Los Altos Hills, California
If you're looking for the best trails and outdoor activities in Los Altos Hills, California, the Rancho San Antonio Preserve is a must-visit. This scenic spot offers over 24 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. As you navigate the paths, you'll be treated to views of sprawling meadows, dense forests, and the iconic Deer Hollow Farm. For a unique outdoor adventure, try the Wildcat Loop Trail, where you'll pass by a captivating rock formation known as the 'Goat Rock'. Nearby, the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve offers more hiking and equestrian trails, with vistas of vineyards and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Whether you're into hiking, horseback riding, or simply enjoying the outdoors, Los Altos Hills has something to offer.
Top Spots in and near Los Altos Hills
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Pacifica, California
Rockaway Beach
5.0Rockaway is a dark sandy beach located in the south of Pacifica, CA. It has numerous hiking trails around it, most notably Mori Point. The Mori Point trail will take you through the hills and overlooks Rockaway Beach. There are paths to come down to the beach. There are biking paths and park...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Milagra Overlook Trail
5.02.51 mi / 558 ft gainFound this hike with some friends after spending some time googling in my car when we were in the area looking for a quick hike with a view! Dog friendly Free parking (but quite limited) Ocean views Known to have gorgeous wildflower blooms (we were not there during this)Porta-potty type toilet...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Hike the Rincon Fire Trail
5.01 mi / 300 ft gainThe Rincon Fire Trail Starts at a small dirt parking lot next to CA-9 and traverses down the mountain to the San Lorenzo River Connecting with the Pipeline Trail. The trail can be a simple one of a mile out and back or up to 5 miles depending on your preference. The elevation will change by about...Read more -
Los Gatos, California
Mountain Bike Soquel Demonstration Forest
11 mi / 2070 ft gainAs 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...Read more -
Davenport, California
Beach Picnic at Shark Fin Cove
4.3Shark Fin Cove is a large rock formation in an inlet off Highway 1 in Northern California. It is located 1 mile south of Davenport and 10 miles north of Santa Cruz. There is a sizable parking lot located on the side of Highway 1 to park in. Walk down the path left of the parking lot and cross the...Read more -
San Francisco, California
San Francisco Crosstown Trail
5.016.71 mi / 1975 ft gainThe San Francisco Crosstown Trail runs point-to-point from Candlestick Point to Land End. The SF Crosstown Trail officially opened in 2014. It connects park trails to neighborhoods and communities. In it's in entirety it's almost 17 miles long with 5 Sections available for those looking to bre...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Picnic at Sharp Park Beach
4.0A medium size beach with darker sand with big rocks and a paved path for walkers and joggers. The beach is a great place to bring a picnic and watch the sunset. It is located next to Pacifica Pier, which is popular for fishing.Read more -
Pacifica, California
Fish at Pacifica Pier
5.0This is a great place for fishing or just taking a walk to watch the sunset. It's a great place to walk or jog, or even bring a pup! There are lot of people fishing throughout the pier. A short walk away is Sharp Park Beach, where you can relax and bring a picnic to watch the sunset.Read more -
Livermore, California
Hike the East Shore Trail Loop
3.7 mi / 1040 ft gainThis hike is best done during the spring, fall, or winter when moderate temperatures make the hike more comfortable. Be warned that this hike has a large elevation change despite being less than 4 miles. Starting at the Arroyo Road Staging Area, take the East Shore Trail east, heading towards a s...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Explore Panther Beach
4.5Panther Beach's white sand, clear water, and interesting rock formations make it one of the most stunning beaches along this stretch of CA1. But this is a hidden gem for a reason - there are no signs along CA1 for Panther Beach. You need to keep you eyes peeled for cars parked along the side of t...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Photographing the Sunset at Panther Beach
5.0Probably my favorite beach in the Santa Cruz area. Panther Beach lies just south of Davenport along the beautiful Hwy 1. Park at a large dirt pull out on the left hand side if your heading north from Santa Cruz. The trail down to the beach is steep and not that well maintained so watch your step....Read more -
Daly City, CaliforniaSan Bruno Mountain
4.03.63 mi / 781 ft gainSan 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 -
Mount Hamilton, California
Stargaze at Lick Observatory
3.8Hop on Road 130 heading out of San Jose and follow the winding two lane road up, up, up to to the top of Mt. Hamilton and the Lick Observatory. There are lots of deer, wild turkey, and pigs in the area. If you are lucky you will get to see a herd of deer grazing in a meadow. But be careful that y...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Bayview Hill Loop
4.01.24 mi / 184 ft gainBayview Hill Loop is a loop trail that starts with a paved uphill climb and views of the bay facing toward the East Bay located in the Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco, California.Read more -
Livermore, California
Hike to Murietta Falls
4.012 mi / 4175 ft gainGet ready for one of the toughest, lung busting hikes in the east bay with over 6-miles and 4,000ft of climbing in one direction. When you make it to the hike, it's also important to realize that without recent rain, there many not actually be a waterfall. With that said, you're still getting in ...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Photograph the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum
5.0No matter the time you'll decide to visit the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, you'll have thousands of interesting plants and birds to see and watch. The Arboretum is located on the west side of UCSC campus, between the main campus entrance and the west entrance. Parking is 5$ for adults and 2$ for chil...Read more
