3 Best Hiking Trails in San Mateo, CA

“Wunderlich County Park offers beautiful trails for hiking, horseback riding, and various recreational activities. The trail is located 13.8 miles from San Mateo. The trail has an elevation gain of 108 to 1,296 meters. The trail route is considered to be moderately challenging, yet suitable for beginners looking for a bit of a challenge. The trail also features a hillside area of redwood forest, open meadows, and beautiful oaks and madrones. This land area was donated to the County by Martin Wunderlich. The trail contains what was once the Folger family ranch, and the estate's stable and surrounding buildings have been restored to provide a historic treasure to the community. Wunderlich County Park also ensures a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, public restroom, kid-friendly hikes, and picnic tables for visitors' comfort.”

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“Laurelwood/Sugarloaf Park spans over 225 acres and offers trails leading to Sugarloaf Mountain and scenic picnicking. The elevation gain of the trail is 110 meters to 211 meters. The trail route is considered an easy route. This stunning park, next to Sugarloaf Mountain, provides quiet walking spots, a playground, and paths. The trail is excellent for enjoying a diverse array of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, walking, natural trails, and jogging. The trail features amenities like Passive Lawn, Picnic Areas, a Playground, and Restrooms for more comfort. During the trail, visitors can view the natural varieties of plants and trees. Laurelwood/Sugarloaf Park trail also has designated pet-friendly areas.”

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“Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is an ideal destination to have a pleasant and relaxed time with friends and family. The trail is located 8.4 miles from San Mateo. The trail covers 366 acres of nature space with 6 miles of trails and elevation changes of around 500 feet. This is a loop-type trail, which is generally considered a moderately challenging route. The trail approximately takes 1 hour and 46 minutes to complete. The trail is also committed to offering a calm and relatively easy hiking experience with breathtaking views. Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve also features a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, public restrooms, kid-friendly hikes, and designated leash areas for the convenience of the visitors.”

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