01
Best overall pick
Coyote Lake–Harvey Bear Ranch County Park
Northeast Of Gilroy Near Coyote Lake • Rolling Oak Hills And Lakeside Trails • Best Mix Of Views And Mileage
Sweeping ranchland ridges, lake views, and broad dirt paths make this the go-to hiking playground just outside Gilroy.
From short leg-stretcher loops to longer ridge walks, this park gives you classic South Valley scenery without a long drive. Expect golden grasslands, big valley vistas, and the chance to spot wild turkeys and hawks cruising the slopes. Go early on hot days—shade is patchy, but the views pay off from the first mile.
02
Shadiest forest escape
Mount Madonna County Park
West Of Gilroy On Hecker Pass • Redwood And Mixed-Forest Ridge Park • Coolest Summer Hiking
A network of cool, shaded trails winds through redwoods and tanoaks high above the valley, offering a welcome contrast to Gilroy’s sunny hills.
When the valley heats up, locals head up Hecker Pass to wander Mount Madonna’s soft, needle-covered paths. Trails roll in and out of redwood groves, with occasional clearings that open to views toward the Pajaro Valley and Monterey Bay on clear days. It’s an easy place to piece together family-friendly loops or quieter, longer rambles under the trees.
03
Best short waterfall hike
Uvas Canyon County Park – Waterfall Loop
Southwest Of Gilroy In Uvas Canyon • Shady Creek And Waterfall Canyon • Best For Relaxed Nature Walks
A compact loop along a lively creek passes several small waterfalls, footbridges, and mossy canyon walls in a tucked-away side valley.
The Waterfall Loop is a favorite when winter rains and early spring flows are running strong, turning this narrow canyon into a cool, green retreat. The grade is gentle, making it a good choice for casual hikers who still want a sense of adventure and payoff. Bring a picnic and linger by the creek—this is more about soaking up the setting than logging miles.
04
Biggest backcountry adventure
Henry W. Coe State Park – Hunting Hollow Area
East Of Gilroy In The Diablo Range • Rugged Backcountry State Park • Best For All-Day Treks
Steep ridges, remote canyons, and long, linking trails make this an all-business destination for hikers who want a true backcountry feel close to town.
Starting from the Hunting Hollow side, you quickly leave the road behind and climb into wide, open country dotted with oaks and seasonal wildflowers. The trails can be hot, exposed, and demanding, so this area is best tackled by prepared hikers comfortable with route-finding and elevation gain. In return, you get quiet ridgelines, big skies, and the sense that you’re much farther from the Bay Area than you really are.
05
Most approachable path
Coyote Creek Trail – South County Segment
North Of Gilroy Toward Morgan Hill • Gentle Creekside Multi-Use Path • Best For Families And Beginners
A mostly flat, well-maintained path follows Coyote Creek through open space and parkland, ideal for easy walks and mixed-ability groups.
If you want movement without worrying about footing or steep climbs, this is the spot. The paved and gravel stretches suit strollers, kids on bikes, and casual walkers, while still offering long enough distances for a satisfying outing. Watch for birds along the creek, and use the wide corridor to set your own pace without feeling rushed.