Santa Clara County, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Santa Clara County, California, offer top-notch outdoor adventures. A must-visit is the Almaden Quicksilver County Park. It boasts over 37 miles of hiking trails, with scenic views of the Santa Clara Valley and the Sierra Azul mountain range. The park is also home to historic mining sites and the beautiful Guadalupe Reservoir. For a more challenging hike, try the 8-mile round trip to the top of Mission Peak. It offers panoramic views of the Bay Area and unique rock formations. Don't miss the Stevens Creek Trail, a multi-use trail that follows the Stevens Creek and offers birdwatching, biking, and jogging opportunities. For a relaxing day, head to the Uvas Reservoir County Park for fishing, boating, and picnicking. These outdoor activities make Santa Clara County a must-visit for outdoor adventures.
Top Spots in and near Santa Clara County
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Morgan Hill, California
Mississippi Lake via Coe Headquarters
5.025.52 mi / 4974 ft gainIf you're tired of trying and failing to get reservations for backcountry camping around the bay area, then Henry Coe State Park is the perfect place to visit. No reservations need to be made prior to the trip. All you need to do is get to the HQ on the morning of your trip, get your permits and ...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Dipsea Trail
4.613.03 mi / 3701 ft gainThe Dipsea Race is the 2nd oldest foot race in the US. The race is named after the Dipsea Inn at the end of the trail at Stinson Beach. The good news is that you can enjoy this scenic trail and its sweeping ocean views at your leisure. The bad news is that the race is only one-way. If you choose,...Read more -
Martinez, California
Muir Farm And Mount Wanda: John Muir Nature Trail
5.02.59 mi / 512 ft gainMuir Farm And Mount Wanda: John Muir Nature Trail is a loop trail located near Martinez, California.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 -
Stinson Beach, California
Steep Ravine Cabins
5.0Although these cabins are bare bones, lacking both water and electricity, they couldn't put you in a better spot for views of the Pacific Ocean. From your cabin, you can enjoy amazing sunsets, possibly whale watching, and access to trails like the cabin's namesake, Steep Ravine Trail. The cabins...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Steep Ravine Environmental Campground
5.0Gain access through a private locked gate, and descend about 1 mile down to the bluff's edge. There is only parking for 1 car per site and also several cabins that can be rented. A camp host is on site and there are bathrooms and water spigots throughout the campground. Each site has a fire ring...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 -
Marin County, California
Mountain Home Inn to Mount Tam East Peak
5.03.93 mi / 1532 ft gainMountain Home Inn to Mount Tam East Peak is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Mill Valley, California.Read more -
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 -
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 -
Stinson Beach, California
Rock Climbing The Egg
5.0Once you've seen The Egg, you'll understand where it gets its name. This giant, egg shaped boulder near Stinson Beach provides about a dozen routes ranging from 5.6-5.12c. There is no trad climbing, only top rope and sport.You'll find all the easier slab routes on the eastern face. These are perf...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Rock Climbing Mickey's Beach
3.5Mickey's Beach is a great spot for experienced climbers to challenge themselves. The west face of the main rock is home to some local favorites like Sex Porpoises (12c), named for the apparently promiscuous local marine life. There are only a couple routes rated as 5.10s, the rest are mostly 5.12...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
Dawn Falls Trail Loop
2.79 mi / 466 ft gainThe Dawn Falls Trail Loop is a scenic, moderately challenging hike nestled in the Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve in Larkspur, part of Marin County’s beloved network of forested trails. This lush, shaded loop winds through towering coast redwoods, fern-covered canyons, and quiet residentia...Read more
