Located in San Mateo County, Woodside offers some of the best hiking trails in the Bay Area. Towering redwoods surround the trails, and the sights and sounds of nature are everywhere. It’s a hiker’s paradise! This post will explore some of the best spots for hiking in Woodside, CA.
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As of June 2024, the median price per square foot of homes in Woodside was $1,467. However, the housing market in Woodside is always changing. Contact the Coastal Agent team for help buying and selling homes in the Woodside area.
The Top Spots for Hiking in Woodside CA
1. Wunderlich County Park
Bear Gulch & Alambique Trail Loop
This 4.3-mile loop is one of the most popular local spots for hiking. It is well-known and often busy, especially from January to October. The hike through redwood, oak, and madrone forests offers stunning scenery. You can also see wildlife like black-tailed deer and bobcats.
The nearly 10-mile Wunderlich Loop is a great option for a longer hike. It takes you through cool, forested canyons and open meadows with sweeping views. This trail is a steady uphill followed by a steady downhill, making it a good workout. While the lower half is busy on summer weekends, the upper half is usually quiet. You could also stop by the historic Folger Stable while at the park.
2. Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Borden Hatch Mill, Purisima Creek, and Grabtown Gulch Trail
This 9.5-mile loop trail is popular for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Best visited from April to October, the trail offers a mix of solitude and scenic beauty. Hikers will enjoy the lush redwood forest and the peaceful sounds of Purisima Creek. This trail is perfect for a longer, immersive nature experience.
Purisima Creek, Craig Britton, and Skyline Trail Loop
At 7.9 miles, this loop is perfect for hikers and runners who prefer less crowded trails. The trail winds through redwoods and offers beautiful views, especially from the Craig Britton section.
3. El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve
Methuselah, North Leaf, and Fir Loop
This 7.2-mile loop trail offers a peaceful experience. The trail starts with a mostly downhill path that isn’t too eventful. At the bottom, you’ll find a beautiful redwood grove with a stream and some bridges. The return portion is an uphill challenge but eliminates redundant elevation changes.
Tafoni Sandstone Formation via Tafoni, Fir, and Methuselah Loop
If you like hiking or trail running, this 4.6-mile loop is a good choice. It’s open year-round and provides a lot of shade, making it a great spot to escape the summer heat. The trail features interesting sandstone rock formations and some steep sections, but the views make it worthwhile. Watch for mountain bikers on certain sections of the trail.
4. Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Harkins Ridge, Craig Britton, and Purisima Creek Trail
This 7.2-mile loop is moderately challenging and popular among hikers, mountain bikers, and runners. The trail is open year-round and offers a classic redwood hiking experience. Starting with a peaceful climb by Purisima Creek, the trail ascends above the treetops. Hikers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding ridges and the Pacific Ocean.
Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop Trail
Try the 9.3-mile Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop for a more challenging hike. This trail starts downhill towards the ocean and offers beautiful views of Half Moon Bay. The route follows the gulch and climbs back up through redwood groves.
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