6 Most Stunning Trails Of The Bay Area | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

6 Most Stunning Trails Of The Bay Area

Some of the most beautiful views found in your backyard.

75
6 Most Stunning Trails Of The Bay Area
Bevin McCullough

Whether you’re a hiker, biker, trail-runner or simply a lover of the outdoors, here is a peek at a few of the most stunning Bay Area trails that will make you want to get up and go outside:

China Camp State Park

San Rafael, CA

China Camp State Park offers a variety of trails perfect for running, hiking and mountain biking. Shoreline trail, which hugs North San Pedro Road, is a flat 8 miler (out and back) with a beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay. This trail connects with Bayview trail and Oak Ridge trail, which stretch just over 8.5 miles (one way) and after a few switchbacks runs parallel to Shoreline. The Oak Ridge trail looks out onto both the Bay and Peacock Gap and has stunning sunset views.

Hidden Meadow/Yolanda Loop

Phoenix Lake, Ross, CA

This steep, twisting trail overlooks Phoenix Lake and all of Marin County. By following the dirt road around Phoenix Lake, turning right at the Yolanda turnoff, and continuing to the top, one can enjoy a view of Mt. Tamalpais, the lake, and the area’s surrounding rolling hills. The total loop is 5.25 miles, and is exclusive to runners and hikers.

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

Aptos, CA

source: Davidlohr Bueso, Wikimedia Commons

Going out on Aptos Creek Road will lead you to breathtaking Nisene Marks State Park. This wilderness area, which winds through the Santa Cruz Mountains, is filled with lush mosses and ferns, old-growth redwood trees and ancient oaks. The main dirt road, shaded by redwoods and other massive trees, is ideal for long runs and flat rides. There are over 30 miles of trails in this forest, ranging from long to short, flat to steep, and every step is worth exploring!

Huddart Park

Woodside, CA

source: Miguel Vieira, flicker, https://www.flickr.com/photos/miguelvieira/8590718...

In the small town of Woodside, you can find Huddart Park tucked away at the end of Greer Road. This beautiful site attracts hikers, bikers, runners and horse back riders with a diverse array of trails. The area is always buzzing with life; you will find adventurous hikers, groups by the campgrounds, and the occasional turkey milling about.


Tomales Point Trail

Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

If you’re looking for a challenging hike and beautiful camping spot, Point Reyes is perfect. This forest is filled with beautiful flora and fauna, ancient redwoods, and amazing places to camp along the coast. In the spring, the trails are vibrant green and the sunsets at Heart’s Desire beach are breathtaking.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Big Sur, CA

Big Sur is famous for its views of the Pacific Ocean. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park stretches down the California coastline and offers trails ranging from difficult to easily navigable. The McWay Waterfall trail overlooks the ocean, stretches .65 miles, and leads to an 80-foot drop waterfall. Despite the stunning coastal lookouts and ocean views, this state park also extends inland, where many people hike along McWay Creek.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

127434
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

28674
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

26666
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments