Altogether we’ve spent three years living in San Jose and we’ve made a point to get out and hike as many parks and trails as we can. There is just something special to be able to get out there and take a deep breath of fresh air. We love how close of access we have to such locations despite being in a large city. The bay area offers great options and maybe one of the widest ranges of nature in the country and it’s all very accessible (by car). We’ve gathered a list of 39 of our favorite scenic bay area hikes and parks within just a couple hours of our home in San Jose to share with you. We’ve still got a few spots we’re going to keep to ourselves, but we want to share with you just some of the great spots we’ve discovered.
Hikes from the South Bay – 39 Scenic Bay Area Hikes
For those who have never given hiking a try, we really encourage you to get out and try it. It is one of our favorite things to do and it really opens up the whole world. You can check out a more in-depth explanation to why we love hiking here. But with these scenic bay area hikes, you’ll hardly need any more reason.
When hiking, you’ll also be apt to need to carry a pack with you. Why? Well, hikes can get pretty long, and you’ll want to carry a snack or at least some water. But it is also important to carry supplies with you, just in case something goes wrong. We have a created a great guide to help you choose the right pack.
* There’s so much variety in each park, we couldn’t simply list the details to every trail in each park – so we’ve gathered the overall stats for the park as a whole. If it says that there is 30+ miles of trail, that doesn’t mean a single trail is that long. Happy trails!
South Bay
Alviso County Park & Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
- Location: South Bay Salt Ponds
- Trails: 9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 72 feet
- Best Season: All Seasons
- Best For: Bird Watching and Wetland Wildlife
It is easy to forget that this quaint little area exists, but it’s worth taking the time to wander. Salt ponds and marshes are home to numerous birds and wildlife along the shores of San Francisco Bay. The trails are flat and very easy to enjoy, just remember to bring a light jacket as the wind can pick up pretty quick. Also pretty Instagram-friendly. Most of the bay shore is inaccessible, but here you can get right down to the water.
Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space
- Location: Los Gatos
- Trails: 10.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: <500 feet
- Best Season: Winter / Spring
- Best For: Quiet hiking and horseback riding in new growth redwoods
Formerly the remains of a logging venture and then later a theologian college, this 1,400-acre preserve was only accessible via permit. It is scheduled to reopen to the public however in the spring of 2019, where visitors can explore new growth redwoods and ponds in a quiet and hilly refuge. We loved discovering the ruins of old buildings intermingled between the dense forest.
Belgatos Park & Heintz Open Space
- Location: Los Gatos
- Trails: 2.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: < 300 feet
- Best Season: Spring / Autumn
- Best For: Quick hikes and exercise / Fresh air / Mountain biking
Nestled on the edge of a residential area just a few minutes drive from our apartment, we love that we can get in a quick hike that offers spectacular views of the bay area. The parks are separate but connect to each other via a loop trail at the top of the hill. The park is chapparal but borders on the edge of Sierra Azul Open Space so large oaks and pine encroach on the area. There is also an exciting mountain bike path.
Castle Rock State Park
- Location: Santa Cruz Mountains
- Trails: 32 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,530 feet (Saratoga Gap Trail 9 miles)
- Best Season: Spring / Autumn
- Best For: Hiking / Rock climbing
Popular with hikers and climbers, Castle Rock offers a lot to see and do. The big destination here is Goat Rock which is a large rock with caves inside and a stunning view. If you come in the spring or after a winter storm, you’ll be treated with a large waterfall descending into the Santa Cruz mountains.
Guadalupe Oak Grove Park
- Location: South San Jose
- Trails: 3.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: <200 feet
- Best Season: Winter / Spring
- Best For: Casual hiking / Wildlife spotting
A recent find for us, this small park nestled in the south of San Jose brings a nice respite to suburbia. The site of an old stone quarry, the park showcases fields with large oaks, and a few large hills providing great views of the south bay. If you come during a quiet time such as after a rain, you may catch sight of coyotes, bobcats, hares, deer, woodpeckers, and owls.
Fremont Older Open Space Preserve: Maisies’s Peak
- Location: Cupertino
- Trails: 14 miles
- Elevation Gain: 900 feet
- Best Season: Spring / Autumn
- Best For: Panoramic views
Finding the trailhead was a little difficult for us, but we loved the quick rise through the forest and coming out on the hilltop. On clear days, you can see San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland from Maisie’s Peak. Parts of the park are also very popular with horseback riders, and those who are interested will be happy to find an archery range scattered along the trails.
