Novato, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Novato, California, offer top outdoor adventures. The Indian Tree Preserve is a must-visit for hikers, renowned for its scenic views and diverse vegetation. This 6.5-mile loop trail is moderately difficult, with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. The trail features a stunning array of native plants and wildlife, with a creek crossing adding to its allure. For those interested in bird watching, the Rush Creek Open Space Preserve is a prime location. The flat terrain and wetlands attract a variety of bird species. The Stafford Lake Park, set against the backdrop of Mount Burdell, offers fishing, picnicking, and disc golf. For rock climbing, Ring Mountain is the place to be, known for its unique rock formations and panoramic views of the bay. These attractions make Novato a top spot for outdoor activities.
Top Spots in and near Novato
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Oakland, California
Grizzly Peak
4.8A well-known sunset spot in the East Bay, and rightfully so - the views from Grizzly Peak are stunning. You have several pull-offs to pick from. The larger ones have logs to sit upon. The smaller pull-offs offer benches and sturdy rocks. Take your pick! You will share the sunset with some strang...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Golden Gate Park Loop
6.32 mi / 482 ft gainGolden Gate Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you past some of the best sights of the park located in the heart of San Francisco, California. Starting in the Inner Sunset, you'll head out on the loop passing Stow Lake and continuing over Crossover drive into the Outer Richmond and Outer Sunset...Read more -
Santa Rosa, California
Joe Rodota Trail
4.012.67 mi / 174 ft gainJoe Rodota Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Sebastopol, California.Read more -
Sebastopol, California
Laguna de Santa Rosa Loop Trail
4.03.95 mi / 115 ft gainLaguna de Santa Rosa Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Sebastopol, California.Read more -
Sebastopol, California
Ives Park
4.0Ives Park is the oldest park in Sebastopol, California, and is located only 2 blocks from downtown Sebastopol. The park has many picnic tables with barbecues, a baseball diamond, a playground, and a community pool. Amenities: Parking for the park is on the street surrounding the park. There is ...Read more -
Berkeley, California
Stonewall Panoramic Trail
4.51.44 mi / 663 ft gainFrom the trailhead at Stonewall Road, the 1.5-mile trail makes for an excellent before or after-work run. But the steep hills and loose ground aren’t for those looking to find an easy nature walk. The incline starts well before the Stonewall-Panoramic trailhead, so you won’t even have time to w...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Twin Peaks and Mt. Sutro Loop
4.25.26 mi / 1145 ft gainAre you thinking, hit up two of the bigger peaks in SF, what a great idea? Well, you thought right! The first mile and a half is uphill as you charge to the top of Twin Peaks. This 6% grade leads to a 460 ft elevation gain. The good news is, if it's not foggy, the views of the bay are stunning, e...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Hidden Garden Steps
4.30.1 mi / 39 ft gainThese tiles steps are ironically iconic, as they are called the "Hidden" Garden Steps. They are one of 3 tiled staircases that San Francisco is famous for. The others are the 16th Ave Tiled Steps and the Lincoln Park Steps. Tip: When calling an uber, try to get dropped off at the top of the ste...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Climb Beaver Street Wall
5.0Beaver Street Wall is one of the few places to climb in the San Francisco city limits. The 45 ft. tall wall is located in the Corona Heights neighborhood, just north west of Market St. The routes on the wall range from 5.8 to 5.12. The wall features a prominent crack up the center, which makes th...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Fairy Gates Trail
5.00.89 mi / 328 ft gainFairy Gates Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near San Francisco, California.Read more -
San Francisco, California
Corona Heights Park
5.00.65 mi / 115 ft gainCorona 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 -
San Francisco, California
Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve Loop
4.42.14 mi / 617 ft gainThe Mount Sutro Open Space hike is one of those gems that's just hiding in plain site. Most people live in San Francisco for years without ever knowing this hike even exists - which is totally fine with us. This 2+ mile loop is an easy, quick way to get back in touch with nature after a long day....Read more -
San Francisco, California
Vulcan Steps
5.00.18 mi / 79 ft gainVulcan Steps is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near San Francisco, California.Read more -
San Francisco, California
16th Avenue Tiled Steps
4.60.09 mi / 79 ft gainThe 16th Avenue Tiled Steps also known as the Moraga steps are an impressive community achievement, and an equally killer workout. Take an easy lap up the stairs to check out the amazing art, take in the views from the top, then get down to business. You'll be glad you made the trek over to this ...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Grand View Park ("Turtle Hill")
5.00.21 mi / 7 ft gainA recipe for happiness in the "cool grey city of love." To the seasoned San Franciscan there is no finer view in the Bay Area than that from San Francisco's front porch, Turtle Hill or "Grand View Park". If the North American continent / plate is a ship, then Grand View Park is the prow giving e...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Twin Peaks Loop
4.02.04 mi / 259 ft gainThere are a ton of ways to get here (and obviously that can affect the total distance) but this is starting from Clarendon. Follow along up Twin Peaks boulevard where you'll see the peaks upon your approach. Keep an eye out for traffic as there may be visitors driving toward and away from Twin Pe...Read more
