Bay Area Hikes: The Ultimate Hiking Calendar 2025
Are you ready to lace up your hiking boots and make 2025 the year you embrace the great outdoors? If your New Year’s resolution is to explore nature more often, you’re in the right place.
No matter your experience level on the trails, this hiking calendar is here to guide you to the best Bay Area hikes, every month of the year. From wildflower-studded paths in the spring to coastal escapes in the summer and serene forest walks in the winter, I’ve curated this list to highlight the best seasonal hikes that showcase the natural beauty around us.
So grab your backpack, and let’s hit the trails together in 2025!
January: Chase Waterfalls
January is the perfect month to chase waterfalls, with creeks flowing full thanks to the winter rains. Heads up – the trails might be a bit muddy, so step carefully, or wait until February for drier conditions. Here are two fantastic trails bursting with waterfalls to get your year started. Tip – Make sure to wear waterproof boots for these hikes.
- Cataract Falls Trail, Mt. Tamalpais Area
This beautiful trail weaves through lush greenery and rewards you with a series of stunning waterfalls. There is a steep ascent but trust me, the falls are totally worth it. AllTrails link here. - Waterfall Loop, Uvas Canyon, Morgan Hill
Nestled in the Morgan hill area, this trail treats you to lots of waterfalls along the route. It’s a peaceful and scenic escape, ideal for soaking in nature’s beauty. You will need to purchase a permit (refer here for the link to buy your permit) beforehand to hike this trail. AllTrails link here.
February: First Wildflower Blooms
February marks the arrival of the first wildflower and mustard carpets along the coast. While mustard is invasive, it creates stunning yellow vistas that are hard to resist. Here are two trails where you can enjoy these early blooms. Don’t forget your camera and enjoy the first hints of spring!
- Cowell-Purisima Trail, Half Moon Bay
This coastal trail offers breathtaking ocean views on one side and vibrant yellow carpets of mustard blooms on the other. The combination of sea and flowers makes this a must-visit spot for February hikes. AllTrails link here. - Communications Hill Loop, San Jose
A flat, easy, and mostly paved path, this path is painted charming yellow as mustard blooms line the route. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk with gorgeous photo opportunities. AllTrails link here.
March: Green Hills and Spring Vibes
March is when the Bay Area starts to look like Switzerland! The East Bay hills are at their greenest, making it the perfect time to get outside and soak it all in before the heat sets in. Here are two awesome trails to explore this month, both offering stunning views and that fresh spring energy.
- Brushy Peak West Loop Trail, Livermore
This hike offers an amazing view of the neighboring wind farm, making it feel like you’ve stepped right into a Windows XP wallpaper! It’s one of my personal favorite hikes in all of East Bay—peaceful, scenic, and full of those lush green hills that March brings. AllTrails link here. - Red Hill Trail, Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont
If you love being near the water, you’ll love this one. Coyote Hills is right next to the bay, offering some of the most beautiful views around. On a clear day, you might even catch a distant glimpse of the San Francisco skyline! Plus, there are plenty of other trails in the park if you’re in the mood for a longer hike. AllTrails link here.
April: Spring is here!
April is when the Bay Area really shows off its spring colors, with California native flowers blooming all over the place. The trails are alive with vibrant yellows, purples, and blues, making it the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the beauty of wildflowers. Here are two trails you don’t want to miss this month!
- Mori Point Loop Trail, Pacifica
Mori Point is super popular for a reason—it’s one of the prettiest spots to see a carpet of wildflowers, including goldfields and lupines, with incredible ocean views. Expect crowds, but it’s totally worth it! The best time to visit? Golden hour! Stick around for the stunning sunset views. AllTrails link here. - Senador Mine Trail, San Jose
If you’re looking for something a little quieter, Senador Mine Trail is a hidden gem that’s one of my personal favorites. It’s not as well-known, but it’s a local favorite for wildflowers. You’ll find poppies, lupines, goldfields, baby blue eyes, and more—all in one trail! It’s a peaceful spot to soak in the beauty of spring. AllTrails link here.
May: Magic carpet
May brings one of the most jaw-dropping wildflower shows around Bay Area—the famous pink magic carpet along the Pacific Grove coast. It’s just a short drive away, and the blooms are in full glory! If you’re a wildflower fan (or just love a good view), here are two trails you’ll want to check out this month!
- Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail, Pacific Grove
If you’re looking to see that iconic pink magic carpet, this is the trail to visit. The ground is covered with vibrant pink flowers, and the blue ocean views make it feel like you’re walking through a postcard. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale or two! It’s a must-see for May wildflowers. AllTrails link here. - Asilomar Beach Coastal Trail, Pacific Grove
While Asilomar Beach isn’t the spot for the pink carpet, it’s still a gorgeous place to explore. The white sand dunes are dotted with other colorful wildflowers, creating a scene that looks like a pastel painting come to life. It’s a peaceful, easy walk with stunning beach views. AllTrails link here.
June: Watch the Fog Blanket
As the temperatures heat up in June, the Peninsula gets treated to a cool and mystical show—fog rolling in and blanketing the hills like a cozy, fluffy blanket. Everyone knows about the fog at Mt. Tam, but did you know the Peninsula has its own magical fog displays? If you’re into golden hour vibes and dreamy views, you’ll want to check out this trail.
- Sunset Trail, Edgewood Nature Preserve, Redwood City
Head to this trail in the golden hour, and you’ll get a front-row seat to the fog rolling over the hills and creeping across I280. It’s like watching nature put on a show just for you! With a good camera, you might even be able to capture a time-lapse that’ll make your friends jealous. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite moments of the year, and I bet it’ll become one of yours too! AllTrails link here.
