Easy Hiking in Silicon Valley
Many who travel to Silicon Valley and the Bay Area from all over the world come to visit for a treat and oftentimes look for great activities to do outside of their vacation time or business meetings. Despite being a bustling city hub of fun, family-friendly entertainment, Silicon Valley houses some of the most scenic outdoor recreational activities, perfect for a day of exploration and adventure for those who wish for a reprieve from the city. Many locals spend their free time on the trails that snake their way through the many cities and towns that make up Silicon Valley.
In this article, we will explore easy hiking trails that all can easily access in Silicon Valley.
1. The Bay Trail
An impressive 500-mile trail known as The Bay Trail circles the entire San Fransisco Bay and passes through various parks in Silicon Valley, including the following:
- Palo Alto Baylands
- Shoreline
- Sunnyvale Baylands
- Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge
The trails are all flat and wide, perfect for running. Trails in The Bay Trail area can be combined to make the duration of your hike any desired distance–a full-day hike or a short mile loop during a lunch break at work. One of the many parks listed above is likely near where you are visiting in Silicon Valley, and if you find yourself with extra time on your hands, this is the place to look.
Highlight: Just between Shoreline and Sunnyvale Baylands, you can locate Moffett Airfield. If you count yourself lucky, you will spot something interesting. Keep an eye out for wildlife, and don’t let the foreign smell of the outgoing tide bother you too much.
2. Standford Dish Walk
Just west of Standford University in the rolling hills, you can find a 3.5-mile paved loop known among the locals as “The Dish.” The name comes from the radio observatory on the top of the hill, and on most days, you can spot it tracking some astronomical item of interest. The loop features hilly sections that lead to views of the university and other Silicon Valley landmarks, with the proximity to the University and other big tech companies such as Tesla, SAP, and VMW, making for a great quick getaway option during a lunch break or at the end of the day. The privately owned land comes with rules and some strict regulations, so it is important to stick to the paved trail. Make sure to only visit without having to meet one of the security guards.
3. Wilder Ranch State Park
If you live and/or work out in Santa Cruz, or you have time on your hands to get away, we recommend checking out the Wilder Ranch State Park. Wilder Ranch offers miles of hiking trails, with an easier option falling to the Ohlone Bluff Trail. This wide, flat trail runs along the length of the bluff, overlooking the scenic Pacific Ocean. On this hike, expect to be met with fresh ocean air, waves crashing against the sea cliffs, and marine wildlife sightings that make the flat hike or jog not only interesting but enjoyable. Just 4 miles north of Santa Cruz, you can go on a short drive from civilization, and the old ranch roads provide plenty of space for everyone to share the trail.
Conclusion
Make sure to enjoy your time exploring the Bay Area, and don’t be afraid to get away to enjoy the varied terrain and climate. From towering skyline hiking to easy seaside cliff strolls, there is something for everyone to enjoy about being in the great open outdoors in Silicon Valley while exploring the many trail systems that intertwine in and out of this stunning city. What better way to enjoy hiking here than by calling Silicon Valley home? Trust your local agents at Homeowner Experience Real Estate to guide you in finding the home of your dreams in the many vibrant, beautiful neighborhoods that make up Silicon Valley today.