Petaluma, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Petaluma, California offer a variety of outdoor adventures. The Helen Putnam Regional Park is a top spot with a 6-mile network of trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The scenic views of rolling grasslands, groves of heritage oaks, and panoramic vistas are a must-visit. Shollenberger Park is another great location for bird-watching and walking, with a 2-mile trail encircling a beautiful wetland. For a more challenging hike, head to the Tolay Lake Regional Park. The 8-mile trek takes you past unique rock formations and offers stunning views of the lake. These outdoor attractions in and near Petaluma are perfect for those seeking a mix of leisurely strolls and more strenuous hikes.

Top Spots in and near Petaluma

  • Petaluma, California

    Helen Putnam Northern Loop

    2.52 mi / 348 ft gain
    The Helen Putnam Northern Loop is a scenic hiking trail in Petaluma, California, offering a peaceful outdoor experience with breathtaking views and natural charm. This trail is perfect for hikers seeking a blend of gentle exercise and stunning landscapes. Trail Highlights: Length & Di...
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  • Petaluma, California

    Helen Putnam Inner Loop

    1.44 mi / 236 ft gain
    The Helen Putnam Inner Loop is a scenic and relatively short hiking trail located in Petaluma, California. This loop offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and accessibility. This trail is ideal for hikers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a shorter adventure with stunning vistas. T...
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  • Petaluma, California

    Helen Putnam Regional Park Loop

    4.0
    4.87 mi / 673 ft gain
    A 216-acre park, Helen Putnam offers 9 trails that are relatively short but can be combined however you wish. Go 2 miles or 10 miles. Loop in and out, up or around. I take a different route every time I hike here. For a good 4.8-mile hike, begin at the southwest corner, where the parking lot and...
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  • Novato, California

    Mount Burdell Open Space Loop

    4.87 mi / 1234 ft gain
    Start at the wide gravel parking lot. You will find the start of the San Andreas Fire Road on the south side leading up the mountain.  The San Andreas Fire Road heads up the southern slope before joining the Middle Burdell Fire Road and then very quickly the Deer Camp Fire Road. Keep your eyes p...
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  • Santa Rosa, California

    Crane Creek Canyon Loop

    4.0
    1.4 mi / 154 ft gain
    With multiple loops of varying length, this park is great for anyone looking for a casual hike around a beautiful area in the foothills of Rohnert Park. Crane Creek has nice secluded picnic areas next to the creek in the cover of willow, alder, buckeye and bay trees. There's also an 18-hole disc ...
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  • Novato, California

    North Levee Trail

    3.78 mi / 157 ft gain
    North Levee Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Novato, California.
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  • Petaluma, California

    Upland Game Bird Hunting/ Clay Shooting

    I’m sure all you hunters and are well aware that there are few, if any, hunting opportunities in San Francisco or Marin County. However, many of you don’t know that an epic hunting club exists just an hour North of San Francisco. At the Black Point Game Bird Club, you can hunt ring-necked pheasan...
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  • Glen Ellen, California

    Wolf House in Jack London SP

    There is a museum in "The House of Happy Walls" which Mrs. London built in redwood grove find park information, exhibits and a small sales area there. A nearby trail leads to Jack London’s grave and to the remains of "Wolf House," London’s dream house which was destroyed by fire in 1913. The par...
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  • Glen Ellen, California

    Sonoma Ridge Trail

    9.2 mi / 1955 ft gain
    Sonoma Ridge Trail is a beautiful 9.2-mile out-and-back hike located near Glen Ellen, California. This hike is moderately difficult, with about 1955 feet in elevation change. 95% of the trail is covered in forest shade. Important Notes:Bikes and Horses are permitted on the trails. Dogs are NOT p...
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  • Sonoma, California

    Sonoma Valley Wine Tour Bike Ride

    This 12 mile bike path starts at a rental shop in Sonoma Country called Sonoma Valley Bike Tours and Rentals. Follow the trail through the quaint residential area and into the back country vineyards and dirt trails. This ride can be anything between a hardcore 2 hour cycling workout with a few in...
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  • Novato, California

    Schwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop

    3.51 mi / 594 ft gain
    Schwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Novato, California.
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  • Nicasio, California

    Nicasio Reservoir

    5.0
    0.67 mi / 3 ft gain
    Nicasio is a quaint town just inland of the more popular coastal town of Point Reyes. It's most known for it's wine country, rolling hills, and the home of Skywalker Ranch, George Lucas's getaway home. Most visitors of this area either pass right on through for Point Reyes or use it's scenic road...
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  • Glen Ellen, California

    Corridor Ridge Loop Trail

    4.0
    2.48 mi / 289 ft gain
    Corridor Ridge Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Glen Ellen, California.
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  • Novato, California

    Buck Gulch Falls Trail

    4.7
    1.26 mi / 203 ft gain
    Buck Gulch Falls (also known as Fairway Falls) is an easy, scenic hike that takes you through a beautiful forest on your way to a 15-foot waterfall. This little neighborhood treasure is tucked away in Novato, CA at the end of Fairway Drive and there is ample parking near the trailhead.  If you v...
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  • Santa Rosa, California

    Taylor Mountain Loop

    4.3
    4.86 mi / 1076 ft gain
    From the northern entrance to the park, you can access an 18-hole disc golf course as well as a number of trails. The Eastern Trail takes you up a steep 1,000 feet to the top of Taylor Mountain, where you can see most of Sonoma County laid out before you. Mt. St. Helena is visible in the distance...
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  • Santa Rosa, California

    Western Route to Eastern Route Loop

    2.26 mi / 535 ft gain
    The Western Route to Eastern Route Loop in Santa Rosa, California, is a 2.3-mile moderately challenging trail popular for its scenic views and diverse landscape. The loop offers a steady ascent, rewarding hikers with panoramic vistas of Sonoma County and lush natural surroundings. It’s known for ...
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Camping and Lodging in Petaluma

San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA Resort
Petaluma, California

San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA Resort

AutoCamp Russian River
Guerneville, California

AutoCamp Russian River

From $149 / night

Oak Shores Day Use Area (Ca)
Napa, California

Oak Shores Day Use Area (Ca)

Guides, Insights and Stories from Petaluma

Overnighter on the Sonoma Coast

Overnighter on the Sonoma Coast

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Escape to Marin for a Winter Weekend Getaway

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5 Backpacking Adventures North of San Francisco in Marin County

5 Backpacking Adventures North of San Francisco in Marin County

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4 Paddling Adventures in Marin County

4 Paddling Adventures in Marin County

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Beyond the Trail: 5 Unique Adventures in Marin County

Beyond the Trail: 5 Unique Adventures in Marin County

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5 Marin County Beaches to Explore

5 Marin County Beaches to Explore

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