Santa Clara County, California

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

Top Fitness Spots in and near Santa Clara County

  • Oakland, California

    East & West Ridge Loop

    4.5
    3.47 mi / 833 ft gain
    Tucked away in the hills of Oakland, you will find one of the homes of California's Coastal Redwoods. Created by a unique geographical circumstance, this forest breathes winds funneled through the Golden Gate across the bay, which created environment opportune for Redwood growth. These Redwoods a...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Stow Lake And Strawberry Hill

    4.9
    2.09 mi / 253 ft gain
    Strawberry Hill is one of the hidden gems of Golden Gate Park. It is named after the once abundant strawberry fields that inhabited the island. The hill, which reaches up to 430ft, is located in the middle of Stow Lake and has 2 foot bridges for access. This is a great place to run if you're look...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Stow Lake

    5.0
    Not too many people know that you can rent a rowboat at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park, but you can. And you should! This is one of my favorite ways to spend a few hours on a beautiful day in San Francisco. Grab your loved one, your favorite bottle of wine, some snacks, and hop in a rowboat. You’...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Coit Tower Stairs

    3.8
    0.49 mi / 200 ft gain
    There are 2 sets of stairs for Coit Tower on Sansome St. The first set is at Greenwich and the second is at Filbert. The Filbert steps are a little deeper per step and are mostly wood and concrete. The Greenwich steps are a little tougher because of the shallower, brick stairs as you get toward t...
    Read more
  • Santa Cruz, California

    Hike the Rincon Fire Trail

    5.0
    1 mi / 300 ft gain
    The Rincon Fire Trail Starts at a small dirt parking lot next to CA-9 and traverses down the mountain to the San Lorenzo River Connecting with the Pipeline Trail. The trail can be a simple one of a mile out and back or up to 5 miles depending on your preference. The elevation will change by about...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Lyon Street Steps

    4.5
    Rumor has it there are almost 300 stairs from top to bottom. This is a great place to get some exercise in if you're up for running or walking up the stairs. Do a few laps (roundtrip) and you'll be pretty happy with your workout. If you're really looking to get after it, throw in a few pushups an...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Presidio Loop

    5.95 mi / 823 ft gain
    This route starts and ends on Jackson street in the Presidio Terrace neighborhood of San Francisco. This loop can be started in several areas of the Presidio including off of the Lyon street steps, but this starting point creates a good midpoint of the loop.  Along the route, be sure to keep an ...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Aquatic Park

    3.7
    Take an early morning swim and watch the sunrise over the east bay or catch an afternoon swim on a sunny SF day. A full lap around the buoys (out-and-back) is about 1/3 mile and the perimeter of the park is 1 mile. Bring your dog for a swim too! Afterward, you can head up Columbus to one of the m...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Fort Mason

    4.8
    When the sun comes out in San Francisco, Fort Mason's Great Meadow Park transforms into ground zero for bocce ball, corn hole, wiffle ball, music, dancing, wine, and beer. While it lacks the diversity and quirkiness found at Dolores Park, it makes up for it with a beautiful panoramic view of the ...
    Read more
  • Sand Ladder, California

    Baker Beach Sand Ladder

    4.4
    0.25 mi / 138 ft gain
    The Baker Beach Sand Ladder is a section of the Pacific Coast Trail that is comprised of 200 ten foot poles tied together to form stairs down to North Baker Beach from Lincoln Blvd. If you’re looking for a lung and butt-busting workout, and you’d like a break from your standard routine, you need...
    Read more
  • Berkeley, California

    Stonewall Panoramic Trail

    4.5
    1.44 mi / 663 ft gain
    From the trailhead at Stonewall Road, the 1.5-mile trail makes for an excellent before or after-work run. But the steep hills and loose ground aren’t for those looking to find an easy nature walk. The incline starts well before the Stonewall-Panoramic trailhead, so you won’t even have time to w...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Run to Hopper's Hands

    4.6
    Hundreds of people touch Hopper's Hands every day as a turn-around point on their runs in and around Crissy Field and The San Francisco Bay Trail. Running west through Crissy Field, passing the Warming Hut and pier, you follow Marine Drive until you dead end at Fort Point. If you continue through...
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • Berkeley, California

    Berkeley Rose Garden

    4.0
    I'm always surprised at how few people know of this beautiful garden. I'm often alone when I visit, which allows for perfect serenity. Visit in early spring for maximum blooms. Park on Euclid Ave, which is where you'll find the entrance to the amphitheater (you can't miss the giant sign). Spend ...
    Read more
  • Danville, California

    Summit Mount Diablo via Rock City Trail

    5.0
    7.8 mi / 2299 ft gain
    Although steep in sections, this trail is a wonderful workout and hikers are more than rewarded for their efforts. The Rock City Trail is a direct route to the summit of Mount Diablo, and the park is an ecological treasure dear to the hearts of Bay Area residents. The best views are on clear days...
    Read more
  • Sausalito, California

    Slacker Hill

    5.0
    1.02 mi / 344 ft gain
    Although the Headlands can be crowded, particularly at the parking-lot chaos of the Vista Point and pull-offs along Conzelman Road, the three routes leading to the summit of Slacker Hill remain relatively quiet, even during busy weekends. Each can be tied into larger loops throughout the Headland...
    Read more