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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San Francisco, California
Park Day at Dolores Park
4.0If the sun is shining, and you’re in the mood for playing around with friends in one of SF’s many amazing parks, Dolores should be at the top of your list. With amazing views of downtown, huge tiered lawn areas, tennis courts, basketball courts, a brand new playground, and easy access to some of ...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Catch a Sunset at Twin Peaks
4.6Most locals have heard of Twin Peaks, so if you hop in an Uber or Taxi you should be just fine. If not or you are driving yourself, head for Twin Peaks Boulevard, then just follow it to the top. Voila!When you're there, be sure to catch a sunset, as it is absolutely breath-taking, If you are luck...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Take a Ride on the Seward Street Slides
4.2Tucked away in a small neighborhood park in Eureka Valley is a set of really fun, slippery, and surprisingly steep concrete slides. They were originally designed by a 14 year old kid over 30 years ago, and we all owe him a big hat tip. People use a variety of sliding materials (saucers, food tray...Read more -
Felton, California
Redwood Grove Loop
4.00.93 mi / 144 ft gainHenry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located just a few miles north of the city of Santa Cruz, along Highway 9. The park is home to an array of hiking and biking trails, but the crown jewel of the park is the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, which is only a 1/4 mile in from the park's entrance. Many peo...Read more -
Felton, California
Observation Deck Loop in Henry Cowell Redwoods SP
4.35.3 mi / 869 ft gainThe trail starts at the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Visitors Center. Grab a map in the center, as your hike has you turning onto a few different trails to get to the observation deck. Starting at the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, follow the trail until it connects with the Pipeline Road Trail ...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Tank Hill
4.30.14 mi / 49 ft gainLooking for a cool, under-the-radar spot that’s perfect for picnics, chilling out, and chasing the sunset? Look no further than Tank Hill. This little gem of a mini-park is 650 feet high and tucked away in Cole Valley. It’s so small that many maps of San Francisco don’t even include it. To get ...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Twin Peaks Loop
4.02.04 mi / 259 ft gainThere are a ton of ways to get here (and obviously that can affect the total distance) but this is starting from Clarendon. Follow along up Twin Peaks boulevard where you'll see the peaks upon your approach. Keep an eye out for traffic as there may be visitors driving toward and away from Twin Pe...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Vulcan Steps
5.00.18 mi / 79 ft gainVulcan Steps is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near San Francisco, California.Read more -
San Francisco, California
Corona Heights Park
5.00.65 mi / 115 ft gainCorona Heights Park is a park located north of the Castro and South of Buena Vista Park. The peak of the hill is windy, but it offers an unobstructed panoramic view of the city of San Francisco from downtown to Twin Peaks. It is perfect for taking panoramic pictures of San Francisco at night. Y...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Climb Beaver Street Wall
5.0Beaver Street Wall is one of the few places to climb in the San Francisco city limits. The 45 ft. tall wall is located in the Corona Heights neighborhood, just north west of Market St. The routes on the wall range from 5.8 to 5.12. The wall features a prominent crack up the center, which makes th...Read more -
Livermore, California
Hike the East Shore Trail Loop
3.7 mi / 1040 ft gainThis hike is best done during the spring, fall, or winter when moderate temperatures make the hike more comfortable. Be warned that this hike has a large elevation change despite being less than 4 miles. Starting at the Arroyo Road Staging Area, take the East Shore Trail east, heading towards a s...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve Loop
4.42.14 mi / 617 ft gainThe Mount Sutro Open Space hike is one of those gems that's just hiding in plain site. Most people live in San Francisco for years without ever knowing this hike even exists - which is totally fine with us. This 2+ mile loop is an easy, quick way to get back in touch with nature after a long day....Read more -
San Francisco, California
Fairy Gates Trail
5.00.89 mi / 328 ft gainFairy Gates Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near San Francisco, California.Read more -
San Francisco, California
Twin Peaks and Mt. Sutro Loop
4.26 miAre you thinking, hit up two of the bigger peaks in SF, what a great idea? Well, you thought right! The first mile and a half is uphill as you charge to the top of Twin Peaks. This 6% grade leads to a 460 ft elevation gain. The good news is, if it's not foggy, the views of the bay are stunning, e...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Grand View Park ("Turtle Hill")
5.00.21 mi / 7 ft gainA recipe for happiness in the "cool grey city of love." To the seasoned San Franciscan there is no finer view in the Bay Area than that from San Francisco's front porch, Turtle Hill or "Grand View Park". If the North American continent / plate is a ship, then Grand View Park is the prow giving e...Read more -
San Francisco, California
16th Avenue Tiled Steps
4.60.09 mi / 79 ft gainThe 16th Avenue Tiled Steps also known as the Moraga steps are an impressive community achievement, and an equally killer workout. Take an easy lap up the stairs to check out the amazing art, take in the views from the top, then get down to business. You'll be glad you made the trek over to this ...Read more
