Early Wildflower Hikes

No need to wait for one of spring's best bounties: Right now wildflowers are already starting to pop up across Bay Area landscapes, and these three spots debut their petal power on the earlier side. Here are some hikes and bike rides worth going wild(flower) for.

Week: 03.26.2025
Regions: Northern CA

All right, Almaden!

Hike a loop at Almaden Quicksilver County Park

Hiker standing amid green trees on the Sendador Mine Trail in Almaden Quicksilver County Park
Orange California Poppy on the trail at Almaden Quicksilver County Park
Pearson sitting on a bench atop a high point at Almaden Quicksilver County Park
Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.
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Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

Discover Secret Outdoors and Vibrant City Life in Reno Tahoe

Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.
Discover Your Reno Tahoe Adventure

Ride the Ridge

Mountain bike or hike the Bolinas Ridge Trail in Point Reyes

woman biking bolinas ridge trail point reyes
woman biking bolinas ridge trail point reyes
woman biking bolinas ridge trail point reyes
Galloping green hills, grazing cattle, great vantages … Bolinas Ridge Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore is a challenging yet visually rewarding intermediate-level mountain bike ride (or hike). Winter and spring are ideal for an adventure here, and seasonal features like wildflowers can pop early.
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Edgewood Sparklers

Wildflowers and Views at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve in Woodside

Hiker at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve in Woodside
Hikers on the trail at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve in Woodside
Two people cuddling on a bench overlooking an oak tree and hills at Edgewood Preserve in Woodside
Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve in Woodside sparkles with wildflowers, and you can see them on this 4.2-mile loop with vistas of Mount Diablo and the San Francisco Bay.
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  1. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

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  2. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

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  3. Hikers stand atop Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

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  4. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

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  1. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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  2. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

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  3. A woman walks the path next to the beach at sunset at Palisades Park in Los Angeles County

    Santa Monica’s Most Beautiful Walk

    With its sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Pier, the 26-acre Palisades Park, perched along the beach bluffs, may be a tourist’s delight for its quintessential California vibes–but it’s just as beloved by locals. Follow this 2.5-mile loop to experience it like one.

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  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

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