Lexington Reservoir & Los Gatos Creek Trails
- Location: Los Gatos
- Trails: 8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
- Best Season: Winter / Spring
- Best For: Ridge trails / Boating
One of the larger reservoirs in the south bay, Lexington Reservoir is a popular spot to drop in a boat and enjoy a day on the lake. Recent droughts have made this more difficult depending on the time of year, but numerous trails rise up into the surrounding mountains and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. For the ambitious, you can even hike to Mount Umunhum from the reservoir.
Mount Umunhum: Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
- Location: South San Jose
- Trails: 3.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,150 feet (3,486 elevation at peak)
- Best Season: Spring / Autumn / Winter
- Best For: Peak hikes / Panoramic views / Historical & cultural immersion
Once the site of an airforce radar tower, the building became dilapidated from lack of use and became an enigma, visible from all over, but not open to the public. Recent renovations have now installed a trail to the top, that also passes through a cultural area honoring the Ohlone tribe’s historical claim to their sacred mountain. Umunhum means ‘hummingbird’ in Ohlone, and chances are that you’ll catch a glimpse of a few of these feathered wonders.
New Almaden Quicksilver County Park
- Location: South San Jose
- Trails: 37 miles hiking / 30 miles equestrian / 16.6 miles mountain biking
- Elevation Gain: 2,043 (New Almaden Trail)
- Best Season: Autumn / Winter / Spring
- Best For: Hiking / Equestrian / Biking
Named for the Almaden mercury mines in Spain, New Almaden became the most active mercury mine in the New World. While operations have long since ceased, remnants of the mines remain and a free museum displays the history of the area. With numerous trails to take, we have visited the park multiple times and are always able to see something new along the trails. Just be careful during the summer, because it gets hot.
Santa Teresa County Park
- Location: South San Jose
- Trails: 17 miles
- Elevation Gain: 705 feet
- Best Season: Spring / Autumn / Winter
- Best For: Panoramic Views / Short intense hiking
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Just a few minutes down the road from us, Santa Teresa became our go-to hiking spot when we needed to get outdoors quickly. A quick out-and-back to Coyote Peak is surprisingly one of the most scenic bay area hikes that we’ve found. The park is mostly exposed rolling hills, but there are a few patches wooded area to provide some shade. The park is also a popular area for horseback riding.
Uvas Canyon County Park
- Location: South San Jose
- Trails: 10.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,881 (Uvas Canyon Waterfalls Loop)
- Best Season: Winter / Spring
- Best For: Waterfalls
A very enjoyable park to visit, a stream meanders along the trail providing multiple waterfalls year-round. While the water will be higher after rains, you can rest assured that you will always find the gurgling of water here. The park had been closed due to damages following the 2016 winter season but has recently reopened to the public with new facilities and restored paths.
Santa Cruz
Big Basin & West Waddell State Park and Wilderness
- Location: Santa Cruz Mountains
- Trails: 87.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
- Best Season: All Seasons
- Best For: Old growth redwoods / Waterfalls
Easily one of our favorite parks in all the bay area, Big Basin is the place to go to see old growth redwoods. With many miles of trails, waterfalls, and absolutely enormous trees, you might just need multiple visits to take it all in – we know we did! A large visitors’ center, concessions stand and gift shop, camping, and more makes you think that this is a national park when it really isn’t. Just remember to bring a jacket, even in the summer, the valley remains chilly underneath thousand-year-old trees.
Forest of Nisene Marks
- Location: Santa Cruz
- Trails: 30 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,600 feet
- Best Season: Spring / Early Summer
- Best For: Off the beaten path trails / Waterfalls / Creek hikes
With Maple Falls the highlight destination of the park, we walked through a serene forest weaving through rocks, river, and more to get there. The falls were cold but also offered a home to little salamanders swimming around in the water with us. The park is secluded and not as heavily trafficked as other trails in the area. Due to the rugged terrain, it didn’t suffer as must logging in the past, and the forest remains more original than other valleys.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park & Fall Creek Unit
- Location: Scott’s Valley
- Trails: 20 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,837 (Fall Creek Loop)
- Best Season: All Seasons (Spring for waterfalls)
- Best For: Waterfalls / Old growth redwood / Historical heritage
Another park with great year-round falls. Settled deep into the Santa Cruz mountains, we find the air refreshing and completely devoid of the sounds of civilization. For those looking to escape the noise of everyday life, this is a great spot. But the park was also once the site of an active logging venture, and today is home to a historic village, the Roaring Camp, where you can ride a train through the woods, visit an old-timey candy shop, or enjoy a day in the late 1800s.
