San Anselmo, California
San Anselmo, California, offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities. The Sorich Ranch Park trail is a top choice for hikers, with its scenic views of rolling hills and diverse wildlife. The trail isn't too challenging, making it suitable for most fitness levels. For a more challenging hike, the Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve offers steep inclines, rushing waterfalls, and towering redwoods. The San Anselmo Creek runs through both parks, offering opportunities for fishing and bird-watching. The Robson-Harrington Park is another must-visit, with its beautifully maintained gardens, historic buildings, and picnic areas. For outdoor adventures, try mountain biking in the Mount Tamalpais Watershed or paddleboarding on the Corte Madera Creek. These activities and attractions make San Anselmo a top destination for outdoor fun.
Top Spots in and near San Anselmo
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Healdsburg, California
Del Rio Woods
Del Rio Woods is a day-use park along the Russian River near Healdsburg, California. The best months to visit the park if you're planning to swim are April to July. During the summer months, the water level in the river lowers, making the speed of the river slower -- typically Class 1. This make...Read more -
Calistoga, California
Mount Saint Helena
4.39.6 mi / 2211 ft gainDrive north from Napa following Rt 29, through Calistoga and up into the forest. After passing the sign for Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, and just over the crest, there is a parking area on the right side of the road, opposite the trailhead on the left. Parking fills up by mid-morning so get...Read more -
Guerneville, California
Austin Creek State Recreation Area Loop
3.08.65 mi / 1722 ft gainThe hike starts at the Gilliam Creek Trailhead, halfway up Armstrong Woods Road on the way to Bullfrog Pond. There is an $8 fee to enter the park, to be paid at the ranger kiosk as you enter Armstrong Woods. HIKING Begin hiking by descending the Gilliam Creek Trail. The descent is long and ste...Read more -
Los Altos, California
Foothills Park: Boronda Lake
3.00.93 mi / 0 ft gainSituated in the hills above Palo Alto; Foothills Park is the perfect spot to spend the day outdoors. With hiking, fishing, picnic areas, wide open fields, and expansive views of the Bay Area, this hidden gem is a must visit. Foothills Park is 2.7 miles west of 280 after exiting Page Mill. After ...Read more -
Guerneville, California
Armstrong Redwoods Grove Loop
4.51.18 mi / 180 ft gainJust 90 minutes north of San Francisco in the heart of Sonoma County wine country, the Discovery & Pioneer Nature Trail Loop at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve offers one of the most accessible ways to walk among ancient coast redwoods — including trees that have been standing since ...Read more -
Fremont, California
Mission Peak via Hidden Valley Trail
4.26.16 mi / 2116 ft gainBreathtaking views of the Bay Area are your reward for making this climb to the top of Mission Peak. It’s a 3-mile trek to the top of the peak and then back down the same way. This is a moderate hike that provides a nice workout – so be prepared. Park at the Stanford Avenue entrance gate. There ...Read more -
Santa Clara County, California
Black Mountain via Rhus Ridge Trail
9.75 mi / 2992 ft gainJust outside of Los Altos is a very long ridge of mountains, one of which is Black Mountain. This is a very dry hike, with no tree canopy, so it can get very hot! Be aware that this can make the hike feel a lot more difficult with the sun beating down on you. Follow Rhus Ridge Trail to Black Mo...Read more -
San Jose, California
Alviso Slough Loop
3.08.76 mi / 256 ft gainThis tranquil 20.6 acre park is open year round from 8am to sunset. It’s the gateway to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It is filled with boardwalks, trails, and all kinds of wildlife. I went here with the sole intent of catching a pretty sunset after a long week. I g...Read more -
Los Altos, California
Stevens Creek & Canyon Loop
4.52.77 mi / 446 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Los Altos, California
Black Mountain and Stevens Creek Canyon
4.05.47 mi / 1066 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
La Honda, California
Sam McDonald Park Loop
5.012.19 mi / 2192 ft gainThe Pescadero Creek Park Complex is a great place to escape for a day or overnight hike in the heart of the Bay Area. You will need to get a permit to stay overnight - these can be attained on a first-come, first-serve basis from the ranger station. Most of the campsites here are also available f...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Russian Ridge Loop
4.55.45 mi / 837 ft gainRussian 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...Read more -
La Honda, California
Brook Trail Loop
7.63 mi / 1457 ft gainThe Brook Trail Loop is a beautiful hike, starting off in Sam McDonald County Park and later entering into Pescadero Creek County Park. This adventure can be done in any season, with the trails almost entirely shaded for even the hottest summer days. Starting off from the Heritage Grove trailhea...Read more
