Lake Chabot Regional Park, Castro Valley, CA

This East bay hike was recently recommended to me, and I was pleasantly surprised. It features pretty views of Lake Chabot and the bay. Good for walking the dog if you have one.


Trail: Unnamed
Difficulty: Moderate (some slope, sun exposure, windy in certain areas)

Ravenswood Open Space Preserve, East Palo Alto, CA

Next to the Dumbarton bridge, this marshland has some opportunities for birdwatching, but is very isolated. Do not hike here alone.


Trail: Bay Trail
Difficulty: Moderate (isolated, windy)

Los Trancos Open Space Preserve, Los Altos, CA

Hidden in the hills southwest of Los Altos, this hike features a creek in the middle of the woods.


The trail itself is flat and not very long, but it is somewhat isolated. Though signage is good one can still lose one's way. It is advisable to bring friends and a gps-capable device.

Trail: Lost Creek Trail
Difficulty: Moderate (isolation)

Joseph D. Grant County Park, Mount Hamilton, CA

I took a spur-of-the-moment hike here today.

The park features a lake and several trails leading up into the foothills adjacent to Mt. Hamilton. After walking around Grant lake, one can take the Halls Valley Trail up the foothills.

Grant Lake


Halls Valley trail: Note the cows grazing on the grassy hillside.


About halfway up the Halls Valley trail, 3 cows blocked the trail up ahead and stood their ground. Instead of waiting it out, I decided to turn back as it was getting late.

Trail: Halls Valley Trail
Difficulty: >Moderate (length, slope, secluded)

Greyhound Rock County Park, Davenport, CA

At the suggestion of one of my uncles, I decided to drive here and look around. The park itself is located about 15 miles north of Santa Cruz, along highway 1. After parking, take the paved road down to the beach, where you will be greeted by a beautiful view of the rock.


It can be helpful to time your visit with low tide.

Having already hiked earlier that day (see previous post), I decided not to climb onto Greyhound rock itself, and plan to return sometime in the not-too-distant future to do so.

Pomponio State Beach, San Gregorio, CA

This beach is located 12 miles south of Half Moon Bay along Highway 1--a great place to spend an afternoon to escape one's daily concerns and unwind. It is not too crowded here, and you can get a nice, secluded view of the coastal bluffs and ocean if you walk far enough along the beach.

Alum Rock, San Jose, CA

This park has something for everyone. It features wooded areas, shady walks next to Penitencia Creek, and a slightly uphill walk to Eagle Rock.


Trails: Penitencia Creek, Inspiration Point, & Eagle Rock trails
Difficulty: Moderate (sun exposure in certain areas)