San Bruno, California
San Bruno, California, is home to some of the best trails and outdoor activities. One of the top must-visit spots is the Sweeney Ridge Trail, a 7.7-mile round trip that offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay Area. The trail is moderately challenging, with some steep inclines and rocky terrain, but the panoramic views at the top are worth the effort. Another popular outdoor adventure is the San Andreas Lake trail, a 3.5-mile path that skirts the beautiful San Andreas Lake. It's a flat, easy walk, perfect for bird watching and wildlife spotting. If you're into fishing, the lake is stocked with trout and bass. For a unique attraction, visit the nearby Crystal Springs Reservoir, a man-made lake surrounded by lush greenery. These outdoor activities make San Bruno a must-visit for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures.
Top Spots in and near San Bruno
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Muir Beach, California
Owl Trail
5.02.06 mi / 390 ft gainThe Owl Trail runs between Slide Ranch and the Muir Beach Overlook and is a great way to take in the breathtaking views, flora and fauna of the Northern California coast. The easiest way to access the trail is to park at the Muir Beach Overlook and to take the trail down to Slide Ranch and then...Read more -
Oakland, California
West Ridge and East Ridge Loop
5.08.04 mi / 1194 ft gainIt’s difficult to have a car in San Francisco, but oh-so worth it when it comes to weekend getaways, especially with all the Bay Area has to offer. This is a super accessible trail system just 30 minutes outside of the city that makes for a fun, easy trail run or hike. Redwood Regional Park, par...Read more -
Oakland, California
Sibley Volcanic Trail Labyrinths
3.02 mi / 144 ft gainFrom Skyline Blvd, pull into the staging area for Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, you'll see the sign. Parking here is usually easy to find. You'll find an unstaffed visitor center with a restroom, park maps and informational displays featuring the history and geology of the park. Sibley is a...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Dias Ridge
5.06.09 mi / 968 ft gainDias Ridge is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Sausalito, California.Read more -
Berkeley, California
Hidden Waterfall in Codornices Park
4.00.5 miPark along the street in front of Codornices Park in Berkeley. Follow the stream to the left of the playground. Take the path up the hill to the right (don't head over the bridge on the left). Keep walking up multiple concrete stairs. After the first flight of stairs you'll see a path on the left...Read more -
Berkeley, California
Berkeley Rose Garden
4.0I'm always surprised at how few people know of this beautiful garden. I'm often alone when I visit, which allows for perfect serenity. Visit in early spring for maximum blooms. Park on Euclid Ave, which is where you'll find the entrance to the amphitheater (you can't miss the giant sign). Spend ...Read more -
Berkeley, CaliforniaBouldering at Indian Rock
4.8Indian Rock is one of the most popular outdoor bouldering spots in Berkeley. With over 80 problems, there's plenty of routes for beginners to the most advanced climbers. After parking in the surrounding neighborhood, it's an easy walk into the park. Aside from enjoying the challenge of new routes...Read more -
Tiburon, California
Bouldering at Ring Mountain
0.5 mi / 400 ft gainItching to climb outdoors near San Francisco? With only a quick drive from the city, Ring Mountain is a beautiful nature preserve overlooking the city of San Francisco offering two main rock formations, Turtle Rock (Pictured) and Split Rock. Split Rock is the slabby rock south of the parking ar...Read more -
Oakland, California
Grizzly Peak
4.8A well-known sunset spot in the East Bay, and rightfully so - the views from Grizzly Peak are stunning. You have several pull-offs to pick from. The larger ones have logs to sit upon. The smaller pull-offs offer benches and sturdy rocks. Take your pick! You will share the sunset with some strang...Read more -
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
Homestead Open Space Big Loop
5.02.48 mi / 709 ft gainHomestead Open Space Big Loop is a moderately trafficked loop trail 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
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 -
Portola Valley, California
Windy Hill via Anniversary Trail Loop
0.89 mi / 164 ft gainTo 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...Read more -
Berkeley, California
Lake Anza in Tilden Park
5.0Lake Anza makes for a great warm weather swimming hole. The parking area is close to the beach along with the trail, which will take you around the lake. The beach gets plenty of sun and is fairly wind protected, which makes for a relaxing day. Bring some picnic food out to the lake and snag your...Read more -
Portola Valley, California
Windy Hill: Spring Ridge, Anniversary Loop
5.06.18 mi / 1421 ft gainThere 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...Read more
