Nicasio, California
The best trails and outdoor activities in Nicasio, California offer unique and scenic adventures. The must-visit Nicasio Valley Loop is a moderate, 15-mile hiking trail that offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills, the Nicasio Reservoir, and the lush greenery of the valley. Along the trail, you might spot local wildlife like deer and birds. Another top trail is the Roy's Redwoods Loop Trail, a 3-mile walk through towering redwood trees and other native flora. For those interested in water activities, Nicasio Reservoir is a prime spot for fishing and bird watching. Nearby, the Point Reyes National Seashore offers stunning coastal views, hiking, and wildlife viewing. These outdoor adventures in and near Nicasio are a must for any outdoor explorer.
Top Spots in and near Nicasio
-
Danville, California
Summit Mount Diablo via Rock City Trail
5.07.8 mi / 2299 ft gainAlthough steep in sections, this trail is a wonderful workout and hikers are more than rewarded for their efforts. The Rock City Trail is a direct route to the summit of Mount Diablo, and the park is an ecological treasure dear to the hearts of Bay Area residents. The best views are on clear days...Read more -
Danville, California
Hike in Mount Diablo's Madrone Canyon
2.8 mi / 550 ft gainThis hike starts at the Rock City area of Mount Diablo State Park. Begin at the Madrone Canyon Trail, hiking southeast towards the Devils Slide trail. Along this section of the hike, the trail dips into a wooded canyon and follows the path of a small creek. To best experience the beauty of the cr...Read more -
Winters, California
Homestead & Blue Ridge Loop
5.04.46 mi / 1299 ft gainAt the bend in the road on Highway 128, you will pass two silver gates. The gate with the UC Davis logo is the entrance to the trailhead. Past the entrance there is a large dirt pullout off the road with plenty of parking. Starting at the trailhead, go left in the fork to start the loop trail. T...Read more -
Winters, California
Hike the Stebbins Cold Canyon Loop
4.04.5 mi / 350 ft gainStebbins Cold Canyon is a great day hike for all skill levels, accessible year round, and offers an abundance of wild flower viewing, including the California poppy. Tog get to the hike, head about 8 miles west of Winters, CA, where a silver fire gate marks the main entrance to the Stebbins Cold ...Read more -
Winters, California
Hike the Homestead-Blue Ridge Loop
5.0From the official trailhead, start off by taking the Homestead Trail, which forks towards the right. A trail connecting Homestead and Blue Ridge will take you to a creek nearby. Veer off the trail along the creek and there is a water hole for cooling off on hot days. Onward into the trail, you wi...Read more -
Jenner, CaliforniaTimber 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 -
Winters, CaliforniaFly Fishing on the Putah
4.0Putah Creek is a little over an hour drive from SF without traffic. The creek has flows beginning in April, which can reach up to 700cfs during the summer months. The creek begins to drop after September. Keep in mind that wet-wading isn't recommended until the river is under 300cfs. Most fly fis...Read more -
Antioch, California
Hike the Old Homestead Loop
5.06.5 miThis is a fun day hike that takes you through the beautiful hills of the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and a bit of the Contra Loma Recreational Area as well. You can hike here year round, but I suggest going in the spring time when the hills are covered in soft, green grass and the wild ...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hassler Loop Trail
4.01.48 mi / 289 ft gainExperience 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...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Cordilleras & Dusty-Footed Woodrat Loop
3.73.83 mi / 676 ft gainGetting 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...Read more -
Jenner, California
Stillwater Cove
4.0It's a short walk down to the beach and there is a nice trail that follows along the creek. Be sure to check the forecast when heading out to Stillwater Cove. If it's sunny a few miles inland, fog may still be on the coast, making it quite a bit cooler. Make sure you pack extra layers just in cas...Read more -
Cowell Ranch Beach Access, California
Cowell Ranch Beach
5.01.14 mi / 39 ft gainHike 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...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail
4.56.8 mi / 528 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Hike the Cowell-Purisma Trail
5.07 mi / 400 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Whittemore Gulch Trail
4.06.79 mi / 1791 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Whittemore Gulch and Harkins Ridge Loop Trail
4.66.43 mi / 1772 ft gainThere 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...Read more
