Palo Alto, California

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Palo Alto

  • Millbrae, California

    Sawyer Camp Trail: San Andreas Lake to Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir

    4.0
    5.35 mi / 354 ft gain
    Sawyer 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.
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  • Sunol, California

    Hike the Pleasanton Ridge Trail

    4.3
    6.4 mi / 1443 ft gain
    Pleasanton Ridge Trail is a 6.4 mile loop. The loop is shared by dog walkers, trail runners, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. From the ridge your viewpoints will include Mount Diablo and the San Francisco Bay.  This hike from the Foothills Staging Area is an excellent introduction ...
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  • Pescadero, California

    Camp at Butano State Park

    Butano State Park definitely flies under the radar. But for those who love quick escapes, small crowds, fun hikes, and beautiful redwoods, it's a favorite. The park features miles of hiking trails, 21 drive-in campsites and 18 walk-in campsites. Restrooms with running water are provided. Drinking...
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  • 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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  • Castro Valley, California

    Lake Chabot Regional Park Loop

    4.3
    8.65 mi / 1263 ft gain
    Looking for a fun day on a lake, but don't want to drive too far? We recommend heading out to the East Bay where you can combine a nice hike with an afternoon of fishing. This moderately challenging hike remains scenic throughout the 8.5 mile trek around the lake, and offers many opportunities fo...
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  • Boulder Creek, California

    Hike the Old Growth Redwoods Trail

    4.5
    0.5 mi
    Quick half-mile stroll through the old growth Redwoods that will show you the nature of the ever-living redwood tree.Redwoods are capable of withstanding storms, floods, fire, droughts, and even termites. These legendary trees can live for over 2,000 years and possess incredible strength, vigor, ...
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  • Boulder Creek, California

    Berry Creek Falls Loop (Closed)

    4.8
    10 mi / 2310 ft gain
    Unfortunately, this trail is closed due to a past fire. See CA.Gov for updates on trails in Big Basin.  Nestled in California's oldest state park, the popular Berry Creek Falls Loop hike begins at the Big Basin park headquarters. If you're up for 11 miles, a thousand feet of elevation gain throu...
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  • Boulder Creek, California

    Hike the Ocean View Summit Loop

    4.0
    6 mi / 600 ft gain
    This hike begins at the Big Basin park headquarters. If you're up for 6 miles through giant redwoods and along serene creeks, and with an ocean view, then this is the hike for you. Ocean view summit loop starts on the Gazos Creek Road bridge, next turn right on to the Middle Ridge Fire Road, whic...
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  • Boulder Creek, California

    Camp at Big Basin Redwoods State Park

    4.0
    0.5 mi
    Big Basin is currently closed including the campgrounds. Please visit the Parks.ca.gov site for updated details.  An hour away from the thrumming city of San Jose, ancient immense trees live in a forest full of vibrant ferns and rushing waterfalls. Big Basin Redwoods State Park encompasses 10,00...
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  • Pescadero, California

    Little Butano Creek Trail

    2.2 mi / 341 ft gain
    This short hike follows Little Butano Creek through a lush redwood forest. The trail crosses the creek multiple times as you walk over redwood pine needles and through pockets of ferns. Dogs can join on this trail, but must be on leash. To get back to your car, continue the loop along Butano Cre...
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  • Boulder Creek, California

    Big Basin's Sunset Trail Camp

    4.8
    9.46 mi / 2146 ft gain
    This trail and campsite is currently closed (learn more). Looking for a more authentic hiking and camping weekend, without having to drive hours away to find it? Then the Sunset Trail Camp within Big Basin Redwoods SP is your ticket. To access this site, you'll need to hike the famous Skyline-to...
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  • Boulder Creek, California

    Sequoia Trail

    4.0
    5.73 mi / 696 ft gain
    Sequoia Trail at Big Basin Redwoods SP is temporarily closed. Get updates and more details at Parks.CA.Gov. This 5.7-mile hike in Big Basin Redwoods SP is a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.   In the first half, there is a quick detour you can take to Sempervirens Fall...
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  • San Bruno, California

    Live Oak to Buckeye and Quail Loop

    4.0
    1.03 mi / 148 ft gain
    Live Oak to Buckeye and Quail Loop is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near San Bruno, California.
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  • Boulder Creek, California

    Sempervirens Falls (Temporarily Closed)

    4.0
    3.29 mi / 305 ft gain
    Sempervirens Falls in Big Basin State Park is Temporarily Closed due to fires. More updates can be found at Parks.CA.Gov. The hike to Sempervirens Falls is an easy 3.3 mile out-and-back hike on the Sequoia Trail. You'll travel through the redwood forest and some of the campgrounds located in Big...
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  • Pleasanton, California

    Courdet Trail and Schuhart Trail

    5.24 mi / 1122 ft gain
    This is a 5+ mile out and back trail through the hills in the South Bay. The beginning of the hike has a steeper incline and then becomes more gradual later on. There is a beautiful views of the South Bay that are enjoyable in the day, but are fantastic in the evening. Some areas of the trail hav...
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  • Pescadero, California

    Canyon Rim Route

    5.0
    8.94 mi / 2070 ft gain
    Located deep within the Santa Cruz Mountains, Butano State Park boasts a large redwood canyon with many miles of hiking trails as well as campsites. This state park is one of the quietest and least visited parks on the peninsula making a perfect place to escape the hustle of the Bay Area  Butano...
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