Larkspur, California
One of the top outdoor adventures in Larkspur, California is the Dawn Falls Trail. It's a must-visit for those who enjoy a moderately challenging hike. This 2.7-mile loop trail features a beautiful waterfall and is best used from April until September. You'll be treated to scenic views of a lush forest, a creek, and, of course, the falls. For those interested in bird watching, this trail offers ample opportunities. If you're looking for a longer hike, the trail connects to the larger Marin County trail system. The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in and near Larkspur also include the King Mountain Loop trail, a 3.3 mile lightly trafficked loop trail that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors in Larkspur.
Top Spots in and near Larkspur
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Santa Rosa, California
Taylor Mountain Loop
4.24.89 mi / 1096 ft gainFrom the northern entrance to the park, you can access an 18-hole disc golf course as well as a number of trails. The Eastern Trail takes you up a steep 1,000 feet to the top of Taylor Mountain, where you can see most of Sonoma County laid out before you. Mt. St. Helena is visible in the distance...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
3.64 mi / 322 ft gainHalf Moon Bay Coastal Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see local wildlife located near Half Moon Bay, California.Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hike the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve Loop
3.75.5 mi / 1000 ft gainGetting there: exit Highway 280 at Edgewood Road, travel .75 miles east, turn left on Crestview Drive, then immediately left again on Edmonds Road.Once parked, there are several different path options through the park. All of them connect in a large loop, and return to the parking lot. The Cordil...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hike Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve
4.04.2 mi / 600 ft gainEdgewood Park and Natural Preserve rests in San Mateo County, California. The sweeping hillsides exemplify the true native flora of California, as the foundation of rock and soil is poor in nutrients. Only a few specialized native plants are adapted to live here--don't miss the unique wildflower ...Read more -
Saint Helena, California
Hike Bald Mountain, Sugarloaf Ridge SP
5.06 mi / 1540 ft gainPark at the top of Adobe Canyon Road in the gravel parking lot to the left of the ranger kiosk. There is a $7.00 parking fee.There are many options for routes to the top; the easiest of which is mostly paved (although still steep in parts). To take this route, head north out of the trailhead park...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hike Whittemore Gulch at Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP
4.09.3 mi / 2109 ft gainThis trail starts out going downhill towards the ocean for the first half, which makes for a tough end to the hike as you trek back up the ridge. However, there are nice ocean and hilltop views that are worth the climb. On this trail, you'll pass 60+ banana slugs if conditions are right. They ar...Read more -
Kenwood, California
Pony Gate-Canyon Loop
4.02.17 mi / 568 ft gainThe Pony Gate-Canyon Loop within Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is a new favorite of mine on my list of family and kid-friendly hikes. Our little girls did great with this hike and loved it. If you can get moving early in the day and begin your hike around breakfast time, you might find there are few...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hike Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP
4.67 miThere are two places to park for this specific loop- the main parking area on Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and a smaller parking lot on the western end of the park. I would recommend parking at whichever is closest. Find directions to both on Openspace.org. From the main parking lot, the trail ...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Mountain Bike at Purisima Creek
This beautiful mountain bike ride can be started at the Purisima Creek Road Trailhead or on Skyline Boulevard. There are many trails in the Purisisma Creek Redwoods, but Whittemore Gulch is by far the most beautiful and fun single track to descend on. If you are starting from Skyline Boulevard, i...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Purisima Creek Trail and Craig Britton Trail Loop
4.06.95 mi / 1411 ft gainThis hike is perfect for any time of year, always staying cool because it is near the coast, and there are multiple creeks that flow year-round. Even on foggy days, the fog condenses on trees to make it seem like it is "raining." Be warned that this hike has a lot of elevation change and is stre...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 -
Santa Rosa, California
Hood Mountain Summit Via Lower and Upper Johnson Ridge Trails
5.95 mi / 2054 ft gainHood Mountain Summit via the Lower Johnson and Upper Johnson Ridge Trails is a 6 mile out-and-back trek located in Santa Rosa, CA. The trailhead starts at the Pythian Road parking lot, accessed from Highway 12. The hike takes 3.5 to 4 hours to complete and is considered strenuous. All trails are...Read more -
Cowell Ranch Beach Access, California
Picnic at Cowell Ranch Beach
5.0Hike half a mile to this beautiful, secluded beach. There are high cliffs with a steep staircase down to the beach. The beach has wonderful rock formations on one side. It is a great place to watch the sunset or bring a picnic. A great place for a beach day if you are looking for something le...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Bike the Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail
4.0This trail begins at the Cowell State Beach parking lot and is only open on the weekends. From the lot, take the short Cowell Ranch Access trail to a scenic overlook. There are steps down to the secluded pocket beach just above the main trail. The trail playfully meanders along the cliffside with...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Hike the Cowell-Purisma Trail
5.07 mi / 400 ft gainThis is a popular trail that has beach access to Cowell Ranch Beach. Along the trail, there is a steep staircase that goes down to the beach. The trail also features fields, a bridge, and beautiful views of California's rugged coastline. This trail is paved in some parts, and can also be biked...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
