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Gilroy, California

Gilroy, California is a great place to explore the outdoors. From scenic trails to must-visit attractions, there is something for everyone. Popular attractions in and near the area include Gilroy Gardens and Uvas Canyon County Park. For more outdoor adventures, try the Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park and Coyote Creek Trail. No matter what your outdoor interests are, Gilroy, California has something for you.

Top Spots in and near Gilroy

  • Gilroy, California

    Redfern Pond via Hunting Hollow

    5.0
    7 mi / 1263 ft gain
    Henry W. Coe State Park, northern California's largest, provides outdoor enthusiasts with over 89,000 acres of land to explore, as well as 22,000 acres of designated wilderness area. With all of this space, the outdoor adventures are seemingly endless. We recommend a multi-day backpacking trip to...
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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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  • Morgan Hill, California

    Backpack to Mississippi Lake

    5.0
    26.4 mi / 3600 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

    Uvas Canyon Waterfall Hike

    4.0
    1.5 mi
    Uvas Canyon offers up to 6-miles of hiking trails, which includes a 1.5 mile loop, which runs along Swanson Creek and passes many of the park's waterfalls. To take short loop, head North out of the parking lot to the Swanson Creek Trail. Once you find Swanson Creek Trail, you'll be on the Waterfa...
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  • Los Gatos, California

    Mountain Bike Soquel Demonstration Forest

    11 mi / 2070 ft gain
    As with many trail systems there are multiple routes and loops available at Sequel Demonstration forest of varying lengths and difficulty. The 3 main trails are all accessed via the same parking area on highland way. The most popular trail is the all skill levels "Flow" trail, followed by two sho...
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  • Moss Landing, California

    Kayak in Elkhorn Slough

    4.7
    Elkhorn Slough is located in Moss Landing, which is in the dead center of Monterey Bay, California. Elkhorn Slough is one of California's largest wetlands and part of a National Estuarine Reserve located in central Monterey Bay, California, just a short trip from the Monterey Peninsula and the Sa...
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  • Moss Landing, California

    Whale Watching off Moss Landing

    The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is home to some of the most diverse and rich waters in our oceans, and you have the chance to see it up close and personal! The big prize is getting to see a whale, but these waters are teeming with other wildlife from dolphins to otters to sea lions.  F...
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  • Moss Landing, California

    Kayak with Humpback Whales in Monterey Bay

    5.0
    Disclaimer: Please keep a respectful distance from the whales and other sea wildlife for their protection and your own. Note, changing the animal's natural behavior is a violation of federal law.Every year, humpbacks whale migrate north from their winter and breeding grounds down in southern Mex...
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  • Aptos, California

    Hike to Nisene Marks' Maple Falls

    4.6
    8.5 mi / 900 ft gain
    As you enter the park, you'll need to pay $8 for parking via a self-pay envelope, so it's recommended that you bring exact change. At the park booth, be sure to grab a map. The hike can be a little tricky with no cell service and limited trail signage. Once you've grabbed your map, keep driving p...
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  • San Jose, California

    Explore Santa Teresa County Park

    4.5
    8.3 mi / 2053 ft gain
    The Santa Teresa County Park loop is perfect for wildlife viewing! Be ready to see deer, coyote, hawks, turkeys, pigs and cows. The trail is rated as moderate - be cautious with mud if you are visiting the park after a rain shower. Dogs are allowed in the park, but must be kept on leash.  There i...
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  • Soquel, California

    Land of Medicine Buddha Loop

    4.5
    5.74 mi / 915 ft gain
    Near the retreat, there is a short trail called "Eight Verses Pilgrimage Trail" providing people with the opportunity to meditate on thought transformation in a peaceful and picturesque outdoor setting. From there, a beautiful 6 mile loop will take you up to the top of the ridge and then back aro...
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  • Capitola, California

    Camp at New Brighton Campground

    / 0 ft gain
    This Capitola camping spot is the place to be if you're looking to do a variety of activities in a variety of landscapes. You can swim, fish, or explore the nearby forest of Monterey Pine and coastal Oak. In the evening, walk into Capitola for live music and great fish tacos.  The S.S. Palo Alto,...
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  • Capitola, California

    New Brighton Beach Trail

    0.85 mi / 112 ft gain
    New Brighton Beach Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Aptos, California.
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  • Santa Cruz, California

    Surf the Hook

    4.0
    The hook is a surf spot found on the east side of Santa Cruz, located along East Cliff drive.  If you keep driving past Pleasure Point, you'll get to it.  It's a right hand point break that is usually smaller in size than Pleasure Point.  It's a very crowded spot due to the easy access parking lo...
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  • San Jose, California

    Hike the Quicksilver Trail

    4.3
    5.1 mi / 915 ft gain
    The trails are well maintained and offer good visibility. The trail can be muddy after it rains, and does not have much shade (so bring extra water in the summer).  Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife - this trail is frequently used for bir...
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  • Santa Cruz, California

    Surf Pleasure Point

    4.0
    Pleasure Point is located on the east side of Santa Cruz, California. It is a right hand point break that breaks year round. It is a popular surf spot for many people that live in the San Francisco Bay Area.  There are 3 different peaks that break at Pleasure Point. Sewers, which is the furthest ...
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Camping and Lodging in Gilroy

Salinas / Monterey KOA
Prunedale, California

Salinas / Monterey KOA

Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
La Selva Beach, California

Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

Moss Landing KOA Express
Moss Landing, California

Moss Landing KOA Express

Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds
Pacific Grove, California

Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds

From $176 / night

Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA
Pescadero, California

Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA

Guides, Insights and Stories from Gilroy

10 Great Places To See Wildlife Near Santa Cruz

10 Great Places To See Wildlife Near Santa Cruz

Crystal Birns

4 Ways to Stay in Santa Cruz, California

4 Ways to Stay in Santa Cruz, California

Sara Sheehy

3 Ways to Fuel Your Days in Santa Cruz, California

3 Ways to Fuel Your Days in Santa Cruz, California

Sara Sheehy

A Perfect Coastal Escape for the Holidays

A Perfect Coastal Escape for the Holidays

Sara Sheehy