01
Best in-town escape
Waterdog Lake Park & Open Space
Belmont Hills • Lakeside Open Space With Twisty Singletrack • Local Favorite For Quick Hikes
A compact network of steep, shady trails wrapped around a small lake right above Belmont neighborhoods.
Waterdog is where many Belmont locals sneak in a workout without getting in the car for long. Expect short but punchy climbs, dense oak and bay laurel shade, and enough intersecting routes to stitch together anything from a 30‑minute loop to a solid two‑hour hike. Trails can be rutted and shared with mountain bikers, so be ready for uneven footing and keep an ear out on blind corners.
02
Best easy mileage
Crystal Springs Regional Trail
West Of Belmont Along I‑280 • Paved Multi‑Use Reservoir Trail • Best For Long Easy Miles
A wide, mostly flat path tracing the edge of the Crystal Springs Reservoir with big views of the Peninsula hills.
If you prefer steady walking over steep climbs, the Crystal Springs segment is the go‑to nearby option. The trail is paved or finely graveled, with gentle grades that suit strollers, casual walkers, and runners clocking distance. Parking fills on weekends, so go earlier in the morning for cooler temperatures and fewer bikes on the path.
03
Best wildflower views
Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve
Foothills Above Redwood City • Rolling Serpentine Grasslands Preserve • Best Spring Wildflowers
Looping trails climb through oak woodland to open ridges known for some of the Peninsula’s best spring blooms.
Edgewood’s mix of shaded ravines and bright, grassy slopes makes it feel surprisingly varied for a modest‑sized park. In March and April the serpentine soils explode with wildflowers, and even in summer the ridge loops deliver broad views across the Bay and down the Peninsula. Stick to the established trails and expect some exposed stretches—sun protection and water matter on warm days.
04
Best redwood canyon
Wunderlich County Park
Woodside Foothills • Historic Estate Turned Redwood Canyon Park • Shady Weekend Escape
Long, steady trails wind from a historic stable area into cool redwood and mixed‑evergreen forest above Woodside.
Wunderlich gives you classic Peninsula redwood hiking without the drive to the Santa Cruz Mountains proper. The routes are mostly continuous climbs and descents rather than short, sharp bursts, making it ideal for a longer, meditative walk under tall trees. Start from the main parking lot off Woodside Road and head up Alambique or Bear Gulch for a half‑day outing with reliable shade.
05
Best dog-friendly loops
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve
Above San Carlos • Oak And Chaparral Ridge Preserve • Best For Hikers With Dogs
A compact ridge‑top preserve with several loop options, including a popular off‑leash area for dogs.
Pulgas Ridge offers a nice mix of forested switchbacks and more open stretches with partial bay views, all within a short drive from Belmont. The trail network is well signed, so it’s easy to tailor the length of your hike, and the dedicated off‑leash zone draws many local dog walkers. The climbs are moderate but add up quickly, making it a satisfying choice for an hour or two on the hill.