The best Bay Area hikes for beginners. Sign up for The Bold Italic newsletter to get the best of the Bay Area in your inbox every week. You’ll walk for miles on top of the water. These five top Bay Area hikes offer cool shade, water views and even a winery. The nine-mile Purisima Creek & Whittemore Gulch Hike, with a 1,600 feet elevation, is not for the fainthearted. You’ll find plenty of wildlife amid the low grass including ground squirrels, snakes, and tarantulas. Fall in the Bay Area is the perfect time of year to go for a hike with your dog. The Ben Lomond trail is another popular South Island trail and one of the best day walks near Queenstown. “A wonderful place to go for a flat walk with unusual perspective of the ridgelines surrounding the south Bay Area,” says Sue Kelso on Trailhiker. The trail has areas of flat path as well as steep climbing near the peak. The west side of this park is a Wildlife Sanctuary which is great for bird watching, but it also means that you’ll have to leave your dog at home. One of the great things about living in the Bay Area is that we have a variety of microclimates nearby to escape to. Arthur loves to walk. “The views from the summit? This hike isn’t about the journey, but about the destination. Passing by creeks, swaths of forest, thick understory, and interesting rock protrusions, you’ll be well intrigued on your journey toward the peak. Why you should go: Walk miles out into the bay waters on this raised path outside of Silicon Valley. So, I’m learning to adapt and typically choose short hikes in the shade. On crystal clear days you’ll be able to look down on far more than Silicon Valley. Why not change the scenery and drive down to one of the 26 open space preserves in South Bay? Many of these best day hikes of Lake Tahoe feature some of the most stunning views of Lake Tahoe. The diversity of terrain and views makes this an interesting hike across its entire length. Tam) is too big and beautiful to include one hike on the list. The hike winds through both the Muir Woods National Monument and Mount Tamalpais State Park. A quaint little gem that doesn’t see a ton of foot traffic, Coyote Hills Regional Park is an awesome marshland experience. Channels of water runoff hide large carp which look like creepy bog slugs when they breach the water’s surface, and many types of rodents call the marsh grass home. Find seclusion high on the hills where few people decide to roam among the grazing cattle. Emerald Bay is a South Lake Tahoe icon and it offers some of the best hikes in Lake Tahoe. The Seven Springs Loop Trail passes through a variety of terrains and ecosystems as it winds around elaborate estates and small wineries. You can see for miles in every direction,” says Jeff Hester on SoCal Hiker. Wildlife sanctuaries, open space preserves, and state parks adorn the city’s surrounding landscapes. Find your own spot away from the crowd and soak in the sweeping views before you. This trail is 3.4 miles one way—so enjoy the whole thing or turn around before you get too tired. It’s as simple as that. 10 Best Hikes in Mammoth Lakes, California, 11 Best Hikes Near San Francisco, California, 11 Best Hikes Near Santa Cruz, California, 14 Best Hikes at Point Reyes National Seashore. The route passes by plenty of sites of historical interest, including a historic battery that was constructed … A perpetual train of hikers can be spotted, looking like a line of marching ants, scaling the mountain’s steep switchbacks on a daily basis. San Jose has a secret. Visitors will likely spot plenty of waterfowl and other lake-loving creatures. When it comes to easy hiking trails in Lake Tahoe, you’re spoiled for choice. North Bay: Angel Island State Park. Dogs: Leashed. As seen from San Jose and its surrounding towns, Mission Peak rises above everything else in the East Bay. A long, flat walk with endless scenery, the Alviso Slough Trail in Alviso Marina County Park is a peaceful getaway that’s only minutes from downtown San Jose and all of Silicon Valley. Over 1,600 acres of undulating pastures fill the landscape of the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve. 9 miles, 800 ft elevation. Tam in one 6.4-mile hike. Escape San Francisco for a day to explore the stunning North Bay and these great hikes. Best For: A fun hike with the family. Drew Costley, SFGATE. The city is known as the heart of Silicon Valley, but it’s also home to some of the best hikes in the entire Bay Area. Montara Mountain’s North Peak summit is a fantastic sea to summit hike with Pacific Ocean views. So, without more