Sunol, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Sunol, California, offer top-notch scenic views and outdoor adventures. One must-visit is the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, a challenging 28-mile hiking trail that boasts a variety of natural features. As you hike, you'll encounter beautiful landscapes filled with rolling hills, oak trees, and abundant wildlife. The trail also offers stunning views of the San Antonio Reservoir and the Livermore Valley. For a shorter hike, the Little Yosemite area offers a 2-mile trail alongside a creek, with small waterfalls and large boulders. Other outdoor activities in and near Sunol include fishing in the Alameda Creek and bird watching, with over 100 species of birds reported. Remember to pack your hiking boots and binoculars for the best experience.
Top Spots in and near Sunol
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Ross, California
Phoenix Lake Loop
4.52.85 mi / 518 ft gainEnjoy the peacefulness of making it out to the lake for a quick hike without worrying too much about challenging climbs or difficult terrain. Take the wide fire road from the car uphill and then jump on the Phoenix Lake Trail. From here, you’ll combine this trail with the Gertrude Orr and Bill Wi...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Steep Ravine Cabins
5.0Although these cabins are bare bones, lacking both water and electricity, they couldn't put you in a better spot for views of the Pacific Ocean. From your cabin, you can enjoy amazing sunsets, possibly whale watching, and access to trails like the cabin's namesake, Steep Ravine Trail. The cabins...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Steep Ravine Environmental Campground
5.0Gain access through a private locked gate, and descend about 1 mile down to the bluff's edge. There is only parking for 1 car per site and also several cabins that can be rented. A camp host is on site and there are bathrooms and water spigots throughout the campground. Each site has a fire ring...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Lighthouse Field State Beach
4.0This beach is less crowded compared to other beaches in Santa Cruz. I got there early on a Saturday and found easy street parking. There was plenty of space to spread out on the soft sand. Later in the day I saw dolphins several times! This is close to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. It’s al...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Old Landing Cove
5.02.39 mi / 161 ft gainOld Landing Cove Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Santa Cruz, California. The Old Landing Cove Trail, located in Wilder Ranch State Park near Santa Cruz, California, is a picturesque 2.4-mile loop trail offering easy hiking and walking with stunning coas...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Trojan Point
4.70.28 mi / 30 ft gainThe endlessly scenic Trojan Point can be reached by taking the Panoramic Highway to Pantoll road from Stinson Beach to the west, or Mill Valley / Highway 1 to the east. It can also be reached by taking West Ridgecrest Boulevard from the north from the Fairfax-Bolinas road. Park at the large par...Read more -
Marin County, California
Mt. Tam's East Ridge
5.0This road provides one of the most scenic views of the pacific from north of the Golden Gate. It's a little bit of a windy drive or ride along Highway 1 or Panoramic Highway (depending on which way you choose) to get to East Ridgecrest. But, if you remembered to pack a picnic, brought your friend...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Cataract Trail Loop
4.58.7 mi / 1670 ft gainDuration: 3.5-4 hour hike at a moderate to quick pace with a short break for lunch. Starting at an elevation of 1989ft and maxing at 2001ft, you achieve 1428 of elevation gain through a beautiful peak and valley hike. From the free Rock Springs Parking Area, the basic trailheads to follow along...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Rock Climbing The Egg
5.0Once you've seen The Egg, you'll understand where it gets its name. This giant, egg shaped boulder near Stinson Beach provides about a dozen routes ranging from 5.6-5.12c. There is no trad climbing, only top rope and sport.You'll find all the easier slab routes on the eastern face. These are perf...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Surf Four Mile Beach
4.0Four Mile is a reef/point break that is a couple of miles north of town. This spot usually picks up more swell than in town so it is a popular spot for many locals to surf. When the swell picks up, it offers long rights towards the beach. The current can be strong when there is a lot of swell in ...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Natural Bridges to Lighthouse Field
3.53.92 mi / 174 ft gainThis is a paved trail that can be used for hiking, jogging, or walking. It offers over 2 miles of beautiful California coast. Walk through flowers, see the jagged cliffs, and of course the lighthouse at the end! This walk can be done from either direction. Start at Natural Bridges and head We...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Rock Climbing Mickey's Beach
3.5Mickey's Beach is a great spot for experienced climbers to challenge themselves. The west face of the main rock is home to some local favorites like Sex Porpoises (12c), named for the apparently promiscuous local marine life. There are only a couple routes rated as 5.10s, the rest are mostly 5.12...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve Loop
5.00.66 mi / 30 ft gainMonarch Butterfly Natural Preserve Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Santa Cruz, California.Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Surf at Natural Bridges State Beach
4.5Natural Bridges is off of West Cliff Drive to the north of popular Santa Cruz break, Steamer Lane. The break is a right point break, which breaks on a rocky shelf and reef. The break is best during sizable swells (NW, SW, and West) and a low tide. Be sure to check the wind, this break gets blown ...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Natural Bridges State Beach
4.3Natural Bridges State Beach is a wonderful place to photograph located in Santa Cruz off of West Cliff Drive. This is a great place to practice long exposure photography to capture awesome water movement as it passes through the "Natural Bridge" formation. The best time to shoot this spot is at ...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Natural Bridges' Monarch Grove
3.6The park's Monarch Grove provides a temporary home for thousands of Monarchs. From late fall into winter they make this their home and if you time it perfectly you can see them in clusters in the trees. When you reached the Natural Bridges State Park, on the right of the Visitors Center you'll ...Read more
