Outbound Collective logo

Hayward, California

Looking for the best hiking in Hayward? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Hayward. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Hayward

  • Orinda, California

    Wildcat Peak Loop

    4.0
    5.89 mi / 1050 ft gain
    From Inspiration Point, head toward Nimitz gate. Once you pass through the gate, keep an eye out for Curran Trailhead; this is the trail you'll be starting on. After about 1/8 of a mile, you'll reach a junction with the Meadows Canyon Trail. Turn right onto this trail to continue the loop. This p...
    Read more
  • Berkeley, California

    Wildcat Peak via Nimitz Way

    4.7
    4.16 mi / 459 ft gain
    Tilden Park is a beautiful recreational area with scenic hiking trails, a swimming lake, small animal farm, a steam train and botanical gardens. The versatility of this park makes it very family and kid friendly, and those who are looking for a moderate hike within the park have almost forty mile...
    Read more
  • Livermore, California

    Condor, Volvan, Stone Corral, Coyote Loop

    4.5
    4.38 mi / 620 ft gain
    This regional preserve is perfect for day hikes. There are also designated campsites and even a backpack campsite. Horses and dogs are welcome in the preserve. There are many different clearly marked trails that one can choose from. A good 4.5 mile loop is to start at the Park Residence entrance...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Bernal Heights Park

    4.7
    0.95 mi / 128 ft gain
    Bernal Heights Park is an excellent week night adventure for those who need an escape from the city. Sit atop this small, grassy peak in peace and look out over the San Francisco skyline. Park on the street bordering the park and follow a pathway that leads up to the top. You will be instantly g...
    Read more
  • Clayton, California

    Hike Mt. Diablo

    4.4
    13 mi / 3323 ft gain
    Mt. Diablo has some of the most expansive views in California, despite it's relatively low peak elevation. It played a large role in the surveying the Bay Area during its early discovery. Getting There: To get to the staging area, take Interstate 80 to I-680 to Highway 4. Exit at Railroad Bouleva...
    Read more
  • Kensington, California

    Tilden Little Farm

    4.0
    First make sure to stop at the store and stock up on fresh lettuce and celery for the animals. Your kids (or just the kid in you) will love to feed them! Note that they're only allowed to eat lettuce and celery, so don't try to feed them your own snacks or get creative. ;) If you want to make it...
    Read more
  • Clayton, California

    Hike the Waterfalls of Mount Diablo Loop Trail

    5.0
    6 mi / 1627 ft gain
    Winter and spring rains create scenic waterfalls in this hike at Mount Diablo, the East Bay's signature peak. Be careful hiking immediately post-rain, watch for slippery sections of mud. The trail is moderately difficult and is used by hikers, walking groups, trail runners, and for nature trips. ...
    Read more
  • Daly City, California

    San Bruno Mountain

    4.0
    3.63 mi / 781 ft gain
    San Bruno Mountain is a fun, mellow hike that climbs easily on a well-graded path to the ridge line, and then drops back to the trailhead. Along the way, the trail runs along a creek, ascends through chaparral, and provides excellent views of downtown San Francisco, the East Bay hills, and the Sa...
    Read more
  • Redwood City, California

    Hike the Crystal Springs Trail Loop

    5.6 mi / 1300 ft gain
    This 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 tra...
    Read more
  • Palo Alto, California

    Hike the Arastradero Preserve Loop

    3.0
    4.5 mi / 600 ft gain
    Getting There: From Hwy 280, take the Page Mill Road exit and head West on Page Mill Road, away from Downtown Palo Alto (if you're taking 101, exit on Oregon Expressway). Then turn right on Arastradero Road. There will be a small sign indicating the dirt parking lot on the eastern side of the str...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Glen Canyon Park Trail

    5.0
    1.76 mi / 394 ft gain
    Glen Canyon Park Trail is a loop most commonly used for running or hiking in the southwestern side of San Francisco, California. Parking for the loop is street parking, so be sure to take any valuables out of the car with you.  Note: There are restrooms available at the Glen Canyon Recreation Ce...
    Read more
  • Woodside, California

    Hike through Wunderlich County Park

    5.0
    4.5 mi / 1400 ft gain
    Located in the iconic Silicon Valley town of Woodside, Wunderlich County Park offers a number of hiking trails as well as some horseback riding trails through the wilderness.  Once in the parking lot, you will see a number of stables, riding ring, as well as a beautiful historic stable that was o...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Corona Heights Park

    5.0
    0.65 mi / 115 ft gain
    Corona Heights Park is a park located north of the Castro and South of Buena Vista Park. The peak of the hill is windy, but it offers an unobstructed panoramic view of the city of San Francisco from downtown to Twin Peaks. It is perfect for taking panoramic pictures of San Francisco at night. Y...
    Read more
  • Redwood City, California

    Hike Whittemore Gulch at Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP

    4.0
    9.3 mi / 2109 ft gain
    This trail starts out going downhill towards the ocean for the first half, which makes for a tough end to the hike as you trek back up the ridge.  However, there are nice ocean and hilltop views that are worth the climb. On this trail, you'll pass 60+ banana slugs if conditions are right. They ar...
    Read more
  • Redwood City, California

    Hike Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP

    4.6
    7 mi
    There are two places to park for this specific loop- the main parking area on Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and a smaller parking lot on the western end of the park. I would recommend parking at whichever is closest. Find directions to both on Openspace.org. From the main parking lot, the trail ...
    Read more
  • San Bruno, California

    Sweeney Ridge via Sneath Lane

    4.5
    3.88 mi / 646 ft gain
    Starting from the parking lot on Sneath Lane Trail, you’ll head through the gate and continue on the path up Sweeney Ridge. This is a 5.7 mile out-and-back trek. There is a 600 ft. elevation gain, which comes mainly in the first 1.5 miles of the trail. Your legs and lungs may hurt a bit, but if t...
    Read more