Land of Medicine Buddha
- Location: Santa Cruz
- Trails: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 961 feet
- Best Season: All Seasons
- Best For: Redwoods / Meditative hiking
This Buddhist retreat offers a truly unique hiking experience. Visitors are requested to be quiet for those enjoying the meditation center, but it’s easy to not break the silence while wandering amongst the Tibetan Buddhist shrines. The trail loops through the forest, with various shrines and stop points prompting hikers to take a moment for introspection. The trails also connect to the Forest of Nisene Marks for those who would like to venture deeper into the woods.
Pogonip Creek
- Location: Santa Cruz
- Trails: 11.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 226 feet
- Best Season: All Seasons
- Best For: Prairies and new growth redwood
Wandering through the lower campus area of the University of California Santa Cruz, the park offers a rapidly changing landscape. We loved that we were able to get wide open prairies, dense redwood forests, and cascading waterfalls in just a few miles of trails. And to top it all off, splendid views of Monterey Bay are present throughout much of the trail.
Peninsula
El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve
- Location: Woodside
- Trails: 36 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,256 feet
- Best Season: All Seasons
- Best For: Hiking / Mountain biking
Popular with mountain bikers, hikers will also find many big trees wandering through the mountains. We loved the fresh air, as well as the tree swing we found off the side of a trail.
Lands End & Sutro Baths
- Location: San Francisco
- Trails: 3.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 534 feet
- Best Season: All Seasons
- Best For: Coastal hike
Located at the tip of the peninsula, Lands End provides great sweeping views of the Pacific, the Golden Gate Bridge, and wind-gnarled trees. The trail is very popular amongst locals and is a great escape to nature right in bustling San Francisco.
Mori Point
- Location: Pacifica
- Trails: 9.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 396 feet
- Best Season: All Seasons
- Best For: Coastal hikes / Wave watching
Just a little south of San Francisco, Mori Point offers grand views of Pacifica and of huge waves breaking against the cliff sides. For those who wish to wander along the seaside and perhaps spot some wildlife, this is a great spot to choose.
Pescadero Creek Park
- Location: Loma Mar
- Trails: 16.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,335 feet
- Best Season: All Seasons
- Best For: Redwoods / Creek / Wildflowers
Another lovely park with a year-round stream flowing through. You won’t get any huge waterfalls, but the humble stream has its own charms.
Portola Redwoods State Park
- Location: Loma Mar
- Trails: 18 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet
- Best Season: All Seasons
- Best For: Redwoods / Creek
Nestled deep in the Santa Cruz mountains, Portola Redwoods offers a great view of new growth redwood alongside some old growth. There are a few streams that run year-round and numerous short trails that are great for kids. The park also has a nice visitor center and a campground that is geared towards families who want to experience what the forest has to offer.
Purisma Creek Redwoods Open Space
- Location: Woodside
- Trails: 16 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet
- Best Season: All Seasons
- Best For: New growth redwoods / Creek
The fresh clean air of Purisma Creek hits you instantly when you walk among the trees. We love that the trail follows the creek along the majority of the trail. You’ll be best rewarded if you go after a rain, but the water will still be flowing year-round.
Twin Peaks
- Location: San Francisco
- Trails: 1.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 597 feet
- Best Season: All Seasons
- Best For: Panoramic views
Arguably the best views of San Francisco can be had here at Twin Peaks. Two hills rise above the city and provide 360º views of the city and bay. When the fog isn’t around, you can clearly see the bridges, San Francisco, Marin, Oakland, Alcatraz, and the ocean. Just be sure to bring a jacket as the wind can really pick up.
Russian Ridge Open Space
- Location: La Honda
- Trails: 4.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 902 feet
- Best Season: Spring / Autumn / Winter
- Best For: Sweeping Vistas
Riding along the Skyline Blvd, Russian Ridge opens up to spectacular views and vistas of the Santa Cruz mountains. Unlike much of the surrounding area, there are large breaks in the forest, providing open fields to gaze from, before diving back into the woods.
