Outbound Collective logo

Los Altos, California

Los Altos, California is a great place to explore the outdoors. With its picturesque views and range of activities, there are many must-visit attractions. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or an adrenaline-pumping excursion, there are countless options. Popular trails and activities include the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, the Stevens Creek Trail, and the Los Trancos Preserve. There are also several parks, such as Shoup Park, Redwood Grove Nature Preserve, and the Los Altos History Museum. With so many activities to enjoy, Los Altos is sure to offer something enjoyable for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Los Altos

  • Santa Clara County, California

    Black Mountain via Rhus Ridge Trail

    9.75 mi / 2992 ft gain
    Just outside of Los Altos is a very long ridge of mountains, one of which is Black Mountain.  This is a very dry hike, with no tree canopy, so it can get very hot! Be aware that this can make the hike feel a lot more difficult with the sun beating down on you. Follow Rhus Ridge Trail to Black Mo...
    Read more
  • Stanford, California

    Sunset Picnic at Kite Hill

    4.0
    Kite Hill is nothing more than what the name describes. A simple ascent less than 100 feet in elevation. But that 100 feet is all you need to feel like you discovered a little escape from the buzz below.To get there, you can park directly at the base of Kite Hill along Peter Coutts Rd and simply ...
    Read more
  • Stanford, California

    Stanford Dish Loop

    4.4
    3.67 mi / 472 ft gain
    If you live in the Palo Alto area and are looking for a place to hike or run, The Dish is a close, and great way to get that exercise. Located right on the corner of Stanford Ave and Junipero Serra, you'll see that small gated entrance right when you drive on by. As far as parking goes, you're le...
    Read more
  • Palo Alto, California

    Hike the Arastradero Preserve Loop

    3.0
    4.5 mi / 600 ft gain
    Getting There: From Hwy 280, take the Page Mill Road exit and head West on Page Mill Road, away from Downtown Palo Alto (if you're taking 101, exit on Oregon Expressway). Then turn right on Arastradero Road. There will be a small sign indicating the dirt parking lot on the eastern side of the str...
    Read more
  • Los Altos, California

    Park Day at Foothills Park

    1.7
    Disclaimer: Foothills Park requires proof of residence in Palo Alto or being accompanied by a resident of the city. Learn more here.Foothills Park is 2.7 miles west of 280 after exiting Page Mill. After exiting you take a short scenic drive up the hill and come to the park entrance on your right...
    Read more
  • 3160 North Shoreline Boulevard, California

    SUP Shoreline Lake

    3.0
    Shoreline Lake features a big lake, many hiking and biking trails, and lot of picnic areas in Mountain View, CA. Kayaks, SUP, and various boats can be rented from the boat house. This is a great place to enjoy the water no matter what season it is. There are large grassy areas for kids to run and...
    Read more
  • Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, California

    Hike Deer Hollow Farm Trail

    4.0
    2.7 mi / 259 ft gain
    Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve has many beginner to intermediate hiking trails.  Deer Hollow Farm Trail Loop is a hiking trail for beginners, families, or anyone wanting to go on a short hike with nice views of the bay. The trail passes by a farm and deer can often be seen wandering aroun...
    Read more
  • Los Altos, California

    Hike the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Loop

    4.5
    2.9 mi / 600 ft gain
    This hike is best done in the late fall, winter, and spring so that the creek is running and the hills are green. Starting at the preserve parking lot, the first half of the hike is predominantly downhill. At the main trailhead, start in the direction of the Stevens Creek Nature Trail, as told by...
    Read more
  • Los Altos, California

    Hike to Black Mountain and Stevens Creek Canyon

    4.0
    6 mi / 950 ft gain
    This hike can be done during any season, but for the creek to be running and for more comfortable temperatures, it is best to go on a cool winter or spring day. Starting at the preserve parking lot, take the Stevens Creek nature trail, allowing you to witness spectacular views of a large, foreste...
    Read more
  • Portola Valley, California

    Hike the Windy Hill Loop

    4.3
    7.2 mi / 1400 ft gain
    This 7.2-mile loop starts by heading out of the parking lot and onto the Spring Ridge Trail. Head Southeast On Spring Ridge Trail until you connect with Hamms Gulch Trail. When you jump on Hamms Gulch, head southwest for ~3.4 miles as you circle the far end of the OSP. At this point, you will con...
    Read more
  • La Honda, California

    Mountain Bike Skyline Ridge Preserve

    4.0
    3.5 mi / 313 ft gain
    There 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. You can find specific trails that match your ability at MTB Project.   There is a Chris...
    Read more
  • Redwood City, California

    Hike Russian Ridge

    4.5
    4 mi
    Russian Ridge offers a great place to jump on the trail and in the right season, see some of the best wildflowers blooming. On top of that, you get access to amazing views from the ridge. Once you hit your parking space, add a little extra warm up before jumping on the trail to make this 3.7-mil...
    Read more
  • La Honda, California

    Hike Peters Creek and Long Ridge

    4.0
    5.7 mi
    From 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
  • Portola Valley, California

    Sunrise Hike at Windy Hill

    5.0
    There are a few options to this hike. Usually I would recommend parking in the lot on Portola Road, but because the preserve doesn't open until 30 minutes before sunrise, it's best to park up on Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35). There are two places to park up on Skyline, but the main parking lot i...
    Read more
  • Saratoga, California

    Hike the Seven Springs Trail Loop

    2.8 mi / 500 ft gain
    The Seven Springs loop is only one great option of several in the preserve. Starting from the Prospect Rd parking lot the loop is 2.8 miles of rolling hills in and out of the shade. Most of the trail is at least 2 person width so easy to walk with a friend or furry companion. There have been larg...
    Read more
  • San Jose, California

    Catch a Sunset at Alviso Marina County Park

    3.0
    9 mi / 72 ft gain
    This tranquil 20.6 acre park is open year round from 8am to sunset. It’s the gateway to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It is filled with boardwalks, trails, and all kinds of wildlife. I went here with the sole intent of catching a pretty sunset after a long week.  I g...
    Read more

Camping and Lodging in Los Altos

Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA
Pescadero, California

Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA

Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
La Selva Beach, California

Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

Moss Landing KOA Express
Moss Landing, California

Moss Landing KOA Express

Salinas / Monterey KOA
Prunedale, California

Salinas / Monterey KOA

Guides, Insights and Stories from Los Altos

The Perfect Weekend Adventure at Big Basin State Park

The Perfect Weekend Adventure at Big Basin State Park

Benjamin Canevari

How to Eat Healthy on the Road

How to Eat Healthy on the Road

Noël Russell

10 Great Places To See Wildlife Near Santa Cruz

10 Great Places To See Wildlife Near Santa Cruz

Crystal Birns

4 Ways to Stay in Santa Cruz, California

4 Ways to Stay in Santa Cruz, California

Sara Sheehy

3 Ways to Fuel Your Days in Santa Cruz, California

3 Ways to Fuel Your Days in Santa Cruz, California

Sara Sheehy