Scotts Valley, California

Top Spots in and near Scotts Valley

  • San Jose, California

    North Rim Trail to Eagle Rock

    5.0
    1.94 mi / 240 ft gain
    North Rim Trail to Eagle Rock is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near San Jose, California.
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  • 3160 North Shoreline Boulevard, California

    SUP Shoreline Lake

    4.0
    Shoreline Lake features a big lake, many hiking and biking trails, and lot of picnic areas in Mountain View, CA. Kayaks, SUP, and various boats can be rented from the boat house. This is a great place to enjoy the water no matter what season it is. There are large grassy areas for kids to run and...
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  • Marina, California

    Marina State Beach

    3.5
    From the moment you turn into the parking lot, you know Marina State Beach is special. Grab a parking spot in the large lot and then run down the dunes and onto the shoreline! The beach feels spacious on this section of the shore and gives plenty of room to run around or to put down a blanket to ...
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  • Morgan Hill, California

    Mississippi Lake via Coe Headquarters

    5.0
    25.52 mi / 4974 ft gain
    If 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 ...
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  • Morgan Hill, California

    Backpack to Coit Lake

    5.0
    26 mi
    This trail can be started from Coe Headquarters or Hunting Hollow Trailhead. The trail from Coe HQ is 2 miles longer, almost all elevation but provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. These directions will be starting from Coe HQ.Follow the loop around the parking area to the backpa...
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  • Woodside, California

    Meadow & Bear Gulch Loop

    5.0
    4.57 mi / 1089 ft gain
    Located in the iconic Silicon Valley town of Woodside, Wunderlich County Park offers a number of hiking trails as well as some horseback riding trails through the wilderness.  Once in the parking lot, you will see a number of stables, riding ring, as well as a beautiful historic stable that was ...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Southern Beaches at San Gregorio State Beach

    4.0
    1.48 mi / 16 ft gain
    Not a trail per se, but approximately 3 miles (down and back) of beautiful beach to walk down. Lots of interesting caves, wild animals, and rock formations to discover. This is a popular location for sea kayakers. San Gregorio State Beach was originally founded to protect the estuary at the back ...
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  • Mount Hamilton, California

    Lick Observatory

    3.8
    Hop on Road 130 heading out of San Jose and follow the winding two lane road up, up, up to to the top of Mt. Hamilton and the Lick Observatory. There are lots of deer, wild turkey, and pigs in the area. If you are lucky you will get to see a herd of deer grazing in a meadow. But be careful that y...
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  • Marina, California

    Fort Ord Dunes State Park

    5.0
    3.08 mi / 141 ft gain
    One of the best parts of Monterey is the beaches – but their popularity is also their weakness, so if you want seclusion head to the lesser-known Fort Ord Dunes for solitude and beautiful views of Monterey Bay and the Pacific Coast. Historically, this location was chosen as the location for Fort...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Old Growth Redwood Loop

    4.4
    5.68 mi / 1480 ft gain
    This hike starts at the parking lot of the El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve. The lot is located roughly a mile south on Skyline Boulevard from the Skeggs Point Vista. From the parking lot, take the Methuselah Trail for 0.3 miles until you reach the Timberview Trail. Take this trail for anot...
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  • Pacific Grove, California

    Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary

    1 mi
    Thousands of monarchs can be found here October through February. It's a small park with a path through the center. Park near the Monarch Grove hotel at the sign that says "Caution: Butterflies present", and cross the street to walk down the short path (pink houses will be on your right) and to t...
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  • Pacific Grove, California

    Lovers Point

    4.8
    LOVERS POINT PARK AND BEACH: According to local legend, this park was originally called "Lovers of Jesus Point," back in the era when Pacific Grove was a Methodist retreat camp. Since the late 1800s, the beach at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove has been a popular spot for boating and swimming, and...
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  • Pacific Grove, California

    Paddle Lover's Point

    Lover's Point is great place to SUP or kayak. There are tons of jellyfish in the water (so be careful). This beach is also popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are rocks surround a small sandy beach and a place to rent kayaks and sups on the beach. There is a small parking lot as well a...
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  • Pacific Grove, California

    Relax at Lover's Point Beach

    4.8
    Getting there: Drive to the bottom of Ocean View Boulevard in Pacific Grove, California. You will reach a small parking lot. Unfortunately, the parking here is limited. On the bright side, this means the crowds never get too big! The ocean has open swells for surfers, diverse marine-life for snor...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Methuselah and El Corte De Madera Creek Loop

    6.5 mi / 1778 ft gain
    This loop hike will provide people with the opportunity to experience the tranquility of the lower canyons of the preserve, which tend to be more isolated than the heavier-trafficked trails that are closer to the main highway. Be warned that this hike is fairly strenuous because of the large amo...
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  • Pacific Grove, California

    Bike at Asilomar State Beach

    At Asilomar State Beach, adventure is accessible in many forms. I had the opportunity to rent a bike from Adventures by the Sea. Rentals start at $25, and while you are not permitted to ride along the boardwalk that leads you to the beach, you may walk your bike through the exquisite sand dunes A...
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