San Jose, California

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near San Jose

  • San Francisco, California

    Lover's Lane, Ecology, Mountain Lake Trail Loop

    4.6
    2.04 mi / 344 ft gain
    Tucked into a corner of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is the Presidio, a beautiful little oasis of forests, beaches, and sweeping views that locals love. While the coastal trails get most of the attention here, the park covers 300 acres of prime real estate with lots of notable attract...
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  • Pacific Grove, California

    Asilomar Dunes Natural Preserve

    4.0
    0.59 mi / 52 ft gain
    Asilomar State Beach covers 107 acres of land. It is home to a delicate ecosystem that has been sustained through the years after it was almost destroyed. The intricate dunes at Asilomar are what have survived after the over-grazing back in the early 1900's that damaged about 480 acres of dunes. ...
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  • Salinas, California

    Goat Trail (Trail 41)

    4.7
    5.66 mi / 1093 ft gain
    Fort Ord National Monument is a fantastic place to cruise around on your mountain bike, whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider looking for flowy trails to cruise on. Access is easy from the highway and there is ample room in the parking lot even on busy days.  Dozens of trails wind t...
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  • Pacific Grove, California

    Spanish Bay Trail

    5.0
    2.9 mi / 108 ft gain
    The Spanish Bay Trail in California is an easy, 2.9-mile coastal path near Pebble Beach, ideal for all skill levels. This scenic trail runs alongside the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views of the rocky shoreline, sandy dunes, and diverse wildlife.  Dog-friendly and accessible year-round, i...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Presidio Ecology Trail

    5.0
    1.82 mi / 427 ft gain
    Presidio Ecology Trail is a loop trail through the Presidio located near San Francisco, California. This loop can be started at the Upper Ecology Trail off of Arguello Blvd near Pacific or down at the Lower Ecology Trail near the Inn at the Presidio. This trail is dog friendly on-leash. 
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  • San Francisco, California

    Presidio Bay Area Ridge Trail

    5.0
    2.73 mi / 203 ft gain
    Presidio Bay Area Ridge Trail is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near San Francisco, California.
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  • Kensington, California

    Tilden Little Farm

    3.3
    First make sure to stop at the store and stock up on fresh lettuce and celery for the animals. Your kids (or just the kid in you) will love to feed them! Note that they're only allowed to eat lettuce and celery, so don't try to feed them your own snacks or get creative. ;) If you want to make it...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Lands End Trail

    4.7
    3.26 mi / 518 ft gain
    The Lands End Trail is a 3.26 mile out-and-back hike located in the northwest corner of San Francisco along the city's rugged coastline. Offering spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and the Pacific Ocean, the hike is one of the most popular trails in San Francisco for ...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Mile Rock Beach

    4.7
    1.64 mi / 223 ft gain
    This rocky, secluded beach is tucked in along the Land’s End Coastal Trail in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Located 100 or so steps down from the main trail, you’ll find this mysterious little beach that will make you feel like you’re in an old pirate movie. There are a lot of logs an...
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  • Salinas, California

    East Ridge & Cougar Ridge Loop

    5.74 mi / 1483 ft gain
    Just a short drive from downtown Monterey you will find yourself amongst the rugged yet serene hills of Toro Park. For a day-use admission fee ($) you will have access to 20+ miles of trails that climb through canyons and run along ridgelines to peaks with views of the ocean in the distance. Whi...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Batteries to Bluffs Trail

    4.8
    2.33 mi / 417 ft gain
    The Batteries to Bluffs Trail in the Presidio is a true gem of San Francisco. It has everything you could want in a hike: a sea-side path along the ocean, relatively easy parking, gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and a secluded beach that's perfect for picnics, sunbathing, and enjoying t...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Sutro Baths Ruins

    4.5
    0.46 mi / 115 ft gain
    Whether you simply look down on the ruins from the [conveniently located] parking lot above, or choose to walk down the stairs and explore, you will be greeted with stunning views of the Baths, and the Pacific Ocean stretching infinitely beyond. The highlight of any trip to the Sutro Baths is ...
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