North Bay
Golden Gate National Recreation Area & Marin Headlands
- Location: Marin
- Trails: 100+ miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
- Best Season: All Seasons
- Best For: Coastal hikes / Ruins / Vistas
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is absolutely enormous. There is plenty to keep on occupied, whether you’re exploring the coastal views, wandering through the ruins of abandoned Nike Missle batteries from the cold war, or checking out lighthouses. The windswept hills offer a serene view of the north bay. The area is less developed than other parks in a certain sense, and you’ll be more apt to wander through the acres than follow a distinct path or trail.
Mount Tamalpais
- Location: Mill Valley
- Trails: 60 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,571 feet
- Best Season: Spring / Summer / Autumn
- Best For: Peak hike / Waterfalls / Redwoods
The most prominent mountain in the north bay, Mount Tamalpais offers numerous trails including the ever-popular Dipsea Trail. Here, the climate is a little wetter than the rest of the bay area, so you’ll find more green than elsewhere no matter the season. It also conveniently connects to Muir Woods and other parks in the area.
Muir Woods National Monument
- Location: Mill Valley
- Trails: 2.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 144 feet
- Best Season: All Seasons
- Best For: Old growth redwoods / Families
If you only have a short time in the bay area and really want to check out some old growth redwood, then Muir Woods is the spot to be. The secluded valley floor is paved and well-maintained giving visitors the perfect opportunity to see some of the largest trees on Earth. The park does get crowded early though, so be sure to reserve a parking space and get in early. The main loop is rather short, but there are several trails that lead out of the park into Mount Tamalpais, allowing you to get some very diverse and scenic bay area hikes under your belt.
Point Reyes National Seashore
- Location: Point Reyes
- Trails: 28.5
- Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
- Best Season: All Seasons
- Best For: Seal Spotting / Whale Watching / Coastal Hike
Located far up on the northern edge of the bay area, Point Reyes is a massive yet sparsely populated area that offers arguably the some of the most scenic bay area hikes. The shores and cliffs are completely exposed but offer refuge to numerous elk, as well as elephant seals. If you visit during the right season, you’ll be able to catch the spouts of migrating grey whales just off the coast.
East Bay
Alum Rock
- Location: East San Jose
- Trails: 13 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1000 feet
- Best Season: Spring / Autumn
- Best For: Vista views / History
A rather old park, founded in 1872, this is a good place to both hike and learn more about the history of the area. Mineral springs and stonework grottos are both features of the park which is also dotted with picnic areas. For those who want to change in elevation, you can hike up one of several trails that will take you to Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve.
Las Trampas
- Location: San Ramon
- Trails: 9.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
- Best Season: Spring / Autumn / Winter
- Best For: Earthquake hikes
While most of the east bay tends to be on the drier side, you’ll find plenty of greenery in Las Trampas. The park sits along various fault lines and is a perfect place to take a walk if you want to see the results of California’s geologic activity.
Mount Diablo State Park
- Location: Walnut Creek
- Trails: 17.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,323 feet
- Best Season: Spring / Autumn / Winter
- Best For: Peak hike / Panoramic vistas / Tarantulas
Mount Diablo has it all it seems. A peak that grants views of the Sierra Nevada all the way up to Lassen Volcano in the north on clear days, waterfalls, rock climbing, and even tarantulas. Hiking to the peak is not easy, but well worth the attempt as you pass through multiple microclimates. Just be wary of the tarantula mating season in October if you suffer from arachnophobia.
Redwood Regional Recreation Area
- Location: Oakland
- Trails: 14 miles
- Elevation Gain: 780 feet
- Best Season: All Seasons
- Best For: New growth redwoods / Ladybugs
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Who knew that Oakland had redwoods? Well, at Redwood Regional, you find plenty of new growth redwoods, sweeping fields, and gurgling stream beds. The park is very popular with locals but is more than big enough to accommodate them and you. There’s plenty to offer, whether you want a hike, to walk your dog, or bike around.
Wildcat Canyon Regional Park
- Location: Richmond
- Trails: 25 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,584 feet
- Best Season: Spring / Autumn / Winter
- Best For: Rolling hills
Located north of Oakland, Wildcat Canyon offers rolling hills and unique geological sites. As well, there are a few covered streams that will let you cool off during the hot summer months.
Sierra Vista Open Space
- Location: East San Jose
- Trails: 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
- Best Season: Spring / Autumn / Winter
- Best For: Rolling Hills / Panoramic Views / Workout
While completely exposed, these rolling hills provide from unspoiled views of Silicon Valley. Just be ready for a workout, as this park is composed of trails that steeply descend and ascend. You can easily combine this park with Alum Rock, or you can just enjoy the stunning vistas.
