13 1 Day Treks to Explore in San Mateo County

Castle Rock State Park is a 5,242-acre state park of California, United States, located along the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It embraces coast redwood, Douglas fir, and madrone forest, most of which has been left in its wild, natural state. Steep canyons are sprinkled with unusual rock formations that are a popular rock climbing area. The forest here is lush and mossy, crisscrossed by 32 miles of hiking trails.

Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve near Redwood City has miles of trails, shady picnic areas and some of the Bay Area’s most spectacular displays of spring wildflowers, native grasslands, and oak woodlands. It has 160 acres of serpentine soil which are known for having high proportions of native plant species including rare and locally endemic species.

This foothill park, open all year round, provides family and group picnic areas, hiking and nature trails and shelter buildings. Visitors are drawn to the Oak Foothill plant community, spring wildflowers, El Zanjon Creek, and the peaceful retreat the area affords from surrounding urban development.

This is a forested retreat not far from the coast. Many campsites in Memorial Park Campground are among the redwood trees and all sites are within easy walking distance of Pescadero Creek. A swimming hole there is popular in the summer. There are also group sites, some of them designated for youth groups. Reservations for all campsites can be made for up a year in advance. A seasonal camp store is located near the park entrance.

Montara Mountain is a challenging oceanside hike on the northern edge of the Santa Cruz Mountains, mixing Hawaii-like greenery with beautiful coastal views. Its Trail starts as a meandering jaunt through the Blue Gum Eucalyptus forest with striking glimpses of coastal Pacifica and the ocean beyond.

Pescadero Creek Park is located near Loma Mar and is operated by the San Mateo County Department of Parks. The park complex of 8,020 acres also includes the neighboring Memorial, Sam McDonald and Heritage Grove parks. The park borders Portola Redwoods State Park with seamless trails, and connects to Big Basin Redwoods State Park via a trail easement across private lands.

This is a 366-acre public recreation area, near the City of San Carlos with trails for hiking and walking one's dog, including an off-leash area. The preserve's six miles of trails offers access to cool canyons and a ridge top with views toward the bay and surrounding hillsides.

The Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is located on the western slopes of historic Kings Mountain in Woodside. Purisima Creek Redwoods doesn’t have any old-growth redwood groves; its two canyons are instead filled with dense stands of small to mid-sized second-growth redwoods. The popular Redwood Trail is wheelchair accessible. Like many parks in California, dogs are not allowed. The preserve is home to many species of animals, including bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes and rabbits.

Rancho is one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the San Mateo peninsula. Once planned for development, this land is now protected as part of our nation's natural legacy. The park contains sensitive habitat for several rare and endangered species, including the San Francisco garter snake and the Montara manzanita. Hiking, biking, and horse trails are present, but are still being developed, and may not be in good condition until repaired.

The San Francisco Bay Trail is a bicycle and pedestrian trail that when finished will allow continuous travel around the shoreline of San Francisco Bay.It offers spectacular wildlife viewing and improves public awareness and respect for the bay.

The Crystal Springs Regional Trail is a planned 17.5-mile trail that, when finished, will extend from San Bruno to Woodside. 15.3 miles of the trail are now complete. It provides an alternative recreational route to the 1,210-mile Juan Bautista DeAnza National Historic Trail.The trail serves over 325,000 visitors annually. People of all ages can be seen on a given day, from parents with children in strollers to distance runners.

Windy Hill is a popular and very enjoyable preserve that stretches from Portola Valley, at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains, to Skyline Boulevard, at the crest. Access to the summit is easy from State Route 35, the ridge road along the Peninsula Range. Facilities focus on trails for hiking and mountain biking, with around 14 miles of hiking trails. The area is rich in wildlife.

Wunderlich Park is about 900 mountainous acres of redwood forest, oak and madrone woodlands, and hillside meadows and savannas. Much of the park is well-shaded, so it's a good choice on a hot day. With a private stable on site, the trails can be busy with equestrians, but usually only on weekends. The park contains about 15 miles of developed trails. The trails are mainly fire roads, with the exception of the Bear Gulch Trail and Redwood Trail.