Stanford, California
Stanford Dish Loop is a top hiking trail in Stanford, California. This 3.7-mile loop offers scenic views of the Stanford campus, Silicon Valley, and the San Francisco Bay. The trail is moderately difficult with some steep inclines and descents. It's known for its large satellite dish and wildlife spotting, including deer and birds. For a more challenging hike, head to Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. It's a must-visit for its 360-degree views from the summit. The trail is 7.2 miles and features a variety of landscapes, from dense forests to open grasslands. Here, you'll encounter creeks, a waterfall, and unique rock formations. Stanford's outdoor adventures aren't limited to hiking. The Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, near Stanford, is perfect for bird watching, kayaking, and photography.
Top Spots in and near Stanford
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Mill Valley, California
Miwok, Coyote Ridge and Coastal Trail Loop
5.05.97 mi / 1191 ft gainMiwok, Coyote Ridge and Coastal Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Mill Valley, California.Read more -
Richmond, California
Hike the Wildcat Canyon Loop
4.010.5 mi / 2300 ft gainStarting off on Wildcat Creek Trail, the trail is wide and rolling. After about 4 miles make a left on Jewel Trail, then onto Sylvan Trail. Another left puts you on Wildcat Peak Trail. Be sure to check your map, as many trails intersect here. Wildcat Peak Trail runs into Nimitz Way, at which poin...Read more -
Muir Beach, California
Pirate's Cove
5.03.43 mi / 856 ft gainThe Pirate's Cove Trail offers an enchanting 1.7-mile (one-way) coastal hike to a secluded beach cove near Muir Beach, California. This moderately challenging trail rewards hikers with stunning Pacific Ocean views, diverse coastal vegetation, and access to one of Marin County's most picturesque...Read more -
Muir Beach, California
Bonfire at Muir Beach
5.0Take in a scenic sunset and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on the beach! Muir Beach changes the number of fire pits it has seasonally. May through November, the beach offers 6 fire pits, and in the colder months (December through April), there are 3 fire pits on the beach toward the south end of t...Read more -
Morgan Hill, California
Backpack to Coit Lake
5.026 miThis 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...Read more -
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 -
Tiburon, California
Bouldering at Ring Mountain
0.5 mi / 400 ft gainItching to climb outdoors near San Francisco? With only a quick drive from the city, Ring Mountain is a beautiful nature preserve overlooking the city of San Francisco offering two main rock formations, Turtle Rock (Pictured) and Split Rock. Split Rock is the slabby rock south of the parking ar...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop via Coastal Trail
5.010.12 mi / 2021 ft gainDipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop via Coastal Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Sausalito, California.Read more -
Muir Beach, California
Muir Beach Overlook
4.9The Muir Beach Overlook is one of the most convenient spots to take in an amazing view of the entire coastline, and one of the best places to catch a dramatic sunset. It’s conveniently located one mile north of Muir Beach and parking is easy. It’s a 5 minute walk down the trail to the Overlook. O...Read more -
Muir Beach, California
Owl Trail
5.02.06 mi / 390 ft gainThe Owl Trail runs between Slide Ranch and the Muir Beach Overlook and is a great way to take in the breathtaking views, flora and fauna of the Northern California coast. The easiest way to access the trail is to park at the Muir Beach Overlook and to take the trail down to Slide Ranch and then...Read more -
Richmond, California
Point Molate Beach Park
The beach park is very small but has sand along the shore for water access. Along the small cliffs of the beach there are picnic tables and grills for a nice cookout and family picnic. This beach would also be a great place for kayaking or standup paddle boarding as it is fairly secluded and away...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Dias Ridge
5.06.09 mi / 968 ft gainDias Ridge is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Sausalito, California.Read more -
Corte Madera, California
Ring Mountain Loop
4.02.65 mi / 597 ft gainRing Mountain Open Space is an easy but uphill trail that take you to the top where you can explore more trails. Take the 101 exit for Paradise Dr in Corte Madera, follow the road, and park on the side of the road once you pass Westward Dr. Even though there are many places to start the trail fo...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Homestead Open Space Big Loop
5.02.48 mi / 709 ft gainHomestead Open Space Big Loop is a moderately trafficked loop trail located near Mill Valley, California.Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Bootjack Trail Loop
6.29 mi / 1634 ft gainBootjack Trail Loop goes through both Muir Woods National Monument and Mt. Tamalmpais State Park is located near Mill Valley, California. With the starting point for this hike at the entrance to Muir Woods, there will be an entry fee to enter the national monument (click here for more details). ...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
