easy hikes

Five Fall Hikes Near Silicon Valley

Wild turkeys on a fall day at Rancho San Antonio Preserve. Photo by Karl Gohl

Enjoy the changing colors of the leaves and the serenity to be found hiking in the hills around Silicon Valley (Santa Clara Valley). Oh, and a chai recipe to warm you up!

Figueroa to Serpentine Loop at Calero

Serpentine Loop is exposed but offers lovely views. Brendan Bane photo.

A moderate 6.7-mile hike including the shady, easy Figueroa Trail and the more challenging and exposed Serpentine Loop.

Heritage Grove Trail

An old-growth redwood in the Heritage Grove at Sam McDonald County Park picks up the light. David McSpadden photo/Creative Commons.

A half-day hike through a redwood grove inherited from an impassioned public to a high ridge lookout.

Wood Road Trail

Mt. Umunhum is visible from this trail. Photo by Elf / CC

All great hikes begin with an aged installation of mining machinery… right?

Sequoia Audubon Trail

The wetlands that lie just inland from Pescadero State Beach are pretty easy on the eyes. Be careful, though—the stuff in the foreground is poison oak, and there's lots of it. Hilltromper photo.

Wander through marshes on this one-of-a-kind walk at Pescadero State Beach where nature is king.

Año Nuevo Point Trail

Año Nuevo Point Trail
3 miles in-and-out; 1 hour plus viewing time.; easy; access limited Dec. 1–Mar. 31