Marin County, California
Looking for the best hiking in Marin County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Marin County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Marin County
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Lafayette, California
Briones Park's Lafayette Ridge
4.35.31 mi / 981 ft gainThis is a nice and casual hike through the meadows and rolling hills, dotted with cows and hawks and sometimes goats or foxes. As you head up Lafayette Ridge, you'll be rewarded with the beautiful vista spanning from the Oakland Hills to sparkling Lafayette Reservoir. The hike is mostly through ...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Montara Mountain Trail
5.06.77 mi / 1900 ft gainMontara Mountain Trail is a loop trail that takes you through a forest out to ocean views at the top of Montara Mountain. This hike located near Pacifica, California. and can be accessed from Highway 1 as well. If you're looking to do a similar loop hike from the coast, consider Montara Mountain ...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Brooks Falls Loop
4.02.26 mi / 781 ft gainBrooks Falls Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Pacifica, California.Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Gray Whale Cove Loop
5.01.22 mi / 518 ft gainStarting at the parking lot adjacent to Gray Whale Cove State Beach, proceed to the start sign indicating "Grey Whale Cove Trail". GWCT is a fun brisk hike with slight elevation gain that should be easy enough to take a small group or even children to. Take note of the tight spaces you may encou...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Gray Whale Cove Trail
4.52.23 mi / 367 ft gainGray whale cove trail is a splendid, short, and easy hike for the entire family with beautiful ocean views. The starting point is conveniently located near a parking lot that accesses Montara State Beach. From the south end of the parking lot, follow the trail up through the coastal scrub. Within...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Montara Mountain North & Middle Peaks Loop
4.37.22 mi / 1929 ft gainNOTE: as of 2019, North Peak has been fenced off around the installation of a radio tower and weather station. Additionally, the summit has been found to be a habitat for the endangered San Bruno elfin butterfly. The Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a popular seaside trail that’s just 20 minutes s...Read more -
Oakland, California
West Ridge and East Ridge Loop
5.08.04 mi / 1194 ft gainIt’s difficult to have a car in San Francisco, but oh-so worth it when it comes to weekend getaways, especially with all the Bay Area has to offer. This is a super accessible trail system just 30 minutes outside of the city that makes for a fun, easy trail run or hike. Redwood Regional Park, par...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
McNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes
4.88 mi / 1427 ft gainMcNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes is a 4.8 mile trail located near Montara State Beach that offers ocean views when it is not too cloudy. You can get amazing views when you hike up above the clouds. This hike follows one of the main trails up the mountain, but there are many smaller trails to e...Read more -
Millbrae, California
Sawyer Camp Trail: San Andreas Lake to Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir
4.05.35 mi / 354 ft gainSawyer Camp Trail: San Andreas Lake to Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Millbrae, California.Read more -
Burlingame, California
Ed Taylor Loop Trail
4.01.42 mi / 295 ft gainThis hike can be done at any time of year. Hiking in winter and spring means that many varieties of wildflowers will be present, and the creek will have much more water. Summer and fall mean higher temperatures and drier conditions, but the hike is still a pleasant experience. Begin the hike at ...Read more -
Calistoga, California
Mount Saint Helena
4.39.6 mi / 2211 ft gainDrive north from Napa following Rt 29, through Calistoga and up into the forest. After passing the sign for Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, and just over the crest, there is a parking area on the right side of the road, opposite the trailhead on the left. Parking fills up by mid-morning so get...Read more -
Burlingame, California
Mills Canyon Nature Area Trail Loop
4.01.45 mi / 331 ft gainNestled within Burlingame, California, the Mills Canyon Nature Area Trail Loop offers hikers a serene escape into nature. This approximately 1.5-mile loop meanders through diverse landscapes, including mixed woodlands and grasslands, providing opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying native ...Read more -
Burlingame, California
Bayside Park to Robert E Woolley State Park Loop
4.52.06 mi / 20 ft gainBayside Park to Robert E Woolley State Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Burlingame, California.Read more -
Moss Beach, California
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
5.00.89 mi / 46 ft gainLocated beside a residential neighborhood, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve offers a rare glimpse of life in the northern California intertidal zones. There are parking spaces and restrooms available, as well as ranger-led guided tours. Be sure to check the tide charts and go during low tide (preferab...Read more -
Moss Beach, California
Cypress Tree Tunnels at Moss Beach
4.50.79 mi / 105 ft gainThe Cypress Tree Tunnels are a quick jaunt from San Francisco (22 miles) and make for a great half-day trip. Getting here depends on traffic, but 30 minutes from the center of the city is doable. Parking is relatively easy. You can either park at the south end of the area at the Cypress Cove entr...Read more -
Jenner, California
Timber Cove Coastal Trails & Bufano Peace Obelisk
0.53 mi / 112.5 ft gainHiking at Timber Cove: Sonoma Coast's Hidden Coastal Trail Network Timber Cove offers over two miles of private hiking trails right in front of the resort, providing guests and visitors an intimate connection with California's rugged Sonoma coastline. These accessible oceanfront trails wind thro...Read more