Hill Yeah!

Sometimes you've just gotta head for the hills. And lucky for us, the Bay Area is chock full of hills that top out to truly outstanding views. These three parks and preserves have short hikes to brilliant vistas, and they're pretty in autumn. Bonus wine and sunsets.

Week: 10.13.2021
Regions: Northern CA

Hill of a Good Hike

Hike a panoramic loop at St. Joseph's Hill in the Los Gatos Hills

Hiker pointing towards the Lexington Reservoir at the high point of St. Joseph's Hill in Los Gatos
Mountain biker riding upa wide trail at St. Joseph's Hill in Los Gatos Bay Area
Hikers on a wide and flat trail at St. Joseph's Hill in Los Gatos
Hiker heading up a wide dirt trail at St. Joseph's Hill in Los Gatos
Located just off Highway 17 in the Los Gatos hills, St. Joseph’s Hill packs a big panorama within this 3.5-mile loop. This beautiful preserve has hiking and biking trails, and beautiful vistas.
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Tiny Hike, Mighty View

Hidden Timberhill Park in Napa

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Nestled in Napa's beautiful Browns Valley neighborhood, Timberhill Park is a hidden gem with a fantastic hike and equally fantastic views.
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Bernal Desire

Sunset Hike at Bernal Heights Park in San Francisco

A group of friends hangs out at the top of Bernal Heights Park in San Francisco, looking out at the sunset
Bernal Height Park San Francisco sunset
It's one of the best views in San Francisco. Bernal Heights Park is an underrated hilltop park that simply beams at sunset, with views of downtown SF, the Golden Gate, and the Bay Bridge.
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  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    {NOTE: Due to atmospheric rivers that can come this time of year, always be sure to check ahead for trail closures and hazards. And of course, wait for better weather and drier con

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  4. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

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    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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    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

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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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