Wheels Up! 7 All-Access Bay Area Hikes with Views

Chickadee Nature Trail, Huddart County Park

All ecosystems of the park can be viewed on this ADA-compliant trail and the shroud of redwood trees gives way to sweeping views of the peninsula on a clear day. Stop by Robert’s Market on the way in for sandwiches to enjoy at the park’s picnic tables and also check out nearby historic Woodside Store Park which offers a time warp to life 150 years ago. 

Length: 0.75 miles
Surface: packed dirt
Elevation gain: 75 feet 
Exposure: mostly shaded

Jean Lauer Trail, Pillar Point Bluff
Get your fill of ocean views and salty seabreeze on this ADA accessible hike on top of the windy bluffs (bring layers!). Park here then stay north on the trail and be on the lookout for wildlife, surfers and more! A wheelchair accessible pit toilet is available at the trailhead. We love stopping by The Press to warm up with breakfast that is served all day.

Length: 1.4 miles
Surface: packed dirt
Elevation gain: 236 feet, 5% grade 
Exposure: full 

Mary Bowerman Trail, Mount Diablo State Park
This short and sweet trail is located near the summit of Mount Diablo and depending on the season, one might spot wildflowers or tarantulas! A crystal clear day yields fabulous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Lassen Peak and the Sierra Nevadas and the more adventurous can continue down the trail past the paved portion to explore cool geological rock formations. 

Length: 0.7 miles
Surface: paved
Elevation gain: 45 feet
Exposure: Limited shade, mostly exposed

Sawyer Camp Trail, Crystal Springs Regional Trails 
This highly popular, ADA accessible trail attracts plenty of runners and bikers with its exceptional views of the Phleger Estate along with glittering water views of the reservoir. Several picnic areas and benches can be found along the trail as well as a 600+ year old Jepson Laurel tree, the oldest and largest in California. Check out this map for wheelchair accessible vault restrooms (no sinks) along the trail.  

Length: 11.3 miles, shorter options available 
Surface: paved
Elevation: <5%
Exposure: some shade

Bald Mountain Trail, Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve 
While the majority of trails at Sierra Azul are known to be rugged and challenging, