Los Gatos, California

Looking for the best hiking in Los Gatos? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Los Gatos. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Los Gatos

  • San Jose, California

    North Rim Trail to Eagle Rock

    5.0
    1.94 mi / 240 ft gain
    North Rim Trail to Eagle Rock is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near San Jose, California.
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  • Santa Cruz, California

    Rincon Fire Trail to San Lorenzo River

    5.0
    1.42 mi / 328 ft gain
    The Rincon Fire Trail Starts at a small dirt parking lot next to CA-9 and traverses down the mountain to the San Lorenzo River Connecting with the Pipeline Trail. The trail can be a simple one of a mile out and back or up to 5 miles depending on your preference. The elevation will change by about...
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  • Palo Alto, California

    Arastradero Preserve: Juan Batista & Meadowlark Loop

    3.0
    4.65 mi / 597 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 st...
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  • La Honda, California

    Brook Trail Loop

    7.63 mi / 1457 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Aptos, California

    Maple Falls

    4.5
    7.98 mi / 1089 ft gain
    As you enter the park, you'll need to pay $8 for parking via a self-pay envelope, so it's recommended that you bring exact change. Fees may change, please check Parks.CA.Gov for updates. At the park booth, be sure to grab a map. The hike can be a little tricky with no cell service and limited tra...
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  • La Honda, California

    Sam McDonald Park Loop

    5.0
    12.19 mi / 2192 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Capitola, California

    Camp at New Brighton Campground

    / 0 ft gain
    This Capitola camping spot is the place to be if you're looking to do a variety of activities in a variety of landscapes. You can swim, fish, or explore the nearby forest of Monterey Pine and coastal Oak. In the evening, walk into Capitola for live music and great fish tacos.  The S.S. Palo Alto,...
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  • Portola Valley, California

    Windy Hill Loop

    4.3
    7.48 mi / 1578 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...
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  • Loma Mar, California

    Bike Pescadero Creek County Park

    5.0
    12.5 mi / 1350 ft gain
    Pescadero 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...
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  • 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 ...
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  • Portola Valley, California

    Windy Hill: Spring Ridge, Anniversary Loop

    5.0
    6.18 mi / 1421 ft gain
    There are a few options to hiking Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. 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...
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  • Portola Valley, California

    Windy Hill via Anniversary Trail Loop

    0.89 mi / 164 ft gain
    To get a good viewing point for the sunrise, take a quick on the Anniversary Trail up to Windy Hill. This is a real bang-for-your-buck adventure as the trail isn't too long and you get to see a spectacular sunrise combined with great views of both the Bay Area and out towards the ocean. Note tha...
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  • Davenport, California

    Greyhound Beach and Greyhound Rock

    0.26 mi / 128 ft gain
    The trailhead is at the Greyhound Rock State Marine Conservation Area which is directly off Highway 1. There is a large paved parking lot with a good amount of trees so finding a shady parking spot isn't that difficult (if that's important to you). The parking lot is located on the beach cliffs ...
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  • Scotts Valley, California

    Panther Beach

    5.0
    0.27 mi / 22.97 ft gain
    Panther Beach: Santa Cruz's Hidden Coastal Gem Panther Beach is a stunning, secluded beach nestled among rocky cliff sides along California's Highway 1. This is a great place to catch an awesome sunset, and there's even some decent bouldering on the beach archway for climbing enthusiasts. Beach...
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  • Santa Cruz, California

    Old Landing Cove

    5.0
    2.39 mi / 161 ft gain
    Old Landing Cove Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Santa Cruz, California. The Old Landing Cove Trail, located in Wilder Ranch State Park near Santa Cruz, California, is a picturesque 2.4-mile loop trail offering easy hiking and walking with stunning coas...
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  • Santa Cruz, California

    Natural Bridges to Lighthouse Field

    3.5
    3.92 mi / 174 ft gain
    This is a paved trail that can be used for hiking, jogging, or walking.  It offers over 2 miles of beautiful California coast.  Walk through flowers, see the jagged cliffs, and of course the lighthouse at the end!  This walk can be done from either direction.  Start at Natural Bridges and head We...
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