01
Best wildflower hikes
Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve
Hills Above Redwood City Along I-280 • Wildflower-Rich Grassland Preserve • Best Wildflower Views
A close-to-town preserve known for spring blooms, rolling oak-studded hills, and Bay views on clear days.
Locals head to Edgewood in late winter and spring, when the grasslands explode with poppies, lupine, and other native wildflowers. Well-marked loop trails range from mellow to moderately steep, making it easy to tailor a route to your group. Parking fills quickly on weekends, so aim for an early start or a weekday visit.
02
Shadiest summer escape
Huddart Park
Foothills Above Woodside • Shaded Redwood Canyon Park • Great For Cool Summer Hikes
A network of cool, forested trails that feels worlds away from El Camino traffic just a short drive uphill.
Huddart’s trails wind through second-growth redwoods and bay laurel, offering a reliably cool option on hot Peninsula days. You can stitch together shorter loops from the picnic areas or commit to longer climbs that link into the surrounding trail network. Expect county-park amenities like restrooms and reservable picnic sites, plus a day-use fee at the entrance.
03
Best half-day workout
Wunderlich County Park
Woodside Hills Along Highway 84 • Historic Estate-Turned-Park With Woodland Trails • Best For Longer Weekend Hikes
A classic Peninsula climb through mixed forest and old ranch grounds, ideal when you want a solid but not brutal outing.
Starting from the historic Folger Estate stables, trails at Wunderlich climb steadily through oak, madrone, and redwood toward Skyline Boulevard. The popular Alambique and Bear Gulch routes give you options for loop or out-and-back hikes in the 4–10 mile range. It’s a good choice if you like steady elevation gain, quieter trails than the big-name preserves, and a bit of local history at the trailhead.
04
Best for big views
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Ridge Above Portola Valley • Ridge-Top Open Space With Big Views • Top Pick For Big Vistas
Open grassy ridges and switchback climbs reward you with broad views over the Bay and out toward the ocean on clear days.
From the Portola Valley side, you can choose gentler creekside trails or tackle the steeper Old La Honda or Spring Ridge routes up to the high point. The mix of open slopes and wooded sections keeps things interesting, and breezes at the top live up to the preserve’s name. It’s a go-to spot for sunrise, sunset, and days when you want your hike to come with a panorama.
05
Most adventurous terrain
El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve
Skyline Boulevard Above Woodside • Technical Forest Singletrack Network • Best For Experienced Hikers
A dense redwood and fir forest crisscrossed by longer, steeper trails that feel more like a backcountry outing than a quick stroll.
El Corte de Madera is a favorite for hikers who enjoy longer mileage, elevation changes, and a wilder feel. Trails here can be rocky, rooty, and narrow, but they reward the effort with quiet groves, creek crossings, and occasional sandstone outcrops. Study the map before you go, bring plenty of water, and plan for a half-day if you want to sample the preserve’s best loops.