Portola Valley, California
Portola Valley in California is a top destination for outdoor adventures. The Windy Hill Open Space Preserve offers the best trails for hiking. Its scenic beauty includes grasslands, forests, and a stunning view of the entire San Francisco Peninsula. The Spring Ridge Trail, a moderate 7.2-mile loop, is a must-visit. It offers a panoramic view of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. For a more challenging hike, the Razorback Ridge Trail is a steep 2.6-mile trek with views of Portola Valley and the surrounding hills. It's perfect for those looking for a physical challenge amid beautiful natural surroundings. Near Portola Valley, the Coal Creek Open Space Preserve offers more trails, creeks, and wildlife sightings. These are just a few examples of the best trails and outdoor activities available in and near Portola Valley.
Top Spots in and near Portola Valley
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Mill Valley, California
Bootjack Campground to Muir Woods
6.02 mi / 1709 ft gainGetting permits into Muir Woods can be hard, but if you want to work for it, there's a much better way to visit the National Monument. To do this loop into Muir Woods National Monument, first drive to the Bootjack Parking Area in Mt. Tamalpais State Park. The Bootjack Parking Area should be fou...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
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 -
Mill Valley, California
Trojan Point
4.70.28 mi / 30 ft gainThe endlessly scenic Trojan Point can be reached by taking the Panoramic Highway to Pantoll road from Stinson Beach to the west, or Mill Valley / Highway 1 to the east. It can also be reached by taking West Ridgecrest Boulevard from the north from the Fairfax-Bolinas road. Park at the large par...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 -
Stinson Beach, California
Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop from Stinson
5.05.99 mi / 1568 ft gainDipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop from Stinson is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Stinson Beach, California.Read more -
Marin County, California
Mt. Tam's East Ridge
5.0This road provides one of the most scenic views of the pacific from north of the Golden Gate. It's a little bit of a windy drive or ride along Highway 1 or Panoramic Highway (depending on which way you choose) to get to East Ridgecrest. But, if you remembered to pack a picnic, brought your friend...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Cataract Trail Loop
4.58.7 mi / 1670 ft gainDuration: 3.5-4 hour hike at a moderate to quick pace with a short break for lunch. Starting at an elevation of 1989ft and maxing at 2001ft, you achieve 1428 of elevation gain through a beautiful peak and valley hike. From the free Rock Springs Parking Area, the basic trailheads to follow along...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Matt Davis-Steep Ravine Loop
4.76.62 mi / 1726 ft gainThis loop is made up of three of the most popular Marin trails and for good reason. These trails offer not only expansive ocean views, but a variety of topography and environments. This 6+ mile loop offers up waterfalls, dense forests, redwoods, and open grasslands overlooking the pacific. Starti...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Matt Davis-Coastal Trail Loop
4.76 mi / 2231 ft gainThis hike is an alternative to the famous Matt Davis to Steep Ravine Loop. The hike starts at Stinson Beach, just behind the fire Station. I recommend parking at the Beach parking lot. The Matt Davis trail is one of the best constructed trails I have ever seen. After 2.2 miles, turn left on the ...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Summit of Mt. Tamalpais Loop
5.01.15 mi / 394 ft gainMt. Tam is a large park with plenty of amazing viewpoints, but the East routes and the East Peak are best for sunsets. Once you're at the top, it's an amazing spot to view a large number of Marin trails, which can help you can get a head start on planning your next adventure. At 2,570 feet, this ...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Stinson Beach
4.3Stinson beach is a popular destination for Bay Area residents and tourists alike. Located just 20 miles north of San Francisco, it is a 30-40 min drive away from the Golden Gate Bridge (it's a one-lane windy road once you're on HWY 1). It is also a popular stop when hiking the nearby Mount Tama...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Cruising Pacific Coast Highway in Northern California
4.8Start your drive on US Highway 1 aka Pacific Coast Highway just North of San Francisco. The drive will take about 1 -2 days so plan on overnighting somewhere. Hotels are scarce in the unpopulated areas but there all lots of Cabin rentals throughout and several campgrounds around. Just make sure y...Read more -
Stinson Beach, CaliforniaBouldering & BBQ at Stinson
4.5Stinson offers up a great beach day with a few activities for everyone to enjoy. If you head toward the south end of the beach, you'll come across a few boulder problems, including the 2 most popular: Are You Experienced and The Old Man. Are You Experienced is the smaller of these 2 boulders, but...Read more -
Martinez, California
Muir Farm And Mount Wanda: John Muir Nature Trail
5.02.59 mi / 512 ft gainMuir Farm And Mount Wanda: John Muir Nature Trail is a loop trail located near Martinez, 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
