San Rafael, California
Looking for the best hiking in San Rafael? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around San Rafael. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near San Rafael
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Redwood City, California
Hike Whittemore Gulch at Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP
4.09.3 mi / 2109 ft gainThis trail starts out going downhill towards the ocean for the first half, which makes for a tough end to the hike as you trek back up the ridge. However, there are nice ocean and hilltop views that are worth the climb. On this trail, you'll pass 60+ banana slugs if conditions are right. They ar...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hike Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP
4.67 miThere are two places to park for this specific loop- the main parking area on Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and a smaller parking lot on the western end of the park. I would recommend parking at whichever is closest. Find directions to both on Openspace.org. From the main parking lot, the trail ...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Purisima Creek Trail and Craig Britton Trail Loop
4.06.95 mi / 1411 ft gainThis hike is perfect for any time of year, always staying cool because it is near the coast, and there are multiple creeks that flow year-round. Even on foggy days, the fog condenses on trees to make it seem like it is "raining." Be warned that this hike has a lot of elevation change and is stre...Read more -
Bodega Bay, California
Camp at Bodega Dunes Campground
These kind of getaways shouldn't be planned many weeks before the trip. So we didn't booked a campground. And from this experience we learn that you don't have to reserve a campground. Just go there - don't panic when you see campground is full sign in the entrance. There are always available spo...Read more -
Saint Helena, California
Lake Hennessey Loop
5.06.53 mi / 764 ft gainThe "lollipop" hike starts at the "Ranch House" parking lot off of Chiles Pope Valley Road - alternatively, you can access from Conn Valley Road for a shortened 5.6-mile loop. You turn off Chiles Pope Valley Road onto Moore Creek Trail, drive past a private house (you can see it on the map) and t...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Hike the Cowell-Purisma Trail
5.07 mi / 400 ft gainThis is a popular trail that has beach access to Cowell Ranch Beach. Along the trail, there is a steep staircase that goes down to the beach. The trail also features fields, a bridge, and beautiful views of California's rugged coastline. This trail is paved in some parts, and can also be biked...Read more -
Occidental, California
LandPaths Grove of Old Trees
5.00.7 mi / 92 ft gainThe Grove of Old trees is a privately-owned preserve in Western Sonoma County that is open to the public year round. It is not large, only about 33 acres, but it makes a wonderful spot to go on a walk and to soak in the beauty of the redwoods. To get there from downtown Occidental, drive West up...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hike the Crystal Springs Trail Loop
5.6 mi / 1300 ft gainThis is a great hike for any season of the year, with rushing streams during the winter, wildflowers in the spring, and cool, shaded canyons during the summer. Starting from near the Zwierlein Picnic area, take the Crystal Springs to the left into the redwood forest. Stay straight at the next tra...Read more -
Occidental, California
Watershed View Trail
4.01.54 mi / 174 ft gainThe Watershed View Trail is located off of Coleman Valley Road and shares a trailhead with the Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop. This trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back, which makes for a great trail to get the family out on to get some energy out. Be prepared for a muddy trail if there has been rec...Read more -
Occidental, California
Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop
5.36 mi / 853 ft gainHunters Camp and Creekside Loop is an almost 6-mile loop off of Coleman Valley Road in Occidental, California. This trail can get pretty muddy during the rainy season, but as an added bonus, it makes the waterfall along the Creekside Trail that much better. Dogs are not permitted on this trail.Read more -
Pleasanton, California
Courdet Trail and Schuhart Trail
5.24 mi / 1122 ft gainThis is a 5+ mile out and back trail through the hills in the South Bay. The beginning of the hike has a steeper incline and then becomes more gradual later on. There is a beautiful views of the South Bay that are enjoyable in the day, but are fantastic in the evening. Some areas of the trail hav...Read more -
Calistoga, California
Camp at Bothe-Napa Valley SP
4.5Looking for a romantic getaway but you’d prefer to spend your nights around a campfire? This adventure is for you. This beautiful Napa Valley campground has it all – 10 miles of hiking trails, 1,900 acres to explore, and…new yurts! Yurts are basically cool circular tents that allow you enjoy the ...Read more -
Larkfield-Wikiup, California
Creekside Trail to Canyon Trail to Ridge Trail Loop
4.04.46 mi / 850 ft gainCreekside Trail to Canyon Trail to Ridge Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Santa Rosa, California.Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hike the Methuselah and El Corte De Madera Creek Loop
6.2 mi / 1800 ft gainThis 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 or Bike the Old Growth Redwood Loop at El Corte de Madera
4.48.8 mi / 1900 ft gainThis 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 -
Livermore, California
Condor, Volvan, Stone Corral, Coyote Loop
4.54.38 mi / 620 ft gainThis regional preserve is perfect for day hikes. There are also designated campsites and even a backpack campsite. Horses and dogs are welcome in the preserve. There are many different clearly marked trails that one can choose from. A good 4.5 mile loop is to start at the Park Residence entrance...Read more