Poppy Hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area

The Bay Area has some great pop ups in spring, specifically, the California poppy, popping up now. Here are some hikes and bike rides that can pop with poppies.

Week: 04.05.2023
Regions: Northern CA

Valentine Vista Loop

Hike Valentine Vista Loop in Moore Creek Park Napa

Woman standing on the trail of Valentine Vista Loop at Moore Creek Park in Napa with poppies blooming on the grass
Woman standing in a field of wildflowers at Valentine Vista Loop Trail in Moore Creek Park Napa
Hike the 4.3-mile Valentine Vista Trail at Moore Creek Park. It's spectacular for views and poppies blooming in spring.
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Spring for a New Adventure

Spring Adventures in North Lake Tahoe for 2023

family sledding in north lake tahoe
kids roasting marshmallows in north lake tahoe
skiers in north lake tahoe
skiers in north lake tahoe
North Lake Tahoe is having a spring for the ages, with historic snow levels. This season has always been special: There are great mid-week deals, and this year the snow is going to stick around for a while—skiing until July! Make a week of it!
Spring Adventures in North Lake Tahoe

Pedal, Poppies, Picnic

Bike or hike at Helen Putnam Regional Park near Petaluma

Woman sitting at a bench overlooking the fields and foothills at Helen Putnam Regional Park near Petaluma.
Biker by the water at Helen Putnam Regional Park in Sonoma County
Poppies on a trail in Helen Putnam Regional Park Petaluma
Biker on a trail at Helen Putnam Regional Park in Sonoma County Petaluma
Helen Putnam Regional Park punches above her weight. The compact yet bountiful park near Petaluma explodes with wildflowers every spring, in particular the state’s signature California poppy.
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Well Rounded

Hike the Grand Loop at Mount Diablo in the East Bay

Epic views, fields of flowers, and ridgeline thrills offering one of the biggest views in the West: Hiking the Grand Loop at Mount Diablo State Park in spring is eye-candy, with reams of poppies and more than 200 miles of California landscape rolling to the snowcapped Sierra.
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Colorful Calero

Hike or bike at Calero County Park in the South Bay

A hiker sitting on the trailside taking photos of poppies and wildflowers at Calero County Park in the South Bay
California poppies decorate the green hills at Calero County Park in the South Bay
Two cows on the trailside hills at Calero County Park in the South Bay
Hiker on a trail at Calero County Park in the South Bay
Rolling green hills, gorgeous vistas, and wildflowers festooning the landscape … this 5.4-mile out-and-back hike in the South Bay’s Calero County Park is a gentle ascent through landscape currently awash with color.
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  1. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

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  2. Muir Woods Night Tour

    Thousands of people flock to Muir Woods every year, yet only a few see it at night, when this beloved park is experienced in a whole new light. The Muir Woods Night Tour happens on the last Friday of every month through October.

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  3. Slide Ranch Marin

    Slide On Over

    Marin's Slide Ranch has a popular neighbor in the Muir Beach Overlook. But don’t overlook Slide! This open-to-the-public nonprofit organization sits on 134 acres of coastline and is filled with animals, Pacific scenery, and an adjacent hiking trail.

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  4. 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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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

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  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

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  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

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  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

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