Lagunitas, California
Lagunitas, California is a top destination for outdoor adventures with an array of scenic hiking trails. One must-visit trail is the Peters Creek Loop, a challenging 13-mile round trip that offers stunning views of old-growth redwoods, fern-lined creeks, and a tranquil waterfall. Another popular trail is the Bear Valley Trail, a more leisurely 8.2-mile round trip that winds through a lush forest and ends at the Arch Rock, a unique rock formation overlooking the Pacific Ocean. For those interested in bird watching, the Kent Lake Loop is a 9.5-mile trail that circles a large reservoir, providing ample opportunities to spot various bird species. Enjoy these best trails and outdoor activities in and near Lagunitas for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Top Spots in and near Lagunitas
-
Walnut Creek, California
Castle Rock Trail
5.06.06 mi / 971 ft gainLocated near Walnut Creek, the trail is easily accessible from anywhere in the Bay Area. The trail is kept open year-round, and happens to be part of the American Discovery Trail and the Coast to Crest trail. If you are not done hiking, connecting trails allow you to summit Mt. Diablo. This tra...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Goat Yoga at Lemos Farm
5.0This is a great way to destress and have fun! Goat yoga is like normal yoga, but with goats. Goats tend to like higher ground and flat surfaces. So, when you are in table top position, they are highly likely to jump onto your back! These goats are still young, and so do not weigh as much as f...Read more -
Walnut Creek, California
Run the Mt. Diablo Foothill Loop
5.06.2 mi / 875 ft gainContinue by car down Castle Rock Road until it dead ends at the beginning of the trail. Parking is usually easy to find. If full, there is another overflow lot about 500 ft back the way you came in.You'll walk a good half mile down the trail before getting the main gate. As you're walking, you'll...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, CaliforniaCamp at Francis Beach Campground
4.0If you love to log as much water time as possible, this little gem is the campsite for you. Half Moon Bay State Beach is actually four smaller beaches, with a total of two miles of sandy shore, but you'll be camping right at Kelly Ave., one of Half Moon Bay's most consistent surf spots. Keep in m...Read more -
Guerneville, California
Armstrong Redwoods Grove Loop
4.01.18 mi / 180 ft gainDiscover the awe-inspiring Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guerneville, California, where the gentle 1.2-mile Armstrong Redwoods Grove Loop Trail guides visitors through a pristine ancient redwood forest. Walk among towering coastal redwoods, including the 1,400-year-old Colonel Armst...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
4.65.51 mi / 220 ft gainStart at the visitor center along Kelly Avenue. Take note that the day parking fee is $10 in 2024 for each vehicle. You will then be able to enjoy both the Coastside Trail and Francis Beach (plus other beaches) with access to the amenities such as coin-operated showers and a semi-private beach. ...Read more -
Healdsburg, California
Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach Park
Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach Park is a beloved local recreational area situated along the Russian River in the heart of Sonoma County's wine country. This park combines natural beauty with family-friendly amenities, offering visitors a perfect blend of riverside relaxation and outdoor act...Read more -
Healdsburg, California
Del Rio Woods
Del Rio Woods is a day-use park along the Russian River near Healdsburg, California. The best months to visit the park if you're planning to swim are April to July. During the summer months, the water level in the river lowers, making the speed of the river slower -- typically Class 1. This make...Read more -
Clayton, California
Mount Diablo Summit Loop
4.413.12 mi / 3579 ft gainMt. Diablo has some of the most expansive views in California, despite it's relatively low peak elevation. It played a large role in the surveying the Bay Area during its early discovery. Getting There: To get to the staging area, take Interstate 80 to I-680 to Highway 4. Exit at Railroad Bou...Read more -
Clayton, California
Hike the Waterfalls of Mount Diablo Loop Trail
5.06 mi / 1627 ft gainWinter and spring rains create scenic waterfalls in this hike at Mount Diablo, the East Bay's signature peak. Be careful hiking immediately post-rain, watch for slippery sections of mud. The trail is moderately difficult and is used by hikers, walking groups, trail runners, and for nature trips. ...Read more -
Cowell Ranch Beach Access, California
Cowell Ranch Beach
5.01.14 mi / 39 ft gainHike half a mile to this beautiful, secluded beach. There are high cliffs with a steep staircase down to the beach. The beach has wonderful rock formations on one side. It is a great place to watch the sunset or bring a picnic. A great place for a beach day if you are looking for something le...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail
4.56.8 mi / 528 ft gainThis trail begins at the Cowell State Beach parking lot and is only open on the weekends. From the lot, take the short Cowell Ranch Access trail to a scenic overlook. There are steps down to the secluded pocket beach just above the main trail. The trail playfully meanders along the cliffside with...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Hike the Cowell-Purisma Trail
5.07 mi / 400 ft gainThis is a popular trail that has beach access to Cowell Ranch Beach. Along the trail, there is a steep staircase that goes down to the beach. The trail also features fields, a bridge, and beautiful views of California's rugged coastline. This trail is paved in some parts, and can also be biked...Read more -
Walnut Creek, California
Camp at Juniper Campground in Mount Diablo SP
Mount Diablo's summit in Mount Diablo State Park rises to 3,848ft, with Juniper Campground in Mount Diablo SP is at approximately 3,000ft in elevation. Juniper Campground overlooks the valley below and some of the San Francisco Bay. Reservations for Juniper Campground can be made at Reserveamer...Read more -
Walnut Creek, California
Juniper to the Summit Loop Trail and Meridian Ridge
6.56 mi / 2037 ft gainJuniper to the Summit Loop Trail and Meridian Ridge is a loop trail that is strenuous located near Diablo, California.Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Purisima Creek Trail and Craig Britton Trail Loop
4.06.95 mi / 1411 ft gainThis hike is perfect for any time of year, always staying cool because it is near the coast, and there are multiple creeks that flow year-round. Even on foggy days, the fog condenses on trees to make it seem like it is "raining." Be warned that this hike has a lot of elevation change and is stre...Read more
