01
Best close-to-town escape
Mill Creek County Park
East Of Talmage • Shady Creek Canyon Park • Go-To Spot For Quick Hikes
A narrow, forested canyon with a cool creek, short trails, and easy access just a few minutes from Talmage.
Mill Creek County Park is the easiest way to trade pavement for trees without leaving the valley, with trail options that start right from the picnic areas. Short paths wander along the creek and up the canyon, giving you as much or as little elevation as you want. It is a relaxed, family-friendly choice when you want a real hike but only have a couple of hours.
02
Best in-town trail network
Low Gap Park
Ukiah Foothills • Hillside Park With Mixed-Use Trails • Everyday Training Loop
A web of trails climbs from a city park into oak-dotted foothills with views over Ukiah and the surrounding valley.
Starting from the lawns and playgrounds of Low Gap Park, you can be on dirt in just a few minutes and quickly climb into open hills. The network of loops lets you tailor the distance, from mellow strolls to steeper conditioning hikes with switchbacks and short, punchy climbs. It is a favorite for locals looking to squeeze in a workout hike before or after work.
03
Best rugged adventure
Cow Mountain Recreation Management Area
Southeast Of Ukiah • Backcountry-Style Ridge And Canyon Terrain • Best For Strong Hikers
Steep, exposed ridges and deep canyons offer big views and serious climbs for hikers who like their trails on the wild side.
Cow Mountain feels far more remote than its proximity to town suggests, with narrow singletrack and old roads tracing high ridgelines. The hiking here can be hot and demanding, but you are rewarded with wide-open views toward Clear Lake, Ukiah Valley, and beyond. Go prepared with extra water, sun protection, and a clear plan, and you will get a true Mendocino backcountry workout.
04
Best lakeside hike
Lake Mendocino Recreation Area
North Of Ukiah • Lakeshore And Hillside Trail System • Best For Varied Distances
Looping trails and shoreline paths offer everything from short walks to longer circuits with views across the lake and surrounding hills.
At Lake Mendocino you can mix mellow waterside walking with rolling singletrack that climbs above the shoreline for sweeping views. Several trailheads ring the lake, so it is easy to piece together a custom route based on how much time you have. The setting is especially appealing in the cooler months and evenings, when the light over the water and oak hills is hard to beat.
05
Best redwood immersion
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
West Of Ukiah On Orr Springs Road • Old-Growth Redwood Grove • Destination-Worthy Day Trip
A short but unforgettable trail climbs into a secluded valley filled with towering old-growth redwoods and soft, ferny understory.
Montgomery Woods is the hike locals recommend when you want classic coastal redwoods without driving all the way to the coast. After a brief uphill, the trail settles into a quiet basin where enormous trees and filtered light make even a simple loop feel special. It is not the longest hike on this list, but it is the one most likely to leave visitors talking about the forest for days afterward.