Outbound Collective logo

San Mateo County, California

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

Top Hiking 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
  • 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

    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
  • Pescadero, California

    Camp at Butano State Park

    Butano State Park definitely flies under the radar. But for those who love quick escapes, small crowds, fun hikes, and beautiful redwoods, it's a favorite. The park features miles of hiking trails, 21 drive-in campsites and 18 walk-in campsites. Restrooms with running water are provided. Drinking...
    Read more
  • Pescadero, California

    Hike the Little Butano Creek Trail

    1.5 mi
    This short hike follows Little Butano Creek through a lush redwood forest. The trail crosses the creek multiple times as you walk over redwood pine needles and through pockets of ferns. Dogs can join on this trail, but must be on leash.
    Read more