Burlingame, California
The best trails and outdoor activities in Burlingame, California, offer a mix of scenic views and physical challenges. One of the top spots is the Sawyer Camp Trail, a must-visit for its 6-mile path along the Crystal Springs Reservoir. The trail is flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for all fitness levels. It offers stunning views of the reservoir, unique rock formations, and an array of local wildlife. For a more challenging hike, head to the Mills Canyon Wildlife Area. This 1.5-mile trail features steep inclines and descents, with views of the canyon and surrounding woodlands. Both trails are perfect for hiking, jogging, and bird-watching. Near Burlingame, you'll find the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, a beautiful 366-acre space with a variety of trails and a dedicated off-leash dog area. These outdoor adventures offer a great escape from city life.
Top Spots in and near Burlingame
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Richmond, California
Hike the Wildcat Canyon Loop
4.010.5 mi / 2300 ft gainStarting off on Wildcat Creek Trail, the trail is wide and rolling. After about 4 miles make a left on Jewel Trail, then onto Sylvan Trail. Another left puts you on Wildcat Peak Trail. Be sure to check your map, as many trails intersect here. Wildcat Peak Trail runs into Nimitz Way, at which poin...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Temelpa Trail
4.52.94 mi / 1929 ft gainThe Mt. Tam Hill Climb via Temelpa Trail is an iconic, "best-of" climb in the trail running community, drawing some of the world's greatest athletes to experience its breathtaking views and technical downhill. Surprisingly though, outside of locals and the running community, the trail remains lar...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Steep Ravine Trail via Pantoll Station
5.03.96 mi / 1079 ft gainThe trailhead Pantoll Station is easy to find on GPS and there are friendly rangers there as well to answer questions.Maps: Paper map are available at the trailhead Pantoll Station in Marin, CA. For a moderate hike, I suggest going the one and a half miles down the trail to the ladder and retu...Read more -
Larkspur, California
Baltimore Canyon Via Dawn Falls Trail Loop
5.93 mi / 1309 ft gainBaltimore Canyon via Dawn Falls Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a forested setting at the start, up switchbacks to Dawn Falls, and then to views of King Mountain Open Space Preserve as you loop back along Southern Marin Line Road. This is a dog friendly (on-leash) trail located ...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Camp at Mt. Tam's Pantoll Campground
5.0Need an escape from SF, but can't seem to find an available campground, then head to Pantoll Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park. If you get there early on friday (or even better Thursday afternoon), you should be able to lock down one of these first-come, first-serve campgrounds. Each of th...Read more -
Fremont, California
Mission Peak via Hidden Valley Trail
4.26.16 mi / 2116 ft gainBreathtaking views of the Bay Area are your reward for making this climb to the top of Mission Peak. It’s a 3-mile trek to the top of the peak and then back down the same way. This is a moderate hike that provides a nice workout – so be prepared. Park at the Stanford Avenue entrance gate. There ...Read more -
Marin County, California
Dipsea Trail - Steep Ravine Loop
5.03.97 mi / 1204 ft gainThis is definitely a worthwhile short hike, with views of the Bay Area, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate, and the San Mateo coastline. It's a 3.8 mile loop which takes you through forests of Redwoods and out to the coastline, even above the clouds on a lucky day. The trailhead begins at the Pantoll ...Read more -
Bootjack Campground, California
Bootjack Campground to Muir Woods
8.61 mi / 1594 ft gainGetting permits into Muir Woods can be hard, but if you want to work for it, there's a much better way to visit the National Monument. To do this loop into Muir Woods National Monument, first drive to the Bootjack Parking Area in Mt. Tamalpais State Park. The Bootjack Parking Area should be fou...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Camp at Bootjack Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park
4.0Bootjack Campground is located within California's Mount Tamalpais State Park. There are a couple of campsites within the park, but if you are driving on the Panoramic Highway from Mill Valley, this will be the first campground you pass. The fee is $25 fee to camp, but they have bathrooms and ru...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Steep Ravine and Bootjack Trails Loop
5.06.66 mi / 2083 ft gainThis hike is best done in the winter and spring in order for the creeks and waterfalls to be flowing. Park at the Bootjack Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park. Cross the road to reach the Bootjack trail. Continue on this until you reach the Alpine trail. Go right towards the Pantoll Ranger ...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Little Butano Creek Trail
2.2 mi / 341 ft gainThis short hike follows Little Butano Creek through a lush redwood forest. The trail crosses the creek multiple times as you walk over redwood pine needles and through pockets of ferns. Dogs can join on this trail, but must be on leash. To get back to your car, continue the loop along Butano Cre...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Camp at Butano State Park
Butano State Park definitely flies under the radar. But for those who love quick escapes, small crowds, fun hikes, and beautiful redwoods, it's a favorite. The park features miles of hiking trails, 21 drive-in campsites and 18 walk-in campsites. Restrooms with running water are provided. Drinking...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Trojan Point
4.50.25 mi / 75 ft gainThe endlessly scenic Trojan Point can be reached by taking the Panoramic Highway to Pantoll road from Stinson Beach to the west, or Mill Valley / Highway 1 to the east. It can also be reached by taking West Ridgecrest Boulevard from the north from the Fairfax-Bolinas road. Park at the large par...Read more -
Larkspur, California
Dawn Falls Trail Loop
2.79 mi / 466 ft gainDawn Falls Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Larkspur, California.Read more -
Larkspur, California
Dawn Falls Trail
4.52.29 mi / 344 ft gainTake the Dawn Falls trail down into the Baltimore Canyon for an in-depth exploration of northern California nature. Rather than the usual dry, hardy vegetation that speckles the hills of many nearby trails, this trail is bursting with lush ferns and mossy trees as it meanders along next to Larksp...Read more -
Larkspur, California
King Mountain Loop Trail
3.53 mi / 755 ft gainThis beautiful hike takes you around King Mountain and through the King Mountain Open Space Preserve. The first .5 miles is on an exposed gravel fire road that is fairly steep, but the loop itself slopes gently around the mountain and through the forest, providing lots of shade. This is a an ea...Read more