2015 Best Parks in Silicon Valley

One of the best things about nature is that it’s free to enjoy. The parks of Silicon Valley are some of the top attractions in Northern California’s mountainous region, offering a much-needed escape for the techie often chained to their desk. Below is the 2015 list of some of the best parks in Silicon Valley.

The Bay Trail

The mightiest of trails in Silicon Valley is the Bay Trail, covering ground in Palo Alto Baylands, Shoreline, Sunnyvale Baylands and Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge. The 500-mile trail circles the entire bay yet offers short hiking loops or full day, multi-mile excursions.

Steven’s Creek Trail

This 4.8-mile trail along the banks of Steven’s Creek is one of the better short hikes in the area. Access the trail through Shoreline Park or other entrances.

Rancho San Antonio County Park

Rancho San Antonio is near Cupertino and offers plenty of scenic hiking trails and wildlife-spotting opportunities. Dear Hollow Farm is within the park, featuring historical buildings worth a visit.

Stanford Dish Walk

This privately owned land is conveniently located close to tech giants Tesla, SAP, and VMWare. The 3.5-mile trail provides great views of Stanford University and other Silicon Valley landmarks.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

About 20 miles from San Jose, Big Basin is great for outdoor enthusiasts. It is one of the most popular backpacking and camping locations in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with routes extending to the Pacific Ocean.

Ano Nuevo State Park

Nearby Big Basin, Ano Nuevo State Park features miles of coastal hikes and geological tours worth a visit.

Wilder Ranch State Park

A bit of drive with a huge payoff, Wilder Ranch offers beautiful coastal hikes.

Castle Rock State Park

Castle Rock features spectacular views, oddly shaped rock formations, and great hiking trails. Reviewers on Yelp rave about the Saratoga Gap Trail.

Alum Rock Park

Alum Rock Park offers over 13 miles of hiking trails, some open to horses and mountain bikes. The park includes mineral springs, excellent views, and standard amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, and a museum.

Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

Not far from Redwood City, this park is popular for its great views of Half Moon Bay, making it an appealing destination for a short drive.

Now that you have the 2015 Best Parks in Silicon Valley list, you have no excuse but to get out and get active.