Sunol Regional Park
- Location: Sunol
- Trails: 13.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,683 feet
- Best Season: Spring / Autumn / Winter
- Best For: Peak hike / Chapparal / Panorama Views
This was our first hike ever in the bay area and we climbed to Flag Tree Hill. The trail was short – only a little over a mile – but with a big elevation gain, we had a rough time because we were not at all in shape for hiking yet. There are some great views from the top providing us a glimpse some truly scenic bay area hikes. Just be careful to bring plenty of water and sunscreen if you hike in the summer as we did.
Monterey
Big Sur
- Location: Big Sur
- Trails: 66 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,182 feet
- Best Season: All Seasons
- Best For: Coastal mountain hikes / Wave watching
By far some of the most picturesque shores in all of California, you’ll never forget Big Sur. There are numerous trails, ranging from coastal to wooded, and even mountain hikes. But the crashing waves and sea are what bring us here.
Garrapatta State Park
- Location: Big Sur
- Trails: 3.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,344 feet
- Best Season: All Seasons
- Best For: Coastal Hikes
Located a little north of Big Sur, Garrapatta State Park offers unspoiled views of the sea. Colorful lichen and succulents sprawl over the wind-battered rocks, while raptors fly overhead. If wave-watching is your thing, don’t pass up this park along the Pacific Coast Highway.
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Pinnacles National Monument
- Location: Salinas
- Trails: 30 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,040 feet
- Best Season: Spring / Autumn
- Best For: High Peaks / Talus Caves / California Condors
A little inland, Pinnacles is the remains of an ancient, extinct volcano. The crown jewel of the park is the pinnacles section, which offers high ridge hikes with spectacular views. Up here you can view California Condors, which are being rehabilitated in the park. There are also two excellent talus caves that adventurous hikers can explore – just bring a flashlight! And for rock climbers, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Location: Carmel
- Trails: 6.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 741 feet
- Best Season: All Seasons
- Best For: Coastal Hike / Sea Otters / Seal Spotting / Whale Watching
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On the southern end of Carmel, Point Lobos juts out into the Pacific. The climate here brings rich sea-life right to the coast, and plenty of greenery along the rocky coast. We were thrilled to catch sight of a sea otter and her pup on one occasion, and resting seals on another. The park is small, but still offers several miles of hiking along beautiful trails.
Prepare for your Hike
Making your way through these scenic bay area hikes is a great way to spend the day. Whether you’re heading out just for a quick walk or you are partaking in a multi-day trek through the mountains, you’ll probably want to be prepared. We’ve gathered a few of our favorite items that we think will serve you well. Some of these will be more or less relevant depending on the trail you are doing and when you are doing it.
- Water Bottles – Collapsible Water Bottles – These are some of our favorite items to bring with us. They’re really light-weight and you can also roll them up so you can store them away easily. If there is one item that is most important to bring with you, it is water.
- Hiking Clothes – The right clothes can really improve your hiking experience. A recent addition to my wardrobe has made a big difference. For him | For her
- Raingear – It doesn’t rain often in the bay area, but in the winter it can get pretty wet – and the winter is an awesome time to hike here. I really like this jacket because it’s light enough to wear without getting hot, but if it’s cool out – it will also keep you from getting chilled. As a plus, it can be folded into itself making it very easy to carry around or pack. For him | For her
- Headlamps – Getting caught on the trail at dark can be frightening, or downright deadly depending on the location. We’ve gotten caught in the dark on trails that went longer than expected, and you’ll need them when in caves- in all cases, headlamps are helpful so that you can see where you’re going and keep your hands free. Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight
- Trekking Poles – Some trails are steep and treacherous and trekking poles significantly help. These are great because they can support a lot of weight, and when not in use they can collapse down for easier carrying. Trekking Poles
- Water Filters – These drinking straws allow you to drink straight from the source of almost any water and have a safe drink. Considering how many streams you’ll come across on these trails, it’s worth carrying. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
- First-aid Kit – You really need to be prepared for anything when hiking, which means you need to be prepared for injury. We don’t often get hurt, but we have. You never know what could happen so you should always carry a basic first aid kit to be able to patch up whatever may happen. First-Aid Kit
- Sun Screen – If you don’t cover up with clothes, then you should wear sunscreen, especially in the tropics. TSA Approved Sunscreen
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Hikes from the South Bay – 39 Scenic Bay Area Hikes – Pin It!