July: Cool Off at the Swim Holes
July is the perfect time to cool off and explore the outdoors in a new way—through swim holes! Swimming and hiking make the ultimate summer combo, and there’s no better way to enjoy the warmth than by taking a dip after a good hike. Here’s a spot that’s totally worth the drive.
- Big Sur River Gorge Trail, Big Sur
It’s a bit of a drive from the Bay Area, but trust me, it’s totally worth it. The Big Sur River Gorge Trail takes you to some refreshing swim holes where you can cool off and forget all about the summer heat. The water is perfect for a swim! Plus, the place also has a campground – you can camp here and spend even more time in the water. The campground has changing rooms and restrooms, so you can easily make a weekend out of it. It’s the perfect summer escape. AllTrails link here.
August: Escape the heat in the Redwoods
August can bring some serious heat, but luckily, the Bay Area has some magical redwood trails that’ll keep you cool while you explore. These towering trees offer the perfect escape from those summer heat waves. Here are two of my all-time favorite redwood hikes to cool off and enjoy the beauty of nature.
- Grabtown Gulch Trail to Purisima Creek, Half Moon Bay
This trail is one of my all-time favorite redwood hikes in the Bay Area. It’s got everything—cool, shady paths, towering redwoods, and one of the best spots by the creek, full of lush ferns. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with this trail anytime of the year, but it’s especially refreshing in August when the heat is cranked up. AllTrails link here. - Tafoni Trail, Redwood City
Tafoni Trail is another great way to beat the heat, especially in the early morning when the fog is still lingering. The trail leads to a huge tafoni sandstone formation, which looks like something straight out of a fantasy novel. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful, cool hike before the day gets too hot. AllTrails link here.
September: Sunsets and drifting fog
As “Fogust” comes to an end, September brings us those beautiful, clear sunsets with just a hint of fog drifting over the Peninsula hills. It’s the perfect time to catch a stunning golden hour and watch the sunset melt into the foggy horizon. Here’s a trail to catch that magical moment.
- Sawyer Camp Trail, Belmont
This trail runs along the beautiful Crystal Springs Reservoir, giving you gorgeous views of the water and the surrounding hills. As the fog gently drifts over the trees, you’ll witness a grand golden hour, followed by a sunset that dips right into the fog. It’s one of those hikes that feels like nature is putting on a show just for you. Definitely worth the trip for those September vibes! AllTrails link here.
October: Quiet beaches and cypress tunnels
October is here, and with it comes cooler temps, peaceful beaches, and the perfect fall vibes. The summer crowds are gone, making it the ideal time to explore some quiet coastal trails. Whether you’re into stunning cypress trees or tide pools, these trails are perfect for soaking up the beauty of the season!
- Cypress Tree Tunnel, Inverness
If you haven’t seen the famous Cypress Tree Tunnel, you’re missing out! It’s a little magical spot just north of SF in the Point Reyes National Seashore where towering cypress trees form an epic, fairytale-like arch. The fall light streaming through the trees makes it feel even more dreamy. Definitely a peaceful spot for a quiet stroll and some fall feels. AllTrails link here. - Bluff Trail, Moss beach
Looking for coastal views, tide pools, and a dash of movie magic? Check out Bluff Trail, which was featured in Memoirs of a Geisha! It’s not just about the views—there’s also this cool orange algae on the cypress trees that make them pop in the fall. It’s a fun, beautiful hike that’s perfect for October adventures. AllTrails link here.
November: Monarchs and King tides
November is a magical month when two incredible nature events collide—the Monarch butterfly migration and the first king tides of the season! It’s the perfect time to get outside and experience the beauty of both. Here are two awesome trails to explore this month that will let you enjoy both the butterflies and the tides.
- Natural Bridges Monarch Trail, Santa Cruz
If you’re lucky enough to be in Santa Cruz during November, make sure to check out the Natural Bridges Monarch Trail. This is one of the best spots to witness the start of the Monarch butterfly migration. The butterflies gather in huge clusters on the trees, creating a breathtaking sight. It’s a must-see fall experience! AllTrails link here. - East Cliff Drive Walk, Santa Cruz
This one’s all about exploring the tide pools! Head down to the beach along East Cliff Drive, and you’ll be able to wander the rocky shore and discover all kinds of treasures in the tide pools. From crabs to sea anemones, there’s so much to see, especially with the king tides making the beach a little extra special this time of year. It’s like a mini treasure hunt by the sea! If you’re looking for more places to enjoy the King tides, here are some more recs.
December: Rain, Enchanted Forests and Mushrooms
December brings rain showers to the Bay Area, turning our forests into magical, fog-filled wonderlands—and with the rain comes the mushrooms! It’s the perfect time to explore the forest floor and see all the mushrooms pop up after the rain. Here are two trails where you can really get lost in the magic.
- Upper Jordan Fire Trail, Berkeley
This trail is a mushroom lover’s dream! After a good rain, the fern and moss-covered hillsides become home to all kinds of fungi. The fog adds an extra layer of mystery, making the whole forest feel like something out of a fairytale. Definitely a great spot to explore and see nature in a whole new way. AllTrails link here. - Slate Creek Loop, Portola Valley
Another fantastic trail for mushroom hunters! This one’s under the towering redwoods, and you’ll find mushrooms scattered all over the forest floor. AllTrails link here.
And there you have it—a full year of amazing hikes to enjoy all across the Bay Area! Grab your boots, pack your camera, and get ready to make 2025 your best year of outdoor exploration yet!
