Outbound Collective logo
  • United States
  • California
  • San Mateo County
  • San Mateo County, California

    San Mateo County, California, is home to some of the best trails and outdoor activities. A must-visit is the Sawyer Camp Trail, a scenic 6-mile path that winds along the Crystal Springs Reservoir. It's a top spot for walking, jogging, and cycling, with views of the sparkling water and unique rock formations. Another notable trail is the Devil's Slide Trail, a 1.3-mile path with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. For those who enjoy bird-watching, the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve is a must-visit. Here, you'll find a variety of bird species and a network of trails that meander through the marsh. These outdoor adventures in San Mateo County offer a unique and scenic way to enjoy the great outdoors.

    Top Spots in and near San Mateo County

    • La Honda, California

      Sam McDonald Park Loop

      5.0
      12.19 mi / 2192 ft gain
      The 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
    • Loma Mar, California

      Camp Under the Redwoods at Memorial Park

      With old growth redwoods and a creek swimming area, Memorial Park is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. Memorial Park is only a few miles east of the town of Pescadero. To get here, you can either approach from Highway 1 and drive up Pescadero Creek Road or take Highway ...
      Read more
    • Loma Mar, California

      Bike Pescadero Creek County Park

      5.0
      12.5 mi / 1350 ft gain
      Pescadero Creek County Park and the connected Sam McDonald and Memorial Park are located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains holding a vast network of secluded trails. From biking to backpacking, this area is a perfect place for a day or weekend adventure. This area also has the added bonus having r...
      Read more
    • La Honda, California

      Hike the Brook Trail Loop

      7.1 mi / 1500 ft gain
      The 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 trailhead...
      Read more
    • Portola Valley, California

      Sunrise Hike at Windy Hill

      5.0
      There are a few options to this hike. 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, but the main parking lot i...
      Read more
    • Half Moon Bay, California

      Stroll along the Southern Beaches at San Gregorio State Beach

      4.0
      2.9 mi / 413 ft gain
      Not a trail per se, but approximately 3 miles (down and back) of beautiful beach to walk down. Lots of interesting caves, wild animals, and rock formations to discover. This is a popular location for sea kayakers. San Gregorio State Beach was originally founded to protect the estuary at the back ...
      Read more
    • Portola Valley, California

      Hike the Windy Hill Loop

      4.3
      7.2 mi / 1400 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...
      Read more
    • Redwood City, California

      Hike or Bike the Old Growth Redwood Loop at El Corte de Madera

      4.4
      8.8 mi / 1900 ft gain
      This hike starts at the middle parking lot of the El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve. The middle 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 ...
      Read more
    • Redwood City, California

      Hike the Methuselah and El Corte De Madera Creek Loop

      6.2 mi / 1800 ft gain
      This loop hike will provide people with the opportunity to experience the tranquility of the lower canyons of the preserve, which tend to be more isolated than the heavier-trafficked trails that are closer to the main highway. Be warned that this hike is fairly strenuous because of the large amou...
      Read more
    • Redwood City, California

      Hike Russian Ridge

      4.5
      4 mi
      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 hit your parking space, add a little extra warm up before jumping on the trail to make this 3.7-mil...
      Read more
    • Woodside, California

      Hike through Wunderlich County Park

      5.0
      4.5 mi / 1400 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 o...
      Read more
    • Half Moon Bay, California

      Watch the Sunset at Martin's Beach

      4.5
      Martin's Beach is a beach about 7 miles south of Half Moon Bay. It features a large, very cool looking rock formation right off the coast. This beach is accessible via Martin's Beach Road, which is a small turn off on your right when southbound on Highway 1, though sometimes the road is only open...
      Read more
    • Los Altos, California

      Hike to Black Mountain and Stevens Creek Canyon

      4.0
      6 mi / 950 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, foreste...
      Read more
    • Los Altos, California

      Hike the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Loop

      4.5
      2.9 mi / 600 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...
      Read more
    • La Honda, California

      Mountain Bike Skyline Ridge Preserve

      4.0
      3.5 mi / 313 ft gain
      There are a bunch of beginner to intermediate mountain biking trails at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve (click here for a trail map).  There are some beginner mountain biking classes that come here to learn. You can find specific trails that match your ability at MTB Project.   There is a Chris...
      Read more
    • La Honda, California

      Hike through Portola Redwoods State Park

      4.8
      7 mi
      Like redwood hikes? We do too, they're always very scenic and take you away from the hustle and bustle of the bay area. Not to mention, they also stay cool during the summer months. If you want a hike in the middle of the peninsula, this is a great bet.When starting this hike, head out from headq...
      Read more

    Camping and Lodging in San Mateo County

    Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA
    Pescadero, California

    Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA

    Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
    La Selva Beach, California

    Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

    Moss Landing KOA Express
    Moss Landing, California

    Moss Landing KOA Express

    Guides, Insights and Stories from San Mateo County

    The Perfect Weekend Adventure at Big Basin State Park

    The Perfect Weekend Adventure at Big Basin State Park

    Benjamin Canevari

    10 Great Places To See Wildlife Near Santa Cruz

    10 Great Places To See Wildlife Near Santa Cruz

    Crystal Birns

    4 Ways to Stay in Santa Cruz, California

    4 Ways to Stay in Santa Cruz, California

    Sara Sheehy

    3 Ways to Fuel Your Days in Santa Cruz, California

    3 Ways to Fuel Your Days in Santa Cruz, California

    Sara Sheehy