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

  • Redwood City, California

    Old Growth Redwood Loop

    4.4
    5.68 mi / 1480 ft gain
    This hike starts at the parking lot of the El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve. The lot is located roughly a mile south on Skyline Boulevard from the Skeggs Point Vista. From the parking lot, take the Methuselah Trail for 0.3 miles until you reach the Timberview Trail. Take this trail for anot...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Hassler Loop Trail

    4.0
    1.48 mi / 289 ft gain
    Experience the natural beauty of the San Francisco Peninsula on the scenic Hassler Loop Trail, a 1.5-mile moderately challenging hiking trail nestled in Redwood City's Emerald Hills neighborhood. This beloved local trail offers hikers, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers a perfect blend...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Cordilleras & Dusty-Footed Woodrat Loop

    3.7
    3.83 mi / 676 ft gain
    Getting there: exit Highway 280 at Edgewood Road, travel .75 miles east, turn left on Crestview Drive, then immediately left again on Edmonds Road. Once parked, there are several different path options through the park. All of them connect in a large loop, and return to the parking lot. The Cord...
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  • Burlingame, California

    Ed Taylor Loop Trail

    4.0
    1.42 mi / 295 ft gain
    This hike can be done at any time of year. Hiking in winter and spring means that many varieties of wildflowers will be present, and the creek will have much more water. Summer and fall mean higher temperatures and drier conditions, but the hike is still a pleasant experience. Begin the hike at ...
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  • Burlingame, California

    Mills Canyon Nature Area Trail Loop

    4.0
    1.45 mi / 331 ft gain
    Nestled within Burlingame, California, the Mills Canyon Nature Area Trail Loop offers hikers a serene escape into nature. This approximately 1.5-mile loop meanders through diverse landscapes, including mixed woodlands and grasslands, providing opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying native ...
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  • Emerald Hills, California

    Edgewood Loop

    4.0
    3.29 mi / 607 ft gain
    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 ...
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  • Emerald Hills, California

    Sylvan Loop Trail

    2.53 mi / 522 ft gain
    Sylvan Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Redwood City, California.
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Gray Whale Cove Loop

    5.0
    1.22 mi / 518 ft gain
    Starting at the parking lot adjacent to Gray Whale Cove State Beach, proceed to the start sign indicating "Grey Whale Cove Trail". GWCT is a fun brisk hike with slight elevation gain that should be easy enough to take a small group or even children to. Take note of the tight spaces you may encou...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Gray Whale Cove Trail

    4.5
    2.23 mi / 367 ft gain
    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...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Montara Mountain North & Middle Peaks Loop

    4.3
    7.22 mi / 1929 ft gain
    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...
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  • Pacifica, California

    Brooks Falls Loop

    4.0
    2.26 mi / 781 ft gain
    Brooks Falls Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Pacifica, California.
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  • Pacifica, California

    Montara Mountain Trail

    5.0
    6.77 mi / 1900 ft gain
    Montara Mountain Trail is a loop trail that takes you through a forest out to ocean views at the top of Montara Mountain. This hike located near Pacifica, California. and can be accessed from Highway 1 as well. If you're looking to do a similar loop hike from the coast, consider Montara Mountain ...
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  • Millbrae, California

    Sawyer Camp Trail: San Andreas Lake to Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir

    4.0
    5.35 mi / 354 ft gain
    Sawyer Camp Trail: San Andreas Lake to Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Millbrae, California.
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  • Burlingame, California

    Bayside Park to Robert E Woolley State Park Loop

    4.5
    2.06 mi / 20 ft gain
    Bayside Park to Robert E Woolley State Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Burlingame, California.
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  • Redwood City, California

    Stulsaft Park Loop

    4.0
    0.91 mi / 98 ft gain
    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...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Southern Beaches at San Gregorio State Beach

    4.0
    1.48 mi / 16 ft gain
    Not a trail per se, but approximately 3 miles (down and back) of beautiful beach to walk down. Lots of interesting caves, wild animals, and rock formations to discover. This is a popular location for sea kayakers. San Gregorio State Beach was originally founded to protect the estuary at the back ...
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