Hayward, California

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Hayward

  • Los Gatos, California

    Saratoga Gap & Ridge Trail Loop

    4.6
    4.73 mi / 1070 ft gain
    The Saratoga Gap Trail is relatively lightly trafficked trail that is good year round, although waterfalls peak in late winter and spring. Overall, this 4.7 mile partial loop hike is moderate, with about 1000 feet in elevation change. Trailhead elevation is about 3090 feet. The featured hike desc...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Homestead Open Space Big Loop

    5.0
    2.48 mi / 709 ft gain
    Homestead Open Space Big Loop is a moderately trafficked loop trail located near Mill Valley, California.
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Dipsea Trail

    4.6
    13.03 mi / 3701 ft gain
    The Dipsea Race is the 2nd oldest foot race in the US. The race is named after the Dipsea Inn at the end of the trail at Stinson Beach. The good news is that you can enjoy this scenic trail and its sweeping ocean views at your leisure. The bad news is that the race is only one-way. If you choose,...
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  • Larkspur, California

    Blithedale Loop

    4.0
    3.47 mi / 1027 ft gain
    Blithedale Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Corte Madera, California.
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Sun, Redwood, Panorama, Lost and Fern Creek Loop

    5.0
    4.41 mi / 1030 ft gain
    Sun, Redwood, Panorama, Lost and Fern Creek Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Mill Valley, California.
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  • Sausalito, California

    Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop via Coastal Trail

    5.0
    10.12 mi / 2021 ft gain
    Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop via Coastal Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Sausalito, California.
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  • Muir Beach, California

    Owl Trail

    5.0
    2.06 mi / 390 ft gain
    The Owl Trail runs between Slide Ranch and the Muir Beach Overlook and is a great way to take in the breathtaking views, flora and fauna of the Northern California coast.  The easiest way to access the trail is to park at the Muir Beach Overlook and to take the trail down to Slide Ranch and then...
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  • Larkspur, California

    Baltimore Canyon Via Dawn Falls Trail Loop

    5.93 mi / 1309 ft gain
    Baltimore Canyon via Dawn Falls Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a forested setting at the start, up switchbacks to Dawn Falls, and then to views of King Mountain Open Space Preserve as you loop back along Southern Marin Line Road. This is a dog friendly (on-leash) trail located ...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Bootjack Trail Loop

    6.29 mi / 1634 ft gain
    Bootjack Trail Loop goes through both Muir Woods National Monument and Mt. Tamalmpais State Park is located near Mill Valley, California. With the starting point for this hike at the entrance to Muir Woods, there will be an entry fee to enter the national monument (click here for more details).  ...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Canopy, Panoramic, Redwood Trail, Sun, Dipsea Trail Loop

    4.7
    4.31 mi / 1145 ft gain
    While there are other, less crowded redwood groves in the Bay Area, Muir Woods National Monument is easily one of the best. It is a beautifully maintained site, with wooden footpaths meandering between towering redwoods that are between 600 – 800 years old. It’s home to some true giants, with its...
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  • 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...
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  • Los Gatos, California

    Los Gatos Trail to Jones Trail Loop

    4.0
    3.91 mi / 577 ft gain
    This trail winds its way along the Los Gatos Creek and ends at the Lexington Reservoir before looping back to the start. It is 3.8 miles and makes for a great way to get exercise and relax in nature. You can hear the creek as you hike, and can even go down to it. There is a lot of green foliage t...
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  • Larkspur, California

    Dawn Falls Trail Loop

    2.79 mi / 466 ft gain
    The Dawn Falls Trail Loop is a scenic, moderately challenging hike nestled in the Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve in Larkspur, part of Marin County’s beloved network of forested trails. This lush, shaded loop winds through towering coast redwoods, fern-covered canyons, and quiet residentia...
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  • Larkspur, California

    Dawn Falls Trail

    4.7
    2.29 mi / 344 ft gain
    Take the Dawn Falls trail down into the Baltimore Canyon for an in-depth exploration of northern California nature. Rather than the usual dry, hardy vegetation that speckles the hills of many nearby trails, this trail is bursting with lush ferns and mossy trees as it meanders along next to Larksp...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Temelpa Trail

    4.5
    2.94 mi / 1929 ft gain
    The Mt. Tam Hill Climb via Temelpa Trail is an iconic, "best-of" climb in the trail running community, drawing some of the world's greatest athletes to experience its breathtaking views and technical downhill. Surprisingly though, outside of locals and the running community, the trail remains lar...
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  • San Rafael, California

    Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site

    4.7
    4.37 mi / 988 ft gain
    The Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site trail in San Rafael, California, is a moderately challenging hike. The trail spans approximately 4.37 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 988 feet. The path is well-maintained and marked, making it suitable for hikers of varying skill levels....
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