Hiker walking on a trail festooned by lupine wildflowers at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve

Short & Quiet Hikes in the Bay Area

You don’t have to “go long” to have an outdoor adventure. These three quieter preserves and parks across the Bay Area offer small hikes with big scenery, lingering greenery, zen spots, seasonal flowers, and redwoods.

Week: 04.06.2022
Regions: Northern CA

Hidden Wilds of Healdsburg

Hike the Less Traveled Healdsburg Open Space Preserve

Hiker at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve hiking amid lupine wildflowers
Hiker passing trail sign for All the Oaks Trail and Ridge Trail at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space
Hiker crouching to take a phone photo of lupine wildflowers at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve
Hiker on trail festooned by lupine wildflowers at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve
When you arrive at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve, you may wonder what could possibly be tucked behind a subdivision. But within minutes of hiking in this 155-acre preserve, the beauty reveals itself: majestic oak trees, wetland, spring wildflowers, and wowing views of the Mayacama Mountains and Russian River.
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Guide to the Best Wildflower Walks

POST's Digital Guide to Wildflower Walks

POST digital guide to wildflower hikes
purple wildflower
California Poppy flower
Coyote Valley wildflower hike
Where will you wildflower this season? Check out POST’s 2022 digital guide to Wildflower Walks and find the best in bloom around the Peninsula and South Bay.
The Best Wildflower Walks

Sibley Amazement

Labyrinth Hike at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve in the East Bay

Labyrinth Hike at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve in the East Bay
A 10-million-year-old volcano and a couple of labyrinths are part of this 2.2-mile hike in the Oakland Hills at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve.
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Simply Wunderful

Hike the Woodlands and Redwoods of Wunderlich Park

Hike among redwoods at Wunderlich Park
Hike the mixed evergreen woodland and coast redwoods in the South Bay's Wunderlich Park. Sunlight filters naturally through the trees on this lovely 3.4-mile lollipop loop.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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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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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields. DECEMBER BONUS: Enjoy a holiday market, see The Nutcracker, and visit Santa at Sensorio.

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  2. 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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  3. O Enchanted Night!

    Prepare to be mesmerized! Holiday-season nights in Descanso Gardens are a magical interplay of lights and natural beauty that dazzle as you stroll through the Enchanted Forest of L

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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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