The best walks and hikes around San Carlos
4.7
(149)
2,510
hikers
14
hikes
Hiking around San Carlos is primarily located in a region characterized by diverse natural preserves, scenic hills, and open spaces. The landscape features woodlands, native grasslands, and riparian areas, offering varied terrain for outdoor activities. Hikers can expect trails that wind through lush greenery, provide views of the surrounding Bay Area, and include moderate elevation changes.
Best hiking trails around San Carlos
- The most popular hiking route is Dream trail loop from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, a 5.8…
Last updated: April 26, 2026
5.0
(4)
119
hikers
9.33km
02:43
260m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
15
hikers
3.53km
01:05
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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14
hikers
4.44km
01:21
150m
150m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
7.08km
02:07
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This 366-acre preserve offers several walking trails with nice shade, and an off-leash dog area. You can access the preserve right from the fringes of Redwood City.
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The Edgewood Trail runs east to west along the northern edge of the park and is easlity accessible from the main parking lot or the Edgewood Trailhead at Edgewood and Cañada Road. Beginning from the main parking lot, expect a challenging half-mile ascent with an average grade of 9.5% as the route winds through a beautiful oak woodland, providing a shady canopy before opening up to fantastic views of the rolling hiilsides, perfect for a wonderful hike, especially on a warm day.
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This trail is fantastic, winding through the beautiful forest, chaparral, and meadows in this beautiful park. The route switchbacks up the hillside, offering spectacular views of the canyon. Along the path, you'll find a bench, which is perfect for resting and taking in the stunning scenery.
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This trail is a short connector to the Harold Drake Trail. It offers beautiful bay views, and just below the trail, you may spot deer resting, who call this area home and travel the trails frequently. It’s a fantastic start to a great hike through Big Canyon Park.
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Edgewood Park and Nature Preserve spans 467 acres of serpentine grasslands and is renowned for its stunning wildflowers each spring, with lovely trails throughout the grounds to explore. The park's location is just off I-280 and Edgewood Road, making it easily accessible for an opportunity to immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery not far from the San Francisco Peninsula.
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From Vista Point you can see the 4.7 km long hiking trail near San Carlos. The trail is generally considered easy and takes approximately 1 hour on average. It is a popular trail for bird watching, hiking and running, offering peace and relaxation at quiet times of the day. The trail is open all year round and can be visited at any time. Dogs should stay at home.
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Vista Point offers an awesome perspective of Crystal Springs Reservoir and back into Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. It's just outside the boundaries of the preserve and is completely paved and wheelchair accessible.
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This 366-acre preserve offers several walking trails with nice shade, and an off-leash dog area. You can access the preserve right from the fringes of Redwood City.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around San Carlos?
There are over a dozen hiking trails around San Carlos, offering a variety of experiences. You'll find options ranging from easy strolls to more challenging moderate hikes through diverse landscapes.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes in San Carlos?
Hiking trails in San Carlos primarily traverse natural preserves, scenic hills, and open spaces. You can expect to walk through woodlands, native grasslands, and riparian areas, with trails winding through lush greenery and offering views of the surrounding Bay Area. Many routes include moderate elevation changes.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families in San Carlos?
Yes, San Carlos offers several easy trails perfect for beginners or families. For example, the Hiking loop from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is an easy 4.5 km path, and the Hiking loop from Emerald Lake Hills is a 3.5 km trail through scenic hills.
What are some moderate hiking options for a longer outing?
For a moderate challenge, consider the Dream trail loop from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, which is 9.3 km long and features significant elevation gain. Another good moderate option is the Harold Drake Trail loop from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, covering 7.1 km.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in San Carlos?
The trails around San Carlos are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 130 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse natural preserves, the scenic views of the Bay Area, and the variety of options available for different ability levels.
Are there any notable landmarks or attractions to see along the hiking routes?
Yes, several interesting landmarks and natural features can be found near the trails. You might encounter the beautiful Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, the historic Pulgas Water Temple, or the unique Tafoni Sandstone Formation. Some trails also lead past the impressive Methuselah Tree.
Are there any circular hiking routes in San Carlos?
Many of the trails in San Carlos are designed as loops, offering convenient circular routes. Examples include the Dream trail loop from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve and the Edgewood Trail loop from Emerald Lake Hills.
What are the best parks or preserves for hiking in San Carlos?
Key areas for hiking include Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, known for its varied loops and elevation gains, and Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve, which offers extensive woodlands and native grasslands. Emerald Lake Hills also provides access to scenic trails.
Can I find trails with good viewpoints in San Carlos?
Absolutely. Many trails in San Carlos offer stunning views, particularly those in areas like Highlands Park and Sugarloaf Mountain. These locations provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Is there public transport access to hiking areas in San Carlos?
While specific public transport routes to trailheads can vary, San Carlos is generally accessible. For the Crystal Springs Regional Trail, which includes the San Andreas and Sawyer Camp segments, a portion of Cañada Road is closed to cars on Sundays, making it ideal for walking and cycling, and potentially more accessible via public transport connections to the area.
What is the typical duration for hikes in San Carlos?
Hikes in San Carlos vary in duration. Easy trails like the Hiking loop from Emerald Lake Hills can be completed in about 1 hour 5 minutes. Moderate routes, such as the Dream trail loop from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, typically take around 2 hours 45 minutes.
Are there any trails suitable for birdwatching?
Yes, areas like Highlands Park and Sugarloaf Mountain are excellent spots for birdwatching. These locations feature diverse habitats that attract a variety of bird species, making them popular among nature enthusiasts.
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