Easy hikes and walks around Highlands
4.6
(115)
2,501
hikers
111
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Highlands traverse varied landscapes, often featuring parklands, gentle hills, and local green spaces. The region provides accessible paths suitable for short excursions and family-friendly outings. These trails typically offer a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, with moderate elevation changes.
Best easy hiking trails around Highlands
- The most popular easy hiking route is Hallmark Park Loop, a 3.3 miles (5.3 km) trail that takes 1 hour 25 minutes to complete. This loop offers a pleasant…
Last updated: August 10, 2026
3.0
(2)
13
hikers
5.31km
01:26
70m
70m
Embark on the Hallmark Park Loop, an easy 3.3-mile (5.3 km) hike that offers a refreshing escape. You will navigate a pleasant singletrack path, gaining 220 feet (67 metres) of…
1.07km
00:22
90m
0m
This easy 0.7-mile hike on Sugarloaf Hill via Salson and Saddle Trail offers panoramic views of San Mateo Bridge and San Francisco Bay.
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5.0
(1)
11
hikers
3.52km
01:05
130m
130m
This easy 2.2-mile loop at Sugarloaf Mountain from Laurelwood Park offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area and varied terrain.
3.24km
00:54
60m
60m
Hike the easy 2.0-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail through Skylawn Memorial Park, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco B
4.0
(1)
121
hikers
6.21km
01:37
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Pretty, near-panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
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Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir is part of the Crystal Springs Reservoir system, and provides water to the San Francisco Bay Area. The area surrounding the reservoir is rich in biodiversity, home to rare and endangered species like the San Mateo thornmint and the Marin Dwarf Flax. While recreational activities on the water are restricted to protect the watershed, the adjacent Crystal Springs Regional Trail offers scenic views for hikers and cyclists.
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scenic bike ride along the san andreas reservoir
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Sugarloaf Mountain, sometimes more aptly called Sugarloaf Hill, is a simple and quick summit in the San Mateo area, offering some satisfying views of the greater San Francisco Bay Area. It is a great day hike destination if you are in the area.
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Although the Skylawn Memorial Gardens are part of a memorial and cemetery complex, it's a beautiful park to walk and wander.
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It's great to ride along the water here!
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See https://www.komoot.de/highlight/172571 The 15-mile Crystal Springs Regional Trail is one of the best mostly paved bike trails with few cars in the Bay Area. It spans from San Bruno to Woodside and is routed along three gorgeous lakes and connector links amid riparian woodlands. On Sundays, you can combine the San Andreas and Sawyer Camp segments to south of Highway 92 to Cañada Road, which is closed to cars for Bicycle Sundays (See https://www.komoot.de/tour/11413421 ). Speed limit: 15 mph, difficult for high-end road bikes to stay below; hikers: please don't stand and talk in the center of the trail. San Andreas segment: From Skyline Boulevard south of San Bruno Avenue the trail drops to the head of San Andreas Lake, with pretty views across to the west of the wilderness slope of Montara Mountain. It rides along the lake 2 miles to an access point near Larkspur and 0.6 miles to another (at Hillcrest) where it connects to the Sawyer Camp segment. Sawyer Camp segment: This is a gorgeous, easy bike ride, where you drop 400 feet over the span of 6 miles to Crystal Springs Dam. The route descends into riparian woodlands for 2.5 miles to Jepson Laurel picnic grounds, then runs along Crystal Springs Reservoir for 5.2 miles. You can continue another 1.7 miles to Cañada Road for Bicycle Sunday (no cars). Cañada Road/Crystal Springs segment: South along Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir for 2.1 miles to the Pulgas Water Temple. It continues another 2.1 miles past Filoli Botanical Center and Phleger Estate to Edgewood Road - http://sfgate.com/outdoors/sundaydrive/article/Crystal-Springs-Trail-links-lakes-woodlands-4723374.php - http://parks.smcgov.org/crystal-springs-regional-trail
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in Highlands?
There are over 80 easy hiking trails around Highlands, offering a variety of parklands, gentle hills, and local green spaces suitable for short excursions and family-friendly outings.
What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes in Highlands?
Easy hikes in Highlands typically feature a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, with moderate elevation changes. You'll find paths through local parks and recreational areas, often providing pleasant walks.
Are there any notable natural features or landmarks to see on these trails?
Yes, many easy trails in Highlands offer access to beautiful natural features. You can explore areas near San Andreas Lake or discover the unique architecture of the Pulgas Water Temple. Some routes also pass by Miramar Beach or through natural preserves like Edgewood Park and Nature Preserve.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Highlands?
The easy trails in Highlands are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, accessible nature, and the pleasant scenery found in local parks and recreational areas.
Are there any easy loop trails in Highlands?
Yes, Highlands offers several easy loop trails. A popular option is the Hallmark Park Loop, which is 3.3 miles (5.3 km) long and takes about 1 hour 25 minutes to complete. Another favorite is the Sugarloaf Mountain loop from Laurelwood Park, an easy 2.2 miles (3.5 km) path offering views from Sugarloaf Mountain.
What is the typical length and duration of easy hikes in Highlands?
Easy hikes in Highlands vary in length, but many are suitable for short outings. For example, the Hallmark Park Loop is 3.3 miles (5.3 km) and takes around 1 hour 25 minutes. Shorter options like Sugarloaf Hill via Salson and Saddle Trail are just over 1 km and can be completed in about 20 minutes.
Are the easy trails in Highlands suitable for families?
Absolutely. The easy hiking trails in Highlands are generally well-suited for families, featuring accessible paths through parklands and green spaces with moderate elevation changes. These routes are perfect for enjoyable outings with children.
Can I find easy hikes with good views in Highlands?
Yes, some easy hikes offer scenic views. The Sugarloaf Mountain loop from Laurelwood Park provides views from Sugarloaf Mountain. Additionally, trails near reservoirs like Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir and San Andreas Lake offer picturesque water views.
Are there any easy trails accessible by public transport in Highlands?
While specific public transport connections vary by trail, many easy routes in Highlands are located within urban or suburban park areas, which often have public transport access points nearby. It's recommended to check local transit schedules for specific trailheads.
What is the best time of year to go hiking on easy trails in Highlands?
The Highlands region generally offers pleasant hiking conditions throughout much of the year. Spring and fall often provide mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Even in winter, many easy trails remain accessible, though checking local weather conditions is always advisable.
Are there any easy trails that pass by lakes or water features?
Yes, several easy trails in Highlands are near beautiful water features. You can find routes that pass by San Andreas Lake, Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, and Oracle Lagoon, offering serene waterside walks.
Are there easy hikes with parking available?
Most easy hikes in Highlands, especially those in local parks and recreational areas, typically have designated parking facilities at or near the trailhead. For example, the Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail loop from Highlands-Baywood Park is easily accessible with parking.
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