Palo Alto, California
Palo Alto, California is a popular outdoor getaway for those who love to explore the outdoors. There are plenty of top trails and activities to enjoy in and near the area. Must-visit attractions include the Stanford Dish, the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, and the Foothills Park. The Dish is a great spot for a scenic hike and offers incredible views of the Bay Area. The Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve is a great place to observe wildlife. The Foothills Park is a great spot for outdoor activities, with plenty of trails and activities to keep you busy. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed outing or an action-packed outing, Palo Alto has something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Palo Alto
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Mill Valley, California
Bootjack Trail Loop
6.29 mi / 1634 ft gainBootjack Trail Loop goes through both Muir Woods National Monument and Mt. Tamalmpais State Park is located near Mill Valley, California. With the starting point for this hike at the entrance to Muir Woods, there will be an entry fee to enter the national monument (click here for more details). ...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Sun, Redwood, Panorama, Lost and Fern Creek Loop
5.04.41 mi / 1030 ft gainSun, Redwood, Panorama, Lost and Fern Creek Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Mill Valley, California.Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Canopy, Panoramic, Redwood Trail, Sun, Dipsea Trail Loop
4.74.31 mi / 1145 ft gainWhile there are other, less crowded redwood groves in the Bay Area, Muir Woods National Monument is easily one of the best. It is a beautifully maintained site, with wooden footpaths meandering between towering redwoods that are between 600 – 800 years old. It’s home to some true giants, with its...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Dipsea Trail
4.613.03 mi / 3701 ft gainThe Dipsea Race is the 2nd oldest foot race in the US. The race is named after the Dipsea Inn at the end of the trail at Stinson Beach. The good news is that you can enjoy this scenic trail and its sweeping ocean views at your leisure. The bad news is that the race is only one-way. If you choose,...Read more -
Larkspur, California
Blithedale Loop
4.03.47 mi / 1027 ft gainBlithedale Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Corte Madera, California.Read more -
Richmond, California
Explore Point Pinole Shoreline
4.5Point Pinole Regional Shoreline is a 2,315-acre parkland that juts out into the San Pablo Bay. Only a brief car ride from San Francisco, this is a great spot for a Sunday stroll, picnic or simply to find a quiet space.There are several short trails to choose from that wind through eucalyptus grov...Read more -
Larkspur, California
Baltimore Canyon Via Dawn Falls Trail Loop
5.93 mi / 1309 ft gainBaltimore Canyon via Dawn Falls Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a forested setting at the start, up switchbacks to Dawn Falls, and then to views of King Mountain Open Space Preserve as you loop back along Southern Marin Line Road. This is a dog friendly (on-leash) trail located ...Read more -
Marin County, California
Mountain Home Inn to Mount Tam East Peak
5.03.93 mi / 1532 ft gainMountain Home Inn to Mount Tam East Peak is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Mill Valley, California.Read more -
Marin County, California
Mount Tamalpais via Matt Davis and Railroad Grade Trails
5.07.59 mi / 1939 ft gainMount Tamalpais via Matt Davis and Railroad Grade Trails is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Mill Valley, California.Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Temelpa Trail
4.52.94 mi / 1929 ft gainThe Mt. Tam Hill Climb via Temelpa Trail is an iconic, "best-of" climb in the trail running community, drawing some of the world's greatest athletes to experience its breathtaking views and technical downhill. Surprisingly though, outside of locals and the running community, the trail remains lar...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Steep Ravine Cabins
5.0Although these cabins are bare bones, lacking both water and electricity, they couldn't put you in a better spot for views of the Pacific Ocean. From your cabin, you can enjoy amazing sunsets, possibly whale watching, and access to trails like the cabin's namesake, Steep Ravine Trail. The cabins...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Steep Ravine Environmental Campground
5.0Gain access through a private locked gate, and descend about 1 mile down to the bluff's edge. There is only parking for 1 car per site and also several cabins that can be rented. A camp host is on site and there are bathrooms and water spigots throughout the campground. Each site has a fire ring...Read more -
Larkspur, California
Dawn Falls Trail Loop
2.79 mi / 466 ft gainThe Dawn Falls Trail Loop is a scenic, moderately challenging hike nestled in the Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve in Larkspur, part of Marin County’s beloved network of forested trails. This lush, shaded loop winds through towering coast redwoods, fern-covered canyons, and quiet residentia...Read more -
Larkspur, California
King Mountain Loop Trail
5.03.53 mi / 755 ft gainThis beautiful hike takes you around King Mountain and through the King Mountain Open Space Preserve. The first .5 miles is on an exposed gravel fire road that is fairly steep, but the loop itself slopes gently around the mountain and through the forest, providing lots of shade. This is a an ea...Read more -
Larkspur, California
Dawn Falls Trail
4.72.29 mi / 344 ft gainTake the Dawn Falls trail down into the Baltimore Canyon for an in-depth exploration of northern California nature. Rather than the usual dry, hardy vegetation that speckles the hills of many nearby trails, this trail is bursting with lush ferns and mossy trees as it meanders along next to Larksp...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Rock Climbing The Egg
5.0Once you've seen The Egg, you'll understand where it gets its name. This giant, egg shaped boulder near Stinson Beach provides about a dozen routes ranging from 5.6-5.12c. There is no trad climbing, only top rope and sport.You'll find all the easier slab routes on the eastern face. These are perf...Read more
