Pescadero, California

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Pescadero

  • 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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  • 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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  • Portola Valley, California

    Windy Hill: Spring Ridge, Anniversary Loop

    5.0
    6.18 mi / 1421 ft gain
    There are a few options to hiking Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. Usually I would recommend parking in the lot on Portola Road, but because the preserve doesn't open until 30 minutes before sunrise, it's best to park up on Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35). There are two places to park up on Skyline...
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  • Portola Valley, California

    Windy Hill via Anniversary Trail Loop

    0.89 mi / 164 ft gain
    To get a good viewing point for the sunrise, take a quick on the Anniversary Trail up to Windy Hill. This is a real bang-for-your-buck adventure as the trail isn't too long and you get to see a spectacular sunrise combined with great views of both the Bay Area and out towards the ocean. Note tha...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Old Growth Redwood Loop

    4.4
    5.68 mi / 1480 ft gain
    This hike starts at the parking lot of the El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve. The lot is located roughly a mile south on Skyline Boulevard from the Skeggs Point Vista. From the parking lot, take the Methuselah Trail for 0.3 miles until you reach the Timberview Trail. Take this trail for anot...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Russian Ridge Loop

    4.5
    5.45 mi / 837 ft gain
    Russian Ridge offers a great place to jump on the trail and in the right season, see some of the best wildflowers blooming. On top of that, you get access to amazing views from the ridge. Once you get your parking space, jump on the Ridge Trail and start gaining a little elevation while you head...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Hike the Cowell-Purisma Trail

    5.0
    7 mi / 400 ft gain
    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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  • Cowell Ranch Beach Access, California

    Cowell Ranch Beach

    5.0
    1.14 mi / 39 ft gain
    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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  • Portola Valley, California

    Windy Hill Loop

    4.3
    7.48 mi / 1578 ft gain
    This 7.2-mile loop starts by heading out of the parking lot and onto the Spring Ridge Trail. Head Southeast On Spring Ridge Trail until you connect with Hamms Gulch Trail. When you jump on Hamms Gulch, head southwest for ~3.4 miles as you circle the far end of the OSP. At this point, you will con...
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  • Los Altos, California

    Black Mountain and Stevens Creek Canyon

    4.0
    5.47 mi / 1066 ft gain
    This hike can be done during any season, but for the creek to be running and for more comfortable temperatures, it is best to go on a cool winter or spring day. Starting at the preserve parking lot, take the Stevens Creek nature trail, allowing you to witness spectacular views of a large, forest...
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  • Los Altos, California

    Stevens Creek & Canyon Loop

    4.5
    2.77 mi / 446 ft gain
    This hike is best done in the late fall, winter, and spring so that the creek is running and the hills are green. Starting at the preserve parking lot, the first half of the hike is predominantly downhill. At the main trailhead, start in the direction of the Stevens Creek Nature Trail, as told by...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Purisima Creek Trail and Craig Britton Trail Loop

    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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  • Woodside, California

    Meadow & Bear Gulch Loop

    5.0
    4.57 mi / 1089 ft gain
    Located in the iconic Silicon Valley town of Woodside, Wunderlich County Park offers a number of hiking trails as well as some horseback riding trails through the wilderness.  Once in the parking lot, you will see a number of stables, riding ring, as well as a beautiful historic stable that was ...
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  • La Honda, California

    Peters Creek and Long Ridge

    4.0
    5.5 mi / 1007 ft gain
    From the parking lot, take the connector trail towards the Peters Creek Trail for 0.4 miles. As you descend into a small valley, notice the sound of running water that appears. When you reach the first trail intersection, turn left on the Peters Creek trail. This will give you your first encounte...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Whittemore Gulch and Harkins Ridge Loop Trail

    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

    Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop Trail

    9.27 mi / 2165 ft gain
    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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