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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

  • Sausalito, California

    Marin Headlands Trail Loop

    10.5 mi / 1990 ft gain
    This trail starts at the Coastal Trail in Marin Headlands Park, where there's a small parking lot and outhouse bathroom off the circle when coming from Conzelman Road.Take the Coastal Trail until you intersect with Bunker Road (you can even turn right and spit off the trail just before intersecti...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Rodeo Cove to Point Bonita Lighthouse

    5.0
    3.64 mi / 568 ft gain
    If you're looking for a little hike and a lot of beach, you'll find your ideal combo at Rodeo Beach and Point Bonita Lighthouse. Park at the Marin Headlands Visitor Center at the head of the 0.8 mile trail to the beach. From the lighthouse to the beach, it will be another 1.5-2 miles there and ba...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Miwok, Marincello and Bobcat Trail

    8.17 mi / 1391 ft gain
    Miwok, Marincello and Bobcat Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Sausalito, California.
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  • Livermore, California

    Hike to Murietta Falls

    4.0
    12 mi / 4175 ft gain
    Get ready for one of the toughest, lung busting hikes in the east bay with over 6-miles and 4,000ft of climbing in one direction. When you make it to the hike, it's also important to realize that without recent rain, there many not actually be a waterfall. With that said, you're still getting in ...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Coastal Trail from Rodeo Beach to Muir Beach

    11.35 mi / 3264 ft gain
    This hike has beautiful views in the Marin Headlands. You'll find easy parking in the Rodeo Beach Parking lot if you get there early (by 8:30 am). This hike goes along the Coastal Trail which has a few steep areas as you make your way to Tennessee Beach. The Tennessee Beach has gorgeous dark b...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Hill 88 Loop

    4.0
    5.5 mi / 1086 ft gain
    This quick, yet challenging trail run is located just minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Grab your dog (on-leash), park in the large lot next to Rodeo Beach and hit the trail! The climb starts up the Coastal Trail to the right end of the parking lot if you're staring at the beach. Take the...
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  • Tiburon, California

    Angel Island Perimeter Loop

    5.98 mi / 794 ft gain
    Angel Island Perimeter Loop is a loop trail around the circumference of the island in the San Francisco Bay. The island is located near Tiburon, California with views  of downtown San Francisco, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Oakland, Sausalito, and TIburon as you traverse around the island. ...
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  • Belvedere Tiburon, California

    Mt. Livermore via North Ridge Trail

    4.5
    4.92 mi / 1178 ft gain
    Unless you own a boat or a kayak, this adventure requires a ride on the Blue and Gold Ferry from Pier 41 in San Francisco. But let’s be honest, that’s actually half the fun. Who doesn’t love a ferry ride? Angel Island State Park is the largest island in the Bay, and recommend the 6-mile loop aro...
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  • Berkeley, California

    Hidden Waterfall in Codornices Park

    4.0
    0.5 mi
    Park 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...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Tennessee Beach via Tennessee Valley Trail

    4.6
    3.64 mi
    The Tennessee Valley trail is leisurely 3.6 mile roundtrip hike that turns around at Tennessee Valley Cove. Along the way, you’ll hike past shrublands, wetlands, and a lake before you get to a cool little secluded beach that many people picnic at. This is probably the easiest to access, and most...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Coyote Ridge Loop

    5.0
    6.15 mi / 1001 ft gain
    Starting just before the Tennessee Valley parking lot, head out from the Miwok Trailhead. This Mill Valley hike offers incredible views of the San Francisco Bay, the Pacific Ocean (fog permitting of course!), and on occasion, wildlife. Unfortunately, this trail is not dog-friendly.  Keep in mind...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Oakwood Trail, Marin Headlands

    5.0
    2.56 mi / 538 ft gain
    Looking to escape the hustle of San Francisco, but don't want to commit to an entire day on the trail? When setting out for this morning hike, be prepared for about 1.5 hour hiking adventure (longer if you stop for extra photos) and a 20 minute commute from San Francisco.   This hike is recomend...
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  • Lafayette, California

    Lafayette Reservoir via Nature Area Rim Trail

    5.0
    5 mi / 758 ft gain
    Lafayette Reservoir is perfect for canoeing, mountain biking, trail running, and hiking. The Reservoir trail system is also used for nature walks and birding. The loop has several high points that have amazing views. The trails become very muddy after wet weather - so tread with caution.  Th...
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  • Berkeley, California

    Seaview and Big Springs Loop

    4.5
    4.28 mi / 1007 ft gain
    The trail is dog and horse friendly, and many trail loops make Tilden Regional Park fun for families and those of any skill level. The Seaview and Big Springs Trail loop is typically used by avid hikers, trail runners, or mountain bikers. The first half of the trail is exposed to the sun and rock...
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  • Muir Beach, California

    Pirate's Cove

    5.0
    3.43 mi / 856 ft gain
    Pirate's Cove is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mill Valley, California.
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  • Berkeley, California

    Wildcat Peak via Nimitz Way

    4.7
    4.16 mi / 459 ft gain
    Tilden Park is a beautiful recreational area with scenic hiking trails, a swimming lake, small animal farm, a steam train and botanical gardens. The versatility of this park makes it very family and kid friendly, and those who are looking for a moderate hike within the park have almost forty mile...
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