A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Santa Clara, 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.

Cora and Seven Springs Loop

Hike Route

Cora and Seven Springs Loop

Views
moderate
2.77 mi
+567 ft
Coyote, Lower Meadow, and Permanente Creek Loop

Hike Route

Coyote, Lower Meadow, and Permanente Creek Loop

Birding
moderate
3.03 mi
+264 ft
Wildcat Loop

Hike Route

Wildcat Loop

River/Creek
moderate
4.86 mi
+624 ft
Lower Meadow Trail to Deer Hollow Farm

Hike Route

Lower Meadow Trail to Deer Hollow Farm

Wildflowers
easy
1.94 mi
+103 ft
Rogue Valley + Wildcat Loop

Hike Route

Rogue Valley + Wildcat Loop

Views
moderate
3.99 mi
+609 ft
Sierra Vista Preserve Loop

Hike Route

Sierra Vista Preserve Loop

Birding
moderate
4.11 mi
+1,063 ft
Logo

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
Mission Peak to Monument Peak

Hike Route

Mission Peak to Monument Peak

Fall Colors
strenuous
18.08 mi
+5,018 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
State Park Trifecta

Hike Route

State Park Trifecta

Birding
moderate
26.56 mi
+5,303 ft
Ohlone Wilderness Loop

Hike Route

Ohlone Wilderness Loop

Views
extreme
11.76 mi
+3,234 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.

Fremont Older Open Space Loop

Hike Route

Fremont Older Open Space Loop

Views
moderate
5.77 mi
+1,150 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
Fremont Older to Steven's Creek Reservoir Loop

Hike Route

Fremont Older to Steven's Creek Reservoir Loop

Lake
moderate
7.65 mi
+1,598 ft
Monument Peak Loop via BART

Hike Route

Monument Peak Loop via BART

Birding
strenuous
6.14 mi
+1,695 ft
Black Mountain via Black Mountain Trail

Hike Route

Black Mountain via Black Mountain Trail

Views
moderate
9.98 mi
+2,576 ft
Monument Peak Summit Out and Back

Hike Route

Monument Peak Summit Out and Back

Birding
strenuous
9.45 mi
+2,629 ft