Kensington, California
A top outdoor adventure in Kensington, California is the Hillside Natural Area. This must-visit hiking trail is a scenic delight with its panoramic views of the city and bay. The 5-mile looped trail is moderately difficult, making it ideal for a challenging, yet enjoyable hike. Along the trail, you'll find a variety of natural features, including a large rock formation known as the Hillside Giant and a small creek that flows during the rainy season. In addition to hiking, the area offers picnic spots and bird watching opportunities. Close to Kensington, you'll find the Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, another outdoor attraction. It features over 22 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding, and is home to Alvarado Park, a popular spot for family picnics. The best Trails and Outdoor Activities are waiting for you in Kensington!
Top Spots in and near Kensington
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Saint Helena, California
Lake Hennessey Loop
5.06.53 mi / 764 ft gainThe "lollipop" hike starts at the "Ranch House" parking lot off of Chiles Pope Valley Road - alternatively, you can access from Conn Valley Road for a shortened 5.6-mile loop. You turn off Chiles Pope Valley Road onto Moore Creek Trail, drive past a private house (you can see it on the map) and t...Read more -
La Honda, California
Sunny Jim and Christmas Tree Trails
4.02.99 mi / 531 ft gainThere are a bunch of beginner to intermediate mountain biking trails at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve (click here for a trail map). There are some beginner mountain biking classes that come here to learn. There is a Christmas tree farm that usually has small Christmas trees growing. On a r...Read more -
La Honda, California
Sam McDonald Park Loop
5.012.19 mi / 2192 ft gainThe Pescadero Creek Park Complex is a great place to escape for a day or overnight hike in the heart of the Bay Area. You will need to get a permit to stay overnight - these can be attained on a first-come, first-serve basis from the ranger station. Most of the campsites here are also available f...Read more -
La Honda, California
Brook Trail Loop
7.63 mi / 1457 ft gainThe Brook Trail Loop is a beautiful hike, starting off in Sam McDonald County Park and later entering into Pescadero Creek County Park. This adventure can be done in any season, with the trails almost entirely shaded for even the hottest summer days. Starting off from the Heritage Grove trailhea...Read more -
Winters, California
Homestead & Blue Ridge Loop
5.04.46 mi / 1299 ft gainAt the bend in the road on Highway 128, you will pass two silver gates. The gate with the UC Davis logo is the entrance to the trailhead. Past the entrance there is a large dirt pullout off the road with plenty of parking. Starting at the trailhead, go left in the fork to start the loop trail. T...Read more -
Winters, California
Hike the Stebbins Cold Canyon Loop
4.04.5 mi / 350 ft gainStebbins Cold Canyon is a great day hike for all skill levels, accessible year round, and offers an abundance of wild flower viewing, including the California poppy. Tog get to the hike, head about 8 miles west of Winters, CA, where a silver fire gate marks the main entrance to the Stebbins Cold ...Read more -
Winters, California
Hike the Homestead-Blue Ridge Loop
5.0From the official trailhead, start off by taking the Homestead Trail, which forks towards the right. A trail connecting Homestead and Blue Ridge will take you to a creek nearby. Veer off the trail along the creek and there is a water hole for cooling off on hot days. Onward into the trail, you wi...Read more -
Santa Rosa, California
Canyon Trail to Spring Creek Trail Loop
5.07.39 mi / 728 ft gainThe Canyon Trail to Spring Creek Trail Loop is a popular hiking route in Trione-Annadel State Park in Sonoma County, California. This loop offers a mix of shaded woodland paths and open trails, making it a favorite for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Trail Highlights: Length & Difficulty: A...Read more -
Santa Rosa, California
Gunsight Rock via Hood Mountain Trail
5.07.91 mi / 2372 ft gainHike to Gunsight Rock through Hood Mountain Regional Park to get a view overlooking Sonoma and Napa Valley. In order to get to the trailhead take Highway 12 to Los Alamos Rd, the road will then turn into Timberline Dr, this will take you to the trailhead. There is a parking fee of $8. From the p...Read more -
Winters, CaliforniaFly Fishing on the Putah
4.0Putah Creek is a little over an hour drive from SF without traffic. The creek has flows beginning in April, which can reach up to 700cfs during the summer months. The creek begins to drop after September. Keep in mind that wet-wading isn't recommended until the river is under 300cfs. Most fly fis...Read more -
La Honda, California
Peters Creek and Long Ridge
4.05.5 mi / 1007 ft gainFrom the parking lot, take the connector trail towards the Peters Creek Trail for 0.4 miles. As you descend into a small valley, notice the sound of running water that appears. When you reach the first trail intersection, turn left on the Peters Creek trail. This will give you your first encounte...Read more -
Loma Mar, California
Camp Under the Redwoods at Memorial Park
With old growth redwoods and a creek swimming area, Memorial Park is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. Memorial Park is only a few miles east of the town of Pescadero. To get here, you can either approach from Highway 1 and drive up Pescadero Creek Road or take Highway ...Read more -
Loma Mar, California
Bike Pescadero Creek County Park
5.012.5 mi / 1350 ft gainPescadero Creek County Park and the connected Sam McDonald and Memorial Park are located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains holding a vast network of secluded trails. From biking to backpacking, this area is a perfect place for a day or weekend adventure. This area also has the added bonus having r...Read more -
San Jose, California
North Rim Trail to Eagle Rock
5.01.94 mi / 240 ft gainNorth Rim Trail to Eagle Rock is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near San Jose, California.Read more -
Santa Rosa, California
Joe Rodota Trail
4.512.67 mi / 174 ft gainJoe Rodota Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Sebastopol, California.Read more -
Sebastopol, California
Laguna de Santa Rosa Loop Trail
4.93.95 mi / 115 ft gainThe Laguna de Santa Rosa Loop Trail offers an enchanting 3.95-mile nature experience just outside of downtown Sebastopol, California. This easy-to-moderate trail provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the largest freshwater wetlands complex on the northern California coast, making...Read more