suspense, here are, in our humble opinion, New Zealand's South Island best day hikes: 1. For those of you who plan on visiting the South Island I have designed a complete New Zealand Travel Guide featuring multiple road trip itineraries, hikes, photo locations and tips. With cooler temperatures and little threat of rain, hiking with your best friend offers a peaceful respite away from the hustle and bustle of the valley. Emerald Point Trail: Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe. This trail is currently only open on weekends and holidays. Why you should go: Hike hard toward one of the best views in the entire Bay Area. You’ll pass near a number of exquisite hillside homes and catch some awesome views of the East Bay below. Best hike for lazy people: Hong Kong Country Club to South Bay. The Cerro Cabrillo Peak trailhead is located on the east side of South Bay Boulevard inside the State Park. Filed Under: Activities, Almaden Quicksilver Park, Alum Rock Park, Dogs, Ed Levin County Park, Eye On The Bay… A serene, meandering walk along the Penitencia Creek, this trail will make for a lovely stroll with the kids and grandparents. It has plenty of options to stop for a swim, a snack, or a refreshing beverage if the mood takes you. Additional Information: Mission Peak East Bay Parks. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. Why you should go: Enjoy one of the least-challenging hikes up to high elevation views of the Bay Area. Their conservation work protects some of the Bay Area’s most precious open space, farms, and parkland. Pro tip: treat yourself at one of the many bubble tea shops in neighboring Cupertino afterwards. Prior to the shelter in place, the attraction of this preserve is certainly the Deer Hollow Farm, a working farm where visitors can come the farm animals such as goats, sheep, and cows. It was nice! This open space preserve boasts over 3,000 acres of gorgeous green hills that are sprawling with wildflowers in the spring. From towering sand dunes, to high-elevation juniper forests, to psychedelic badlands, Death Valley is a must-hike National Park for desert lovers. Why you should go: This paved trail is accessible to everyone and has an abundance of wildlife to see. The wave Cave Trail is short and sweet, a balance of easy and challenging, and has a glorious cave with a boulder that looks like a wave at the finish — hence the name. To the east, the Ohlone Wilderness appears vast, wild, and empty. The wide-open, dirt road-like trails of the Sierra Vista Boccardo Loop are easy to follow, even after dozens of cows trample through and form their own paths. If you're checking out cabins near Crater Lake National Park, this list will help you find the perfect option. While there is no shade, the consistent, cool bay breeze provides sweet heat relief. Additional Information: Coyote Hills Regional Park. While the farm is closed during this time, multiple wildlife like mountain lions, turkeys, and deers reportedly can still be spotted at Rancho. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Packed dirt rises above the shallow waters of the South Bay where an array of wildlife calls home. 3. At the top of the hike, Eagle Rock provides a wealth of different viewpoints among the many large rocks. Spoiler alert: This hike, if you choose, may end at a winery. New Zealand is one of the most amazing places to visit and hike if you love nature, outdoor activities and adventures. Peninsula/South Bay Hikes: Alamitos Creek Trail: Almaden Quicksilver County Park: Año Nuevo State Reserve: Año Nuevo State Reserve, Cascade Ranch Unit : Arastradero Preserve: ... Go to South Bay Hikes page Peninsula and South Bay: Castle Rock State Park. Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail was his first backpacking foray, and he hasn’t stopped crushing miles since. Sanborn County Park, Santa Clara, South Bay. Bay Area Hiker: Best Hikes. You’ll be treated to majestic views of Stevens Creek Reservoir before getting on the grounds of the historic Picchetti Winery. Distance: 5.8 miles. Take your bff (best furry friend) to one of these dog friendly hiking trails! Fantastic Bay Area views and more trail options are your rewards for reaching the top of this hike. For the beginner hikers, the one-mile Hunter’s Point loop, which ends at a 900-foot hilltop with views of the Santa Clara Valley, is the one for you. Over the hills on the Bayview Trail, you’ll find ducks, geese and much more swimming in the shallow waters of the south end of the San Francisco Bay. But even when the flowers aren’t blooming, the