Santa Cruz County, California

This 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...

Cypress Grove Trail via South Shore Trail is a family-friendly loop hiking trail located near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Along this hike in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, you'll get a chance to see beautiful coastal views with rugged cliffs, views across Monterey Bay, and Cypress trees as...

The South Plateau Trail to Bird Island in Monterey County, California, is a moderately challenging hiking trail. Spanning approximately 1.69 miles round trip, the trail offers a variety of terrain, including sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and dense coastal scrub. The trailhead is located at the par...

Point Lobos contains headlands, coves and rolling meadows, and its offshore area forms one of the richest underwater habitats in the world, popular with divers. Wildlife includes seals, sea lions, sea otters, migrating gray whales (from December to May), and thousands of seabirds, who also make t...

Little Yosemite via Ohlone Road is an out-and-back trail that is good for all skill levels located near Sunol, California. The trail follows Alamdeda Creek along a wide gravel road with hills offering up better views of the creek at times.  Keep in mind this trail is very exposed and can get hot...

This is one of the most rewarding short coastal hikes in Point Lobos. The Bird Island Trail offers sweeping ocean views, a peek into rugged shorelines, and a front-row seat to seabird colonies—all in under a mile. Trail Basics & Route Overview Trail Type: Lollypop / loop with a sp...

If you’re craving an ocean-edge walk through rocky coastline, tide pools and bluff vistas, the South Shore Trail delivers. It’s a slightly wild coastal route that keeps you close to the sea and filled with surprises. Trail Basics & Route Overview Difficulty: Easy Trail Surface &a...

Please note this is a fragile ecosystem and watershed. There is NO swimming allowed in Alameda Creek and trespassing is prohibited on Water Department lands that are not accessible to the public. You can learn more about the restrictions and the area at ebparks.org.  After entering the kiosk you...

Hike half a mile to this beautiful, secluded beach.  There are high cliffs with a steep staircase down to the beach.  The beach has wonderful rock formations on one side.  It is a great place to watch the sunset or bring a picnic.  A great place for a beach day if you are looking for something le...

This 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...

Start at the visitor center along Kelly Avenue. Take note that the day parking fee is $10 in 2024 for each vehicle. You will then be able to enjoy both the Coastside Trail and Francis Beach (plus other beaches) with access to the amenities such as coin-operated showers and a semi-private beach. ...

Sugarloaf is tucked away in Laurelwood Park which is located in a residential neighborhood right off of Hwy 92 in San Mateo, making this a great hiking & trail running option for Peninsula residents. I always park on Glendora Dr. and follow the paved path down towards the playground. At the ...

Garrapata State Park is located along California's Highway 1, roughly 5 miles south of Carmel, California. The park is entirely free with multiple pull-outs and serves as one of the first grand views travelers encounter while heading south from the Monterey Peninsula to southern California. Garra...

When we stumbled upon this beach we were thrilled to have such great views with no crowds. There is plenty of room to lay out in the sun, you can swim in the ocean to cool off, and the beach is surrounded by beautiful landscape. If you decide to swim be very careful as the waves and currents can ...

The Sawyer Camp Trail is a popular paved trail that stretches alongside the Crystal Springs Reservoir all the way to Hillcrest Blvd. The sixth mile crosses over the San Andreas Dam with nice views of San Andreas Lake. There are markers every half mile which makes timing and tracking your run eas...

Parking for Calla Lily Valley is available along the dirt pullout at Gate 19 for Garrapata State Park, near mile-marker 63. Signs are small and difficult to see. Follow the path between the guide wires and take the right fork, heading north to the bluff overlooking the beach. Continue north and f...