Man hiking up a trail at Montara Mountain, with a view of the Pacific and Grey Whale sand beach in the background

Hikes to Clear the Cobwebs

Who needs some fresh air? Thanks to various organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, these hikes are a vital part of lands saved from development and turned into nature havens for people and wildlife.

Week: 11.06.2024
Regions: Northern CA

From Beach to Summit

Hike Montara Mountain and Rancho Corral de Tierra

Man hiking up a trail at Montara Mountain, with a view of the Pacific and Grey Whale sand beach in the background
No need to decide between a beach and a mountaintop—this hike includes both! Explore the stunning coastal scenery on this 6-mile out-and-back up Montara Mountain and into Rancho Corral de Tierra.
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Snow Much Fun

Plan Your Winter Vacation to Reno Tahoe

When you know … you Reno! Over the past several years, Reno Tahoe has set itself apart from other mountain destinations with its creative verve, ascendant dining scene, walkability, and of course—amazing outdoors.
Your Best Winter in Reno Tahoe

Light of Los Trancos

Hike Los Trancos Open Space Preserve in the Santa Cruz Mountains

Hike Los Trancos Open Space Preserve in the Santa Cruz Mountains
In autumn, Los Trancos Open Space Preserve lights up with orange-red maples, yellow hazelnut, and deciduous oaks, making this 2.5-mile hike in the Santa Cruz mountains a wonder-fall destination.
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Fernandez Fabulous

Hike Fernandez Ranch in the East Bay Hills

Hiker at Fernandez Ranch in the East Bay
There’s a lesser known hiking haven located in the northern range of the East Bay Hills. Fernandez Ranch has beautiful trails through the park’s golden hills and under oak savannahs. This 4-mile recommended loop hike bonuses with glorious view of San Francisco Bay.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

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  2. Napa Valley Paddle kayaker and paddle boarder on the Napa Valley river

    Napa's Wild Side

    It’s wine country’s Amazon. The gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle sets you up for maximum enjoyment of this experience.

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  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

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  4. Hike Mount Tamalpais into Muir Woods

    Muir Woods Through the Backdoor

    A backdoor entrance into Muir Woods? Hike a tranquil trail that starts in Mount Tamalpais State Park and quietly leads into Muir Woods, letting you avoid the busyness of the main parking area.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

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  2. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

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  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

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  4. Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin

    Lookout for This View!

    Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!

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