are adapted to live here--don't miss the unique wildflower ...

Sylvan Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Redwood City, California.

The Helen Putnam Northern Loop is a scenic hiking trail in Petaluma, California, offering a peaceful outdoor experience with breathtaking views and natural charm. This trail is perfect for hikers seeking a blend of gentle exercise and stunning landscapes. Trail Highlights: Length & Di...

Stulsaft Park Loop in Redwood City, California, is a scenic and family-friendly 0.9-mile loop trail, ideal for hiking, walking, and running. This is a relatively easy stroll with only 98 feet of elevation gain and is accessible for people of all fitness levels. This trail is also particularly pop...

This tranquil 20.6 acre park is open year round from 8am to sunset. It’s the gateway to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It is filled with boardwalks, trails, and all kinds of wildlife. I went here with the sole intent of catching a pretty sunset after a long week.  I g...

The Helen Putnam Inner Loop is a scenic and relatively short hiking trail located in Petaluma, California. This loop offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and accessibility. This trail is ideal for hikers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a shorter adventure with stunning vistas. T...

A 216-acre park, Helen Putnam offers 9 trails that are relatively short but can be combined however you wish. Go 2 miles or 10 miles. Loop in and out, up or around. I take a different route every time I hike here. For a good 4.8-mile hike, begin at the southwest corner, where the parking lot and...

Gray whale cove trail is a splendid, short, and easy hike for the entire family with beautiful ocean views. The starting point is conveniently located near a parking lot that accesses Montara State Beach. From the south end of the parking lot, follow the trail up through the coastal scrub. Within...

NOTE: as of 2019, North Peak has been fenced off around the installation of a radio tower and weather station. Additionally, the summit has been found to be a habitat for the endangered San Bruno elfin butterfly. The Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a popular seaside trail that’s just 20 minutes s...

This is a great hike for any season of the year, with rushing streams during the winter, wildflowers in the spring, and cool, shaded canyons during the summer. Starting from near the Zwierlein Picnic area, take the Crystal Springs to the left into the redwood forest. Stay straight at the next tr...

If you live in the Palo Alto area and are looking for a place to hike or run, The Dish is a close, and great way to get that exercise. Located right on the corner of Stanford Ave and Junipero Serra, you'll see that small gated entrance right when you drive on by. As far as parking goes, you're le...

There are two places to park for this specific loop- the main parking area on Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and a smaller parking lot on the western end of the park. I would recommend parking at whichever is closest. Find directions to both on Openspace.org. From the main parking lot, the trail...

The Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop Trail, nestled in the scenic Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve near Redwood City, California, is a popular choice for hikers looking for a moderately challenging yet rewarding experience. This 9-mile loop trail winds through lush redwood fo...

Located in the iconic Silicon Valley town of Woodside, Wunderlich County Park offers a number of hiking trails as well as some horseback riding trails through the wilderness.  Once in the parking lot, you will see a number of stables, riding ring, as well as a beautiful historic stable that was ...

The Cypress Tree Tunnels are a quick jaunt from San Francisco (22 miles) and make for a great half-day trip. Getting here depends on traffic, but 30 minutes from the center of the city is doable. Parking is relatively easy. You can either park at the south end of the area at the Cypress Cove entr...

Sitting on a 140 acre bluff top, the Pillar Point Bluffs are a simple, easy hike with breathtaking views throughout. The bluffs are 22 miles from San Francisco – a 30 minute drive depending on the traffic. There is a small 10 car or so parking lot off of Airport Blvd, but there are two additional...