01
Best overall pick
Sam McDonald County Park (Heritage Grove & surrounding trails)
Between La Honda And Loma Mar • Shady Redwood Canyon Park • Best All-Around Local Hike
A classic La Honda-area hike with towering redwoods, soft duffy tread, and loops you can tailor to an hour or a whole morning.
Start from the Heritage Grove side for an almost storybook redwood walk, then connect to interior park trails if you want more climbing and views. The grades are mostly mellow, making it a reliable choice for mixed-ability groups who still want a real forest experience. Parking is limited on weekends, so go early or aim for a shoulder time if you prefer quieter trails.
02
Closest to town feel
La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve
Foothills East Of La Honda • Working Ranchlands Turned Open Space • Quiet Escape Close To Town
Rolling grassy hills, oak pockets, and distant ridge views make this preserve feel like a private backcountry right above town.
Trails here wander through old ranch terrain, with long sightlines and a good chance of spotting raptors cruising the thermals. It’s less trafficked than the big-name parks, so you often get a surprisingly peaceful hike even on fair-weather weekends. Bring sun protection—the charm is in the open hills, and shade is more scattered than in the redwood parks.
03
Best for mileage
Pescadero Creek County Park (Brook Trail and connecting loops)
Pescadero Creek Corridor • Backcountry-Style County Park • Best For Longer Loops
A spiderweb of forested trails lets you stitch together satisfying 6- to 10-mile loops with creek crossings and quiet, mossy ravines.
Once you leave the main trailheads, this park feels surprisingly remote, with narrow singletrack and long stretches where you may not see anyone. The Brook Trail and its neighbors offer a good mix of gentle creekside walking and steeper climbs to keep things interesting. It’s a great choice if you want a half-day adventure without driving all the way to the Sierra.
04
Deepest redwood immersion
Portola Redwoods State Park
Portola Redwoods State Park Area • State Park Deep In The Redwoods • Best For Summer Shade
Cool, dim redwood canyons and burbling creeks make this one of the best places nearby to escape heat and crowds.
Trails like the Iverson or Slate Creek loops deliver classic big-tree scenery with just enough climbing to feel earned, but not punishing. The park sits down a long, winding access road, which keeps casual visitors away and gives the trails a more secluded vibe. Expect limited cell service and plan ahead—this is the kind of place where you come to unplug for a few hours.
05
Best views
Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
Skyline Boulevard Ridgeline • Open Ridge And Wildflower Preserve • Best For Big Views And Sunsets
High, breezy trails with long views toward the ocean and Peninsula, plus spring wildflowers that locals rave about.
Unlike the shaded canyon hikes closer to La Honda, Russian Ridge is all about sky and horizon—expect rolling, mostly exposed singletrack and fire roads. The ridge is a standout in late spring when grasses are still green and hillsides pop with lupine and poppies, but it’s rewarding year-round for sunset loops. Wind can be fierce, so pack a layer even on seemingly warm days.