Sunnyvale, California
For the best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Sunnyvale, California, the top choice is the Stevens Creek Trail. This must-visit trail is a scenic 5-mile stretch that connects the city to the nearby Shoreline Park. It's a well-maintained path, not too difficult, perfect for a leisurely walk or a relaxing bike ride. Along the way, you'll pass by the beautiful Stevens Creek, known for its variety of bird species. Another highlight is the Heritage Park, home to a lush orchard and historical museum. For a more challenging outdoor adventure, head to the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve. It offers over 14 miles of trails with panoramic views of the Santa Clara Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Whether you're into hiking, biking, or bird-watching, these trails offer the best of Sunnyvale's outdoor attractions.
Top Spots in and near Sunnyvale
-
Redwood City, California
Crystal Springs Trail Loop
4.05.4 mi / 1227 ft gainThis is a great hike for any season of the year, with rushing streams during the winter, wildflowers in the spring, and cool, shaded canyons during the summer. Starting from near the Zwierlein Picnic area, take the Crystal Springs to the left into the redwood forest. Stay straight at the next tr...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Old Growth Redwood Loop
4.45.68 mi / 1480 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Sunol, California
Little Yosemite via Ohlone Road
5.02.17 mi / 207 ft gainLittle 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...Read more -
Emerald Hills, California
Sylvan Loop Trail
2.53 mi / 522 ft gainSylvan Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Redwood City, California.Read more -
Emerald Hills, California
Edgewood Loop
4.03.29 mi / 607 ft gainEdgewood Park and Natural Preserve rests in San Mateo County, California. The sweeping hillsides exemplify the true native flora of California, as the foundation of rock and soil is poor in nutrients. Only a few specialized native plants are adapted to live here--don't miss the unique wildflower ...Read more -
Sunol, California
Little Yosemite via Canyon View Trail
3.93.01 mi / 705 ft gainPlease 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...Read more -
Loma Mar, California
Bike Pescadero Creek County Park
5.012.5 mi / 1350 ft gainPescadero Creek County Park and the connected Sam McDonald and Memorial Park are located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains holding a vast network of secluded trails. From biking to backpacking, this area is a perfect place for a day or weekend adventure. This area also has the added bonus having r...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Cordilleras & Dusty-Footed Woodrat Loop
3.73.83 mi / 676 ft gainGetting there: exit Highway 280 at Edgewood Road, travel .75 miles east, turn left on Crestview Drive, then immediately left again on Edmonds Road. Once parked, there are several different path options through the park. All of them connect in a large loop, and return to the parking lot. The Cord...Read more -
Loma Mar, California
Camp Under the Redwoods at Memorial Park
With old growth redwoods and a creek swimming area, Memorial Park is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. Memorial Park is only a few miles east of the town of Pescadero. To get here, you can either approach from Highway 1 and drive up Pescadero Creek Road or take Highway ...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hassler Loop Trail
4.01.48 mi / 289 ft gainExperience the natural beauty of the San Francisco Peninsula on the scenic Hassler Loop Trail, a 1.5-mile moderately challenging hiking trail nestled in Redwood City's Emerald Hills neighborhood. This beloved local trail offers hikers, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers a perfect blend...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Methuselah and El Corte De Madera Creek Loop
6.5 mi / 1778 ft gainThis 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...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
Berry Creek Falls Loop (Closed)
4.810 mi / 2310 ft gainUnfortunately, this trail is closed due to a past fire. See CA.Gov for updates on trails in Big Basin. Nestled 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 throu...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 -
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
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
