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
-
Burlingame, California
Hike the Ed Taylor Loop Trail in Mills Canyon
4.01.4 mi / 300 ft gainThis hike can be done at any time of year. Hiking in winter and spring means that many varieties of wildflowers will be present, and the creek will have much more water. Summer and fall mean higher temperatures and drier conditions, but the hike is still a pleasant experience. Begin the hike at t...Read more -
Fremont, California
Mission Peak via Hidden Valley Trail
4.26.16 mi / 2116 ft gainBreathtaking views of the Bay Area are your reward for making this climb to the top of Mission Peak. It’s a 3-mile trek to the top of the peak and then back down the same way. This is a moderate hike that provides a nice workout – so be prepared. Park at the Stanford Avenue entrance gate. There ...Read more -
Pescadero, CaliforniaCamp at Butano State Park
Butano State Park definitely flies under the radar. But for those who love quick escapes, small crowds, fun hikes, and beautiful redwoods, it's a favorite. The park features miles of hiking trails, 21 drive-in campsites and 18 walk-in campsites. Restrooms with running water are provided. Drinking...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Hike the Little Butano Creek Trail
1.5 miThis short hike follows Little Butano Creek through a lush redwood forest. The trail crosses the creek multiple times as you walk over redwood pine needles and through pockets of ferns. Dogs can join on this trail, but must be on leash.Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Paddle Half Moon Bay Jetty
The Half Moon Bay Jetty is a calm place to paddle as it is covered on all sides. There is an opening into the ocean on the far side, but is mostly calm with plenty of beach area to launch. Keep in mind, there are boats in the harbor so keep an eye out. There is also a scenic hike nearby the West ...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Hike the Old Growth Redwoods Trail
4.50.5 miQuick half-mile stroll through the old growth Redwoods that will show you the nature of the ever-living redwood tree.Redwoods are capable of withstanding storms, floods, fire, droughts, and even termites. These legendary trees can live for over 2,000 years and possess incredible strength, vigor, ...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Hike the Berry Creek Falls Loop
4.811 mi / 2000 ft gainNestled in California's oldest state park, the popular Berry Creek Falls Loop hike begins at the Big Basin park headquarters. If you're up for 11 miles, a thousand feet of elevation gain through towering redwoods and along serene creeks, and spread out over a half-day, then this is the hike for y...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Camp at Big Basin Redwoods State Park
4.00.5 miBig Basin is currently closed including the campgrounds. Please visit the Parks.ca.gov site for updated details. An hour away from the thrumming city of San Jose, ancient immense trees live in a forest full of vibrant ferns and rushing waterfalls. Big Basin Redwoods State Park encompasses 10,00...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Hike the Ocean View Summit Loop
4.06 mi / 600 ft gainThis hike begins at the Big Basin park headquarters. If you're up for 6 miles through giant redwoods and along serene creeks, and with an ocean view, then this is the hike for you. Ocean view summit loop starts on the Gazos Creek Road bridge, next turn right on to the Middle Ridge Fire Road, whic...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Hike the Canyon Rim Route in Butano State Park
5.011.7 miLocated deep within the Santa Cruz Mountains, Butano State Park boasts a large redwood canyon with many miles of hiking trails as well as campsites. This state park is one of the quietest and least visited parks on the peninsula making a perfect place to escape the hustle of the Bay Area Butano S...Read more -
Los Gatos, California
Hike Los Gatos Trail to Jones Trail Loop
3.8 mi / 511 ft gainThis trail winds its way along the Los Gatos Creek and ends at the Lexington Reservoir before looping back to the start. It is 3.8 miles and makes for a great way to get exercise and relax in nature. You can hear the creek as you hike, and can even go down to it. There is a lot of green foliage t...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Año Nuevo and Goat Trail Loop
4.03.76 mi / 761 ft gainThis steep and winding trail takes you to the top of a ridge where you can see the Pacific coastline and the redwoods piercing through the forest canopy. To do this trail connect the Ano Nuevo Trail, Olmo Fire Road, Goat Trail and the Six Bridges Trail. If you don't have all day to do the Canyon ...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Big Basin's Sunset Trail Camp
4.89.46 mi / 2146 ft gainThis trail and campsite is currently closed (learn more). Looking for a more authentic hiking and camping weekend, without having to drive hours away to find it? Then the Sunset Trail Camp within Big Basin Redwoods SP is your ticket. To access this site, you'll need to hike the famous Skyline-to...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Hike to Sempervirens Falls
4.02.1 mi / 100 ft gainThe hike to Sempervirens Falls is an easy 2.1 mile out-and-back hike on the Sequoia Trail. You'll travel through the redwood forest and some of the campgrounds located in Big Basin State Park. The hike is pleasant but on occasion, you'll be too close to the road to feel like you're deep in the wi...Read more -
21600 Big Basin Way, California
Hike the Sequoia Trail at Big Basin Redwoods SP
4.04.3 mi / 600 ft gainThis 4.3 mile hike in Big Basin Redwoods SP is a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In the first half, there is a quick detour you can take to Sempervirens Falls. Just listen for sounds of water, read the signs, and cross the road. The detour itself is as far as cross...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Catch the Sunset at Maverick's Beach
5.01 miMaverick's beach is most well-known for the Maverick surf competition and the gnarly waves which surface here in the winter months. For the rest of the year, the beach is still a site to see. With huge waves crashing ¼ mile off shore and bluffs towering 100 feet above you, it’s a picturesque plac...Read more
