A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Palo Alto, California

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Stanford Dish: Ranch Road via Piers Gate

Hike Route

Stanford Dish: Ranch Road via Piers Gate

Family Friendly
moderate
2.26 mi
+338 ft
Arastradero Short Loop

Hike Route

Arastradero Short Loop

Birding
moderate
3.38 mi
+432 ft
Hostel/Grapevine/Creek Trail Loop

Hike Route

Hostel/Grapevine/Creek Trail Loop

River/Creek
strenuous
2.38 mi
+609 ft
Creek/Pipeline loop at Hidden Villa

Hike Route

Creek/Pipeline loop at Hidden Villa

River/Creek
moderate
1.34 mi
+176 ft
Rogue Valley + Wildcat Loop

Hike Route

Rogue Valley + Wildcat Loop

Views
moderate
3.99 mi
+609 ft
Wildcat Loop

Hike Route

Wildcat Loop

River/Creek
moderate
4.86 mi
+624 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Rancho Ridge Loop

Hike Route

Rancho Ridge Loop

Less Crowded
strenuous
13.4 mi
+2,445 ft
Coyote Hills Half Marathon Loop

Hike Route

Coyote Hills Half Marathon Loop

Birding
moderate
12.26 mi
+145 ft
State Park Trifecta

Hike Route

State Park Trifecta

Birding
moderate
26.56 mi
+5,303 ft
Skyline to the Sea Trail

Hike Route

Skyline to the Sea Trail

River/Creek
moderate
24.47 mi
+2,436 ft
Skyline to the Sea Trail: Saratoga Gap to Big Basin Headquarters

Hike Route

Skyline to the Sea Trail: Saratoga Gap to Big Basin Headquarters

Views
extreme
14.83 mi
+1,668 ft
Lane Camp Loop

Hike Route

Lane Camp Loop

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
11.7 mi
+2,059 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Arastradero Preserve Loop

Hike Route

Arastradero Preserve Loop

Dogs Allowed
moderate
5.21 mi
+670 ft
Black Mountain via Black Mountain Trail

Hike Route

Black Mountain via Black Mountain Trail

Views
moderate
9.98 mi
+2,576 ft
Los Trancos Loop

Hike Route

Los Trancos Loop

Historical
moderate
6.86 mi
+1,485 ft
Upper Rogue Valley - Upper High Meadow - PG&E Loop

Hike Route

Upper Rogue Valley - Upper High Meadow - PG&E Loop

Birding
strenuous
9.33 mi
+1,618 ft
Hamms Gulch-Spring Ridge Trail Loop

Hike Route

Hamms Gulch-Spring Ridge Trail Loop

Views
moderate
7.36 mi
+1,754 ft
Black Mountain loop via Stevens Creek

Hike Route

Black Mountain loop via Stevens Creek

River/Creek
strenuous
5.82 mi
+1,300 ft