The Best Backpacking in Palo Alto
Looking for the best backpacking in Palo Alto? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Palo Alto. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top backpacking spots in and near Palo Alto
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Los Altos Hills, California
Rhus Ridge and Chamise Trail
10.1 mi / 1555 ft gainRhus Ridge and Chamise Trail is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near Los Altos, CaliforniaRead more -
Los Altos, California
Wildcat Canyon Loop
7.38 mi / 1138 ft gainWildcat Canyon Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Cupertino, California.Read more -
Cupertino, California
Black Mountain via PG&E, Quarry and Black Mountain Trail
11.72 mi / 3901 ft gainBlack Mountain via PG&E, Quarry and Black Mountain Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Cupertino, California.Read more -
Cupertino, California
Black Mountain via Rogue Valley, Chamise, Black Mountain, Quarry and PG&E Loop
14.41 mi / 3615 ft gainBlack Mountain via Rogue Valley, Chamise, Black Mountain, Quarry and PG&E Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Cupertino, California.Read more -
La Honda, California
Sam McDonald Park Loop
5.012.19 mi / 2192 ft gainThe Pescadero Creek Park Complex is a great place to escape for a day or overnight hike in the heart of the Bay Area. You will need to get a permit to stay overnight - these can be attained on a first-come, first-serve basis from the ranger station. Most of the campsites here are also available f...Read more -
Saratoga, California
Backpack the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail
4.530.8 miWant to experience one of the bay area's most memorable backpacking trips? We've got the details to get you out on the trail.To start the trek, drop your car at the Castle Rock State Park Parking Lot, which is located ~2.5 miles south of the junctions of Highways 35 and 9 off of Highway 35. Note ...Read more -
Saratoga, California
Backpack Castle Rock State Park
4.7Castle Rock Trail Camp has a different policy than other backcountry camps in the area (i.e. campsites along Skyline to the Sea). This campground is open all year and is available on a first come, first served basis. If you can, grab a spot a Frog Flat Camp. To get to the camp, park your car at t...Read more -
Sunol, California
Little Yosemite via Canyon View Trail
4.03.01 mi / 705 ft gainPlease note this is a fragile ecosystem and watershed. There is NO swimming allowed in Alameda Creek and trespassing is prohibited on Water Department lands that are not accessible to the public. You can learn more about the restrictions and the area at ebparks.org. After entering the kiosk you...Read more -
Fremont, California
Rose Peak From Sunol
18.64 mi / 3714 ft gainRose Peak From Sunol is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Sunol, California.Read more -
Castro Valley, California
Aaron Alcorn Castro Valley to Brentwood Memorial Trail
58.54 mi / 6755 ft gainAaron Alcorn Castro Valley to Brentwood Memorial Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Castro Valley, California.Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Big Basin's Sunset Trail Camp
4.89.46 mi / 2146 ft gainThis trail and campsite is currently closed (learn more). Looking for a more authentic hiking and camping weekend, without having to drive hours away to find it? Then the Sunset Trail Camp within Big Basin Redwoods SP is your ticket. To access this site, you'll need to hike the famous Skyline-to...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Hike the Canyon Rim Route in Butano State Park
5.011.7 miLocated deep within the Santa Cruz Mountains, Butano State Park boasts a large redwood canyon with many miles of hiking trails as well as campsites. This state park is one of the quietest and least visited parks on the peninsula making a perfect place to escape the hustle of the Bay Area Butano S...Read more -
Morgan Hill, California
Mayfair Ranch Trail to Serpentine Loop Trail
8.02 mi / 1755 ft gainMayfair Ranch Trail to Serpentine Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near San Jose, California.Read more -
Morgan Hill, California
Rancho Canada del Oro and Calero Park Loop
16.06 mi / 3428 ft gainRancho Canada del Oro and Calero Park Loop s an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Twentynine Palms, California.Read more -
Soquel, California
Five Finger Falls via Hinckley Basin Fire Road
12.27 mi / 2904 ft gainFive Finger Falls via Hinckley Basin Fire Road is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Soquel, California.Read more -
Soquel, California
Hinkley Basin Fire Road to Santa Rosalia Mountain
13.16 mi / 2690 ft gainHinkley Basin Fire Road to Santa Rosalia Mountain is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Soquel, California.Read more