Staying active with your family is easy to do in our part of California when there are so many awesome kid and dog-friendly hiking trails nearby! If you’re in the mood for a great way to spend some time outdoors with your entire family this weekend, consider checking out one of these spots.
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3 Bay Area Family Friendly Hikes To Check Out in 2018
1) Coyote Hills Regional Park (Fremont, CA)
Boasting over 1,200 acres of hills, wetlands, and marshlands, this Eastern San Francisco Bay park has a mix of paved road, hiker, and bicycle trails. Preserved among its storied grounds are 2,000-year old Tuibun Ohlone Indian shellmound sites. This is also a perfect place to stop and lunch or barbecue with your family at nearby picnic tables.
For information, educational displays, and trail maps, stop by the Coyote Hills Visitor Center, open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for directions and a trail map.
2) Briones Regional Park (Lafayette, CA)
Bring your camera along for some gorgeous wildflowers and incredible views from some of the park’s highest peaks. With over 6,200 acres, you and your family can truly enjoy exploring the gorgeous, panoramic nature scenes and wild animals, including turkey vultures, hawks, coyotes, and deer.
Dogs are welcome both on- and off-leash (on-leash areas are clearly marked). Feel free to bring a kite or reserve a camping spot! Click here for more information on how to get here and what types of trails are right for you and your family.
3) Castle Rock State Park (Los Gatos, CA)
While rock climbers love this state park for its ample caverns and rock runs, Castle Rock is also ideal for families who are simply looking to get out and see the best of what California wildlife has to offer. You can see expansive views from one of the highest parts of the Santa Cruz Mountains and stand in the base of some high-elevation redwood trees.
Only service dogs are allowed here, but keep your eyes peeled for horseback riders! You can also bring your dogs to nearby Sanborn County Park if you prefer. Click here to learn more!