open space preserve is still worth a visit. Located in the heart of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the Sequoia Trail is a trek underneath some of the tallest trees on Earth and features a lovely waterfall. Bark Bay to Torrent Bay. If there was ever a time to get into hiking, this summer is it. Buy Best Easy Day Hikes South Bay L.A. (Best Easy Day Hikes Series): Read Kindle Store Reviews - Amazon.com I've decided to compile a selection of the best day hikes that I've done. Additional Information: Santa Teresa County Park. The 360-degree sights are world-class. And if you get fed up, you are never far from a taxi. To those walking mindlessly around the block on your conference calls, we all know that you’ve been getting your steps in everyday anyway. “This loop is regarded as one of the most beautiful hikes in the Bay Area,” says Stephen Herbert at The Outbound. Unfortunately, the winery is closed for onsite wine tasting for the time being. You’ll get a chance to spot multiple varieties of wildlife, such as the butterflies that often have been spotted in the summer, birds of prey such as eagles and hawks flying over the grasslands, and coyotes that guard the ridges. At 3,849 feet tall, this is the East Bay's highest peak, and the trail leading up to its summit is 6.8 miles long — which, of course, leaves another 6.8 miles for … See our, Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Wild turkeys abound, and you’re likely to spot some deer or snakes during your hike as well. City-dwellers need to escape the fast-paced hustle and bustle of the workweek every once in a while, and Silicon Valley programmers are no exception. Part of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, this is a popular half day hike as well. Now, if that doesn’t pique your interest, I don’t know what will. Whether you walk, jog, or bike, this trek makes for an excellent lunchtime or end-of-the-workday outdoor workout that’s away from the noise of the city. This open space preserve was originally the grounds of an old winery and farm. The New Almaden Trail winds through a dense forest comprised primarily of oak and alder as it climbs its way to the heights of Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Twin Peaks is one of the most popular hikes in San Francisco, and for good reason: the summit boasts panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Bay Area. This somewhat technical and occasionally challenging trail rewards hikers with unobstructed views of the expansive pastures and Guadalupe Reservoir. Best overall, in any season. Why you should go: Climb high above the heart of Silicon Valley. From treks that can last anything between 30 minutes, 3 days, to even 3 months! I’ve discovered a kind of hiking that just involves a long leisurely walk by rolling green hills. Why you should go: Wind through densely-forested hills that will leave you feeling far removed from the city. Miles upon miles of trails lie in wait just a short drive from downtown San Jose. Hike up the Stephen E. Abbors trail (previously called the PG&E trail) and follow the electrical towers up Black Mountain to treat yourself to views of the western foothills. A simple walk around a peaceful lake can, at times, be the most soothing activity in the world. The feeling is awe-inspiring. While the farm is closed during this time, multiple wildlife like mountain lions, turkeys, and deers reportedly can still be spotted at Rancho. Berry Creek Falls is an absolute wonder of a waterfall, and the other lesser-known falls along the trail are nearly as beautiful. The hour-plus drive from the Valley to Rancho del Oso, 30 miles south of Half Moon Bay on Highway 1, is not to be taken lightly. Numerous redwood groves and breathtaking waterfalls grace this long trek. The wide, swooping North Rim Trail leaves from the Eagle Rock parking area and slowly works its way uphill toward the ridge. One of the most popular hikes in the area, and also one of the most difficult, the trudge up to Mission Peak is a steep ascent that rewards stubborn hikers with what may be the best view of the San Francisco Bay. There’s no better time to invest in a good pair of hiking sandals than in the sunny months when we all love to be outside. I unfortunately do not make it out to the East Bay often, and I am also very guilty of not documenting many redwood trails that I have hiked in the past. Follow his adventures and stories at betterhiker.com. Best Hikes with Your Dog In the South Bay. Even on the hottest days in the South Bay, for example, it can be … (Courtesy of Tracey Myers) "McNee Ranch's Gray Whale Cove Trail has the best the Bay Area has to offer. Cowell Ranch State Beach Explore a beautiful section of the California Coastal Trail just minutes from downtown Half Moon Bay. On clear days, you can catch spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and downtown San Francisco. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. Your search for a South Bay forested escape has come to an end. Enjoy views of San Francisco and beyond as you hike one of the four loops at San Bruno. Seen in: California, California Hiking, Hike, Pacific Northwest. Starting from the town of Montara on Highway 1 south of Pacifica, you’ll climb the steep, shadeless dirt North Peak Access Road as it winds its way … This is California, after all. You’ll cross over a number of flowing streams, many with the aid of short footbridges until you climb to where the terrain becomes more rugged and the ascent steepens. Ask for the water taxi to drop you off at Bark Bay and walk back down south to Torrent Bay. Elevation Gain: 2135 feet. It is a great place to escape the summer heat and get in a cool hike. Rated as the most popular hike in the area, the Dipsea, Steep Ravine, Matt Davis Loop takes you through the best parts of Mt. They are still open for to-go wine sales, however, so nothing’s stopping you from supporting a small business and purchasing a bottle of wine for your dinner after? But don’t worry, I’m not talking about intense rock climbing or backpacking out in the wild for hours. Arthur and his wife now regularly travel into the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest seeking new trails to hike. Five of the best wildflower hikes within an easy drive of Silicon Valley. There is a ton of wildlife to see here as it is one of the last wetland refuges amidst the urban sprawl that is the Bay Area. After your hike, you deserve it. The Bayview Loop traverses most of the park. Point Reyes National Seashore: Palomarin to Alamere Falls. San Francisco Bay Area hikes along the Peninsula and in the South Bay. Waterton Canyon Trail is a 12.4-mile, out-and-back trail that follows the South Platte River to the Strontia Springs Dam near Littleton, Colorado. New Zealand’s South Island is a hiker’s paradise and this blog shows you the top 10 most amazing day hikes on the South Island of New Zealand if you are an outdoor enthusiast. Gray Whale Cove Trail in McNee Ranch looking south to Montara. Lake Chabot Loop, Castro Valley, East Bay. In fact, the North Bay is so spectacular some people feel that some of the hikes here rank among the best hikes in California. Solitude, too, will likely be found. Dating During Quarantine Has Actually Given Me Hope, How 42 Hours Locked on a Carnival Cruise Changed Me, Here Are The Winners of The Bold Italic’s 2020 Awards , What to Bake During Shutdown, According to Local Bakers, My Favorite Corner of SF: Larkin and Geary, the Outsider’s Kingdom, Apparently, Some People Are Into Living in Boutique Hotels During the Pandemic, In a Pandemic, a Kiss Is No Longer Just a Kiss. Visitors will hike along the creek, around a few percolation ponds which teem with wildlife, and past the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley in Berryessa Park. This trail may appear intimidating at first glance from the parking lot, but it is easier than it looks. This trail is well-shaded and the waterfalls provide coolings mists, making this an incredible respite from the hot California sun. Why you should go: Diverse hillside landscapes and rural estates make this an interesting hike that’s flush with eye-candy. Wildflowers and great views out over Morro Bay are the highlights of this hike. The mild Bay Area climate keeps these hiking locations accessible year-round, and many act as starting points for delving into large wilderness areas with longer trails to explore. Rising above southern San Jose in the Santa Teresa Hills, the highlights of this county park are the upland prairies which provide excellent views of downtown San Jose as well as the Almaden and Santa Clara Valleys. This trail is located within the Fremont Older Preserve, a section of land that is woven between large swaths of private property. Suburban trek is a must-hike National Park, this list will help you the! One of the Sierra Vista open space preserves in South Bay hike, with a friendly or. Way, however, will make for a swim, a section of land that is between. Civilization paved over it down on far more than Silicon Valley ’ s quite a lot to see the. 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