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
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Marin County, California
Mount Tamalpais via Matt Davis and Railroad Grade Trails
5.07.59 mi / 1939 ft gainMount Tamalpais via Matt Davis and Railroad Grade Trails is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Mill Valley, California.Read more -
Walnut Creek, California
Camp at Juniper Campground in Mount Diablo SP
Mount Diablo's summit in Mount Diablo State Park rises to 3,848ft, with Juniper Campground in Mount Diablo SP is at approximately 3,000ft in elevation. Juniper Campground overlooks the valley below and some of the San Francisco Bay. Reservations for Juniper Campground can be made at Reserveamer...Read more -
Walnut Creek, California
Juniper to the Summit Loop Trail and Meridian Ridge
6.56 mi / 2037 ft gainJuniper to the Summit Loop Trail and Meridian Ridge is a loop trail that is strenuous located near Diablo, California.Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Steep Ravine Trail via Pantoll Station
4.73.96 mi / 1079 ft gainThe trailhead Pantoll Station is easy to find on GPS and there are friendly rangers there as well to answer questions.Maps: Paper map are available at the trailhead Pantoll Station in Marin, CA. For a moderate hike, I suggest going the one and a half miles down the trail to the ladder and retu...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Camp at Mt. Tam's Pantoll Campground
5.0Need an escape from SF, but can't seem to find an available campground, then head to Pantoll Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park. If you get there early on friday (or even better Thursday afternoon), you should be able to lock down one of these first-come, first-serve campgrounds. Each of th...Read more -
Marin County, California
Dipsea Trail - Steep Ravine Loop
5.03.97 mi / 1204 ft gainThis is definitely a worthwhile short hike, with views of the Bay Area, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate, and the San Mateo coastline. It's a 3.8 mile loop which takes you through forests of Redwoods and out to the coastline, even above the clouds on a lucky day. The trailhead begins at the Pantoll ...Read more -
Larkspur, California
Blithedale Loop
4.03.47 mi / 1027 ft gainBlithedale Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Corte Madera, California.Read more -
Richmond, California
Hike the Wildcat Canyon Loop
4.010.5 mi / 2300 ft gainStarting off on Wildcat Creek Trail, the trail is wide and rolling. After about 4 miles make a left on Jewel Trail, then onto Sylvan Trail. Another left puts you on Wildcat Peak Trail. Be sure to check your map, as many trails intersect here. Wildcat Peak Trail runs into Nimitz Way, at which poin...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Temelpa Trail
4.52.94 mi / 1929 ft gainThe Mt. Tam Hill Climb via Temelpa Trail is an iconic, "best-of" climb in the trail running community, drawing some of the world's greatest athletes to experience its breathtaking views and technical downhill. Surprisingly though, outside of locals and the running community, the trail remains lar...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Camp at Bootjack Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park
4.0Bootjack Campground is located within California's Mount Tamalpais State Park. There are a couple of campsites within the park, but if you are driving on the Panoramic Highway from Mill Valley, this will be the first campground you pass. The fee is $25 fee to camp, but they have bathrooms and ru...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Steep Ravine and Bootjack Trails Loop
5.06.66 mi / 2083 ft gainThis hike is best done in the winter and spring in order for the creeks and waterfalls to be flowing. Park at the Bootjack Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park. Cross the road to reach the Bootjack trail. Continue on this until you reach the Alpine trail. Go right towards the Pantoll Ranger ...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Bootjack Campground to Muir Woods
6.02 mi / 1709 ft gainGetting permits into Muir Woods can be hard, but if you want to work for it, there's a much better way to visit the National Monument. To do this loop into Muir Woods National Monument, first drive to the Bootjack Parking Area in Mt. Tamalpais State Park. The Bootjack Parking Area should be fou...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop from Stinson
5.05.99 mi / 1568 ft gainDipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop from Stinson is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Stinson Beach, California.Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Trojan Point
4.70.28 mi / 30 ft gainThe endlessly scenic Trojan Point can be reached by taking the Panoramic Highway to Pantoll road from Stinson Beach to the west, or Mill Valley / Highway 1 to the east. It can also be reached by taking West Ridgecrest Boulevard from the north from the Fairfax-Bolinas road. Park at the large par...Read more -
Larkspur, California
Baltimore Canyon Via Dawn Falls Trail Loop
5.93 mi / 1309 ft gainBaltimore Canyon via Dawn Falls Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a forested setting at the start, up switchbacks to Dawn Falls, and then to views of King Mountain Open Space Preserve as you loop back along Southern Marin Line Road. This is a dog friendly (on-leash) trail located ...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Matt Davis-Steep Ravine Loop
4.76.62 mi / 1726 ft gainThis loop is made up of three of the most popular Marin trails and for good reason. These trails offer not only expansive ocean views, but a variety of topography and environments. This 6+ mile loop offers up waterfalls, dense forests, redwoods, and open grasslands overlooking the pacific. Starti...Read more
