01
Best all-ages walk
Sawyer Camp Trail, Crystal Springs Regional Trail
Crystal Springs Reservoir Corridor • Paved Lakeside Multi-Use Trail • Easiest Pick For Casual Walkers
A wide, paved path along Crystal Springs Reservoir that delivers big views with minimal effort.
Park at one of the trailheads off Skyline Boulevard and follow the rolling path that hugs the water, with open vistas across the reservoir and the hills above I‑280. It’s popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists, but the grade is gentle enough for kids and visiting relatives who aren’t used to Bay Area climbs. Go early on weekends if you want quieter miles and easier parking.
02
Best spring wildflowers
Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve
Eastern Redwood City Foothills • Oak Woodland And Grassland Loop Network • Top Pick For Seasonal Color And Variety
A compact preserve of looping trails with big views, rolling hills, and standout spring wildflower displays.
Edgewood’s trails weave through open grasslands and pockets of oak woodland, with enough elevation to earn sweeping looks at the Bay without feeling like a grind. In late winter and spring, the meadows explode with lupine, poppies, and other wildflowers, making even short loops feel special. Trails are well marked, so you can improvise a mellow hour-long circuit or link routes together for a longer workout.
03
Best redwood immersion
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Skyline Ridge Above Half Moon Bay • Shaded Redwood Canyon And Ridge Trails • Cool-Weather Escape And Longer Hikes
A deep, cool redwood canyon with options for hefty elevation gain and quiet, all-day loops.
From the Skyline Boulevard trailheads, you can drop quickly into a lush canyon where Purisima Creek runs beneath towering redwoods and ferns. The main fire roads are steady and forgiving, while side trails add steeper climbs for those who want a challenge. Fog often drifts in from the coast, keeping temperatures comfortable even on hot Peninsula days, so bring layers and be ready for damp, soft tread underfoot.
04
Best big-view summit
Montara Mountain via San Pedro Valley County Park
Pacifica Coastal Hills • Steep Coastal Mountain Climb • Go-To Challenge For Strong Hikers
A sustained climb from Pacifica up Montara Mountain with sweeping ocean and Peninsula views from the upper slopes.
Starting from San Pedro Valley County Park, the Montara Mountain trails head steadily uphill through chaparral and coastal scrub, quickly earning views back to the ocean. The grade is real, but the switchbacks and well-built tread make it manageable if you take your time. On clear days you can see down the coast and across to the Peninsula, making this a favorite training hike for locals who like their scenery with a side of quad burn.
05
Best family-friendly forest
Huddart Park
Woodside Redwood And Madrone Slopes • Well-Signed Forest Trail System • Relaxed Half-Day In The Woods
A shady network of loops through second-growth redwoods and mixed forest that works well for groups and varied abilities.
Huddart’s trail system is easy to navigate, with clear junction signs and multiple loop options that start right from picnic areas and parking lots. Gentle grades on routes like the Crystal Springs and Dean trails make it a low-stress place to walk with kids, visiting friends, or anyone easing into longer outings. Because much of the park is under tree cover, it stays pleasant on warm afternoons when exposed ridges feel harsh.