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Larkspur, California

One of the top outdoor adventures in Larkspur, California is the Dawn Falls Trail. It's a must-visit for those who enjoy a moderately challenging hike. This 2.7-mile loop trail features a beautiful waterfall and is best used from April until September. You'll be treated to scenic views of a lush forest, a creek, and, of course, the falls. For those interested in bird watching, this trail offers ample opportunities. If you're looking for a longer hike, the trail connects to the larger Marin County trail system. The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in and near Larkspur also include the King Mountain Loop trail, a 3.3 mile lightly trafficked loop trail that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors in Larkspur.

Top Spots in and near Larkspur

  • Bolinas, California

    Point Reyes' Wildcat Camp via Coast Trail

    5.0
    11.19 mi / 1926 ft gain
    In order to make this trip possible, go to recreation.gov and make a reservation for Wildcat Camp (available year-round). On your way to the trailhead, make sure to stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center to grab your camping permit. For more information, visit: http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvis...
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  • Bolinas, California

    Bass Lake via Palomarin Trailhead

    4.2
    6.11 mi
    Follow the Coast Trail from Palomarin Trailhead to Bass Lake. It's a fairly easy ~2.5-3 miles to the Lake. As soon as you pass the lake, on the left you will see a narrow unmarked dirt trail. Take this trail and you'll get to a nice clearing with easy lake access (this will be a great spot for lu...
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  • Bolinas, California

    Glen Camp Loop via the Palomarin Trailhead

    4.7
    15.72 mi / 3091 ft gain
    Day 1 Before heading to the trailhead, make sure to stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center to pick up your permit. To stay overnight in Point Reyes, you must stay at one of the trail camps.   Camping anywhere else in the park is not allowed.   Permits for the trail camps can be booked up to 6 mo...
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  • Bolinas, California

    Backpack to Coast Camp in Point Reyes via Palomarin Trailhead

    20.5 mi / 2705 ft gain
    Spanning from just north of the small town of Bolinas (about an hour north of San Francisco) across Inverness ridge and to the top of Tomales Point, Point Reyes National Seashore is as stunning park featuring breathtaking ocean views and solitude among the grassy hillsides and forested ridges. Th...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Golden Gate Angling & Casting Club

    5.0
    The golden gate casting pools are a hidden gem in the park located on the other side of JFK from the Buffalo Paddock. Here you can practice your fly casting basics or pick up new forms casting (i.e. spey or double haul). The Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club has a clubhouse at the pond where s...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Stow Lake

    5.0
    Not too many people know that you can rent a rowboat at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park, but you can. And you should! This is one of my favorite ways to spend a few hours on a beautiful day in San Francisco. Grab your loved one, your favorite bottle of wine, some snacks, and hop in a rowboat. You’...
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  • Richmond, California

    Hike the Wildcat Canyon Loop

    4.0
    10.5 mi / 2300 ft gain
    Starting off on Wildcat Creek Trail, the trail is wide and rolling. After about 4 miles make a left on Jewel Trail, then onto Sylvan Trail. Another left puts you on Wildcat Peak Trail. Be sure to check your map, as many trails intersect here. Wildcat Peak Trail runs into Nimitz Way, at which poin...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Stow Lake And Strawberry Hill

    4.9
    2.09 mi / 253 ft gain
    Strawberry Hill is one of the hidden gems of Golden Gate Park. It is named after the once abundant strawberry fields that inhabited the island. The hill, which reaches up to 430ft, is located in the middle of Stow Lake and has 2 foot bridges for access. This is a great place to run if you're look...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Visit the Conservatory of Flowers

    4.7
    Spend a day exploring Golden Gate Park by jogging, cycling, or leisurely strolling.  There are so many fantastic stops in the park including a variety of lakes, playgrounds, a golf course, the California Academy of Science, the Conservatory of Flowers, and much much more!  It is definitely worth ...
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  • Lagunitas, California

    Redwoods Camping at Samuel P Taylor

    These West Marin campsites are often overlooked. It does get busy during the summer, but take the rest of the year to explore this state park. The main campground boasts more than 50 campsites with restrooms, hot pay showers, and piped drinking water. A few spaces can accommodate trailers, but t...
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  • Lagunitas, California

    Bolinas Ridge Loop

    10.27 mi / 1568 ft gain
    Nestled in the Samuel P. Taylor State Park this ten miler was a perfect escape from the chaos of the city. Hikers are able to pay a $10.00 park entry fee that includes plenty of parking spaces and restrooms before you hit the trail. The hike starts along the Cross Marin Trail, a path popular to ...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Alamo Park Square Park

    4.6
    If you’re ever in San Francisco, you’ll definitely want to spend a bit of time in Alamo Square gazing at these stellar examples of San Francisco history.   This is a beautiful and popular green space, where you have uninterrupted views of the iconic Painted Ladies.  The Painted Ladies are row of...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Hidden Garden Steps

    4.3
    0.1 mi / 39 ft gain
    These tiles steps are ironically iconic, as they are called the "Hidden" Garden Steps.  They are one of 3 tiled staircases that San Francisco is famous for. The others are the 16th Ave Tiled Steps and the Lincoln Park Steps. Tip: When calling an uber, try to get dropped off at the top of the ste...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Twin Peaks and Mt. Sutro Loop

    4.2
    6 mi
    Are you thinking, hit up two of the bigger peaks in SF, what a great idea? Well, you thought right! The first mile and a half is uphill as you charge to the top of Twin Peaks. This 6% grade leads to a 460 ft elevation gain. The good news is, if it's not foggy, the views of the bay are stunning, e...
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  • San Francisco, California

    16th Avenue Tiled Steps

    4.6
    0.09 mi / 79 ft gain
    The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps also known as the Moraga steps are an impressive community achievement, and an equally killer workout. Take an easy lap up the stairs to check out the amazing art, take in the views from the top, then get down to business. You'll be glad you made the trek over to this ...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Fairy Gates Trail

    5.0
    0.89 mi / 328 ft gain
    Fairy Gates Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near San Francisco, California.
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