Top Spots in and near Muir Woods National Monument
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Napa, California
Enter the parking lot just off of Hwy 221. Plan to pay a $5 entrance fee at the kiosk. The trail head begins at the edge of the parking lot where you'll soon be passing by the Martha Walker Native Habitat Garden on your right. Veer left to continue along Lake Marie Road where you'll enter the blu...
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Glen Ellen, California
4.5
2.48 mi
/ 289 ft gain
Corridor Ridge Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Glen Ellen, California.
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Napa, California
5.0
2.76 mi
/ 184 ft gain
Alston Park Loop Trail, located in Napa, California, is a 2.76-mile loop trail that offers a moderate level of difficulty for hikers. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running and is accessible year-round. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, making it suitable for ...
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Redwood City, California
4.0
1.48 mi
/ 289 ft gain
Experience the natural beauty of the San Francisco Peninsula on the scenic Hassler Loop Trail, a 1.5-mile moderately challenging hiking trail nestled in Redwood City's Emerald Hills neighborhood. This beloved local trail offers hikers, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers a perfect blend...
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Redwood City, California
3.7
3.83 mi
/ 676 ft gain
Getting there: exit Highway 280 at Edgewood Road, travel .75 miles east, turn left on Crestview Drive, then immediately left again on Edmonds Road.
Once parked, there are several different path options through the park. All of them connect in a large loop, and return to the parking lot. The Cord...
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Redwood City, California
4.0
6.79 mi
/ 1791 ft gain
This trail starts out going downhill towards the ocean for the first half, which makes for a tough end to the hike as you trek back up the ridge. However, there are nice ocean and hilltop views that are worth the climb. On this trail, you'll pass 60+ banana slugs if conditions are right. They ar...
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Redwood City, California
4.6
6.43 mi
/ 1772 ft gain
There are two places to park for this specific loop- the main parking area on Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and a smaller parking lot on the western end of the park. I would recommend parking at whichever is closest. Find directions to both on Openspace.org.
From the main parking lot, the trail...
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Redwood City, California
The Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop Trail, nestled in the scenic Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve near Redwood City, California, is a popular choice for hikers looking for a moderately challenging yet rewarding experience. This 9-mile loop trail winds through lush redwood fo...
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Emerald Hills, California
4.0
3.29 mi
/ 607 ft gain
Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve rests in San Mateo County, California. The sweeping hillsides exemplify the true native flora of California, as the foundation of rock and soil is poor in nutrients. Only a few specialized native plants are adapted to live here--don't miss the unique wildflower ...
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Half Moon Bay, California
4.0
6.95 mi
/ 1411 ft gain
This 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...
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Half Moon Bay, California
This beautiful mountain bike ride can be started at the Purisima Creek Road Trailhead or on Skyline Boulevard. There are many trails in the Purisisma Creek Redwoods, but Whittemore Gulch is by far the most beautiful and fun single track to descend on.
Starting Options:Start at Purisima Creek Roa...
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Cowell Ranch Beach Access, California
Hike 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...
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Half Moon Bay, California
This 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...
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Half Moon Bay, California
This 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...
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Clayton, California
4.4
13.12 mi
/ 3579 ft gain
Mt. 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...
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