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

  • Pescadero, California

    Canyon Rim Route

    5.0
    8.94 mi / 2070 ft gain
    Located deep within the Santa Cruz Mountains, Butano State Park boasts a large redwood canyon with many miles of hiking trails as well as campsites. This state park is one of the quietest and least visited parks on the peninsula making a perfect place to escape the hustle of the Bay Area  Butano...
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  • Pescadero, California

    Año Nuevo and Goat Trail Loop

    4.0
    3.76 mi / 761 ft gain
    This steep and winding trail takes you to the top of a ridge where you can see the Pacific coastline and the redwoods piercing through the forest canopy. To do this trail connect the Ano Nuevo Trail, Olmo Fire Road, Goat Trail and the Six Bridges Trail. If you don't have all day to do the Canyon ...
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  • Calistoga, California

    Hike the Oat Hill Mine Trail

    5.0
    8.3 mi
    The incline on this trail begins pretty much right away and is fairly gradual for the entire hike, some of it is quite rocky, making this an easy to moderate level hike. However, with some shade (probably wouldn't attempt it on a hot summer day) and the sweeping views of the valley that get bette...
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  • Calistoga, California

    Bald Hill via Oat Hill Mine Trail

    5.58 mi / 1388 ft gain
    Bald Hill is the first serious peak/summit that can be reached via the Oat Hill Mine Trail as it breaks from the more popular loop and heads into the heart of Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. To get there you can either begin at the less frequently used trailhead at Picket and Rosedale Roads h...
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  • Larkfield-Wikiup, California

    Creekside Trail to Canyon Trail to Ridge Trail Loop

    4.5
    4.46 mi / 850 ft gain
    The Creekside Trail to Canyon Trail to Ridge Trail Loop offers an immersive 5.1-mile adventure through the heart of Annadel State Park (now part of Trione-Annadel State Park) in Santa Rosa, California. This moderately challenging loop showcases the park's diverse landscapes, from shaded creek c...
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