Spring's mix of rain and sun has set Northern California's wildflowers aglow on ridgetops, cliffsides, and summits. Get out the door and explore the swaths of color in three premier places, with thrilling views to boot.

Where can you get 360-degree views of the bay and a blooming kaleidoscope of colors—all within 15 minutes of San Francisco? San Mateo County's San Bruno Mountain. Its location between the 101 and 280 freeways might seem unassuming, but each spring this little peak packs some serious flower power. Ascend the Summit Loop Trail, following scattered ribbons of California golden poppies. Lupines, goldfields, Johnny jump-ups, and Douglas iris also color the landscape. The hike quickly offers big views of the bay, downtown San Francisco, and the southern peninsula. At the top, the Ridge Trail has some of the best wildflowers (venture as far as you like before returning to the summit). Descend the backside with new views of the Pacific, and on clear days, the Farallones peaking above the horizon.

From the park entrance, drive past the kiosk and loop back under the road to park at the southern lot. Follow the Summit Loop Trail clockwise. At the second junction, go left; the right trail is where the loop ends. Towards the top, go left on the Ridge Trail. When it reaches the fire road, turn right and hike to the top (walk the fire road Ridge Trail for a scenic out-and-back option). From the summit, walk down the paved road .25 mile. You'll see a trail on the right (do not take this), but look left for the Summit Loop Trail to the right of the gate. Take this down and back to the parking lot. Maps are available at the park. For directions and more information click here. No dogs.

Not since Cirque du Soleil came to town has so much vibrant variety been squeezed into such a small space; for the newest seasonal circus of color, visit Point Reyes' Chimney Rock. Each spring this spit of land gets carpeted with over 50 species of wildflowers: radiant Douglas iris mingles with Indian paintbrush and checker blooms, and buttercups speckle the landscape. In a twist of spring magic, wildlife happily shares this compact space. From the flat Chimney Rock Trail, spot elephant seals flopping, yelping, and bathing in the beach coves below. There's no shortage of views either: after about a mile, the trail ends at a precipice with panoramas of brown-green bluffs, crashing white waves, blue ocean, and the occasional gray whale making its annual northern migration.

BONUS: Top off your visit with a stop at the Station House Cafe in Point Reyes Station. If the weather's nice, grab a table on the outdoor garden patio.

Through mid-April, the Chimney Rock trailhead is only reachable by the national park's shuttle bus. Catch it at Drakes Beach in Point Reyes. It runs weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ($5). Call 415-464-5137 to see if the bus is running. For more information, click here. No dogs.

It's hot and brown in the summer and wet and muddy in the winter, but hit the Morgan Territory in the spring, and you'll find good bike trails weaving through a Technicolor rainbow of wildflowers. This park north of Livermore claims over 90 species of blooms within its 4,700 acres, including the bright-yellow Diablo sunflower, Mariposa lilies and California poppies. We recommend a 6.2-mile bike loop along a wide fire road; it has some ups and downs, but never gets technical—though you may have to shoo grazing cows off the trail. At just over 2,000 feet, the staging area is a relatively high-elevation starting point, meaning this park offers far and clear views of the Central Valley all the way to the Sierras. This flower pedal is the gold standard of spring rides.

From the southern end of the parking lot, take the Volvon Trail. Stay on this for .75 mile; turn right onto the Blue Oak Trail. Stay on this for 1.25 miles until it links back with the Volvon Trail; turn right. Stay on the Volvon Trail. At the junction of the Volvon "Loop" Trail go right and make a 1.5 mile counter clockwise loop. Return on the Volvon Trail all the way back to the staging area. Maps are available at the park. For directions and more information click here. Dog-friendly!

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