Half Moon Bay, California

Looking for the best hiking in Half Moon Bay? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Half Moon Bay. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Half Moon Bay

  • Sunol, California

    Little Yosemite via Ohlone Road

    5.0
    2.17 mi / 207 ft gain
    Little Yosemite via Ohlone Road is an out-and-back trail that is good for all skill levels located near Sunol, California. The trail follows Alamdeda Creek along a wide gravel road with hills offering up better views of the creek at times.  Keep in mind this trail is very exposed and can get hot...
    Read more
  • Mill Valley, California

    Summit of Mt. Tamalpais Loop

    5.0
    1.15 mi / 394 ft gain
    Mt. Tam is a large park with plenty of amazing viewpoints, but the East routes and the East Peak are best for sunsets. Once you're at the top, it's an amazing spot to view a large number of Marin trails, which can help you can get a head start on planning your next adventure. At 2,570 feet, this ...
    Read more
  • Lafayette, California

    Lafayette Reservoir via Nature Area Rim Trail

    4.9
    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...
    Read more
  • Larkspur, California

    King Mountain Loop Trail

    5.0
    3.53 mi / 755 ft gain
    This beautiful hike takes you around King Mountain and through the King Mountain Open Space Preserve. The first .5 miles is on an exposed gravel fire road that is fairly steep, but the loop itself slopes gently around the mountain and through the forest, providing lots of shade.  This is a an ea...
    Read more
  • Orinda, California

    Briones Reservoir Loop: Bear Creek, Oursan, Hampton Trails

    5.0
    13.12 mi / 1791 ft gain
    Briones Reservoir Loop: Bear Creek, Oursan, Hampton Trails is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Lafayette, California.
    Read more
  • Richmond, California

    Hike the Wildcat Canyon Loop

    4.0
    10.5 mi / 2300 ft gain
    Starting off on Wildcat Creek Trail, the trail is wide and rolling. After about 4 miles make a left on Jewel Trail, then onto Sylvan Trail. Another left puts you on Wildcat Peak Trail. Be sure to check your map, as many trails intersect here. Wildcat Peak Trail runs into Nimitz Way, at which poin...
    Read more
  • Felton, California

    Fall Creek Trail

    5.0
    7.21 mi / 1096 ft gain
    This 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
  • Felton, California

    Limestone Kilns and Big Ben Redwood Loop

    5.0
    8.37 mi / 1598 ft gain
    Henry 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
  • Stinson Beach, California

    Cataract Falls

    4.2
    2.81 mi / 1184 ft gain
    The Bay Area is home to many beautiful waterfalls, but Cataract Falls located about an hour north of San Francisco is one of the most stunning. Be sure to head out on this hike after a recent rain. Cataract Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed near Stinson Beac...
    Read more
  • San Jose, California

    Senador Mine & Guadalupe Loop

    4.3
    4.83 mi / 863 ft gain
    The 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 bi...
    Read more
  • San Jose, California

    North Rim Trail to Eagle Rock

    5.0
    1.94 mi / 240 ft gain
    North Rim Trail to Eagle Rock is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near San Jose, California.
    Read more
  • Fairfax, California

    Lake Lagunitas

    4.0
    1.68 mi / 0 ft gain
    Located near Fairfax, California, this trail is relatively flat and provides peaceful views of the lake as you pass over small creeks and groves of redwoods. It's good for all skill levels and is accessible year-round. It's a great trail for families and beginner mountain bikers.It can be a littl...
    Read more
  • Ross, California

    Phoenix Lake Loop

    4.5
    2.85 mi / 518 ft gain
    Enjoy the peacefulness of making it out to the lake for a quick hike without worrying too much about challenging climbs or difficult terrain. Take the wide fire road from the car uphill and then jump on the Phoenix Lake Trail. From here, you’ll combine this trail with the Gertrude Orr and Bill Wi...
    Read more
  • Lafayette, California

    Briones Park's Lafayette Ridge

    4.3
    5.31 mi / 981 ft gain
    This is a nice and casual hike through the meadows and rolling hills, dotted with cows and hawks and sometimes goats or foxes. As you head up Lafayette Ridge, you'll be rewarded with the beautiful vista spanning from the Oakland Hills to sparkling Lafayette Reservoir. The hike is mostly through ...
    Read more
  • Felton, California

    Redwood Grove Loop

    4.0
    0.93 mi / 144 ft gain
    Henry 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
  • Felton, California

    Observation Deck Loop in Henry Cowell Redwoods SP

    4.3
    5.3 mi / 869 ft gain
    The 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