The best walks and hikes around Emerald Lake Hills
4.7
(182)
3,057
hikers
162
hikes
Hiking around Emerald Lake Hills offers diverse natural landscapes characterized by rolling hills adorned with oak trees and a generally woodsy terrain. The region features varied habitats including woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral plant communities, particularly within Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve. Hikers can find panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, Crystal Springs Reservoir, and the San Andreas Fault Zone from various viewpoints. The area's geology includes large exposed formations of serpentine rock.
Best hiking trails around Emerald Lake…
Last updated: April 25, 2026
2
hikers
5.95km
01:44
160m
160m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
1.67km
00:27
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
52
hikers
5.32km
01:35
170m
170m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
25
hikers
6.06km
01:47
190m
190m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
119
hikers
9.33km
02:43
260m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. 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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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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This mile-long trail is the perfect mix of serene woodlands and panoramic Bay views as it weaves through coast live oak and beautiful flowers, especially during spring. Keep an eye out for a charming trailside waterfall about halfway through the trail, as it may be visible when water levels are higher. Dogs are not allowed on this trail, so you'll need to leave your pup at home.
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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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Sylvan forest trail within the Edgewood Park Nature & Preserve is one of the most popular and frequent trails in the municipality of Redwood city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Emerald Lake Hills?
Emerald Lake Hills offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 120 routes documented on komoot. These trails cater to different skill levels, including 68 easy, 54 moderate, and a few more challenging options.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Emerald Lake Hills?
The spring months are particularly rewarding for hiking in Emerald Lake Hills, especially for experiencing the spectacular wildflower displays within Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve. The generally mild California climate makes hiking enjoyable throughout much of the year.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the hiking trails?
The terrain in Emerald Lake Hills is characterized by beautiful rolling hills adorned with oak trees, creating a generally woodsy environment. Trails wind through diverse habitats including woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral plant communities. You'll also encounter unique geological features like large exposed formations of serpentine rock.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options in Emerald Lake Hills?
Yes, Emerald Lake Hills offers many family-friendly trails. Many routes, particularly within Edgewood County Park, are rated as easy to moderate, making them suitable for various ages and fitness levels. An example is the Edgewood Trail loop, which is 3.3 miles long and winds through diverse habitats.
What natural features or landmarks can I see while hiking?
Hikers can enjoy a range of natural features and landmarks. Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve offers diverse ecosystems and panoramic views. Nearby, you can explore the Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, part of the scenic Crystal Springs Regional Trail, or visit the unique Beaux Arts-style Pulgas Water Temple.
Are there trails with panoramic viewpoints in the area?
Absolutely. Many trails offer magnificent panoramic views. From points like Inspiration Heights in Edgewood County Park, you can see the San Francisco Bay, Crystal Springs Reservoir, Skyline Ridge, and even the San Andreas Fault Zone. Handley Rock Park also provides sweeping views of the entire Bay Area from its prominent sandstone outcrop.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Emerald Lake Hills?
The trails in Emerald Lake Hills are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 160 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse natural landscapes, the well-maintained paths, and the stunning panoramic views of the Bay Area and surrounding natural features.
Are there any loop trails for hiking in Emerald Lake Hills?
Yes, there are several excellent loop trails. Besides the popular Edgewood Trail loop, you can also find the Dream trail loop from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, which takes you through tree-lined ridges and canyons.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter on the trails?
Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve is particularly rich in wildlife, home to over 560 plant species, 100 bird species, and various mammals such as deer, bobcats, and coyotes. It's also a habitat for the endangered Bay Checkerspot Butterfly, especially during spring wildflower season.
Are there any trails suitable for beginners?
Yes, many trails in Emerald Lake Hills are suitable for beginners. The area offers numerous easy routes, such as the Sylvan Forest Trail — Edgewood Park & Nature preserve, which is an easy 3.8-mile path through forested areas, perfect for those new to hiking.
Can I find trails that are also open for horseback riding?
Yes, several trails within Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve are open for equestrian use, offering a shared experience for hikers and horseback riders. The Crystal Springs Regional Trail, easily accessible from the area, also provides opportunities for horseback riding on its extensive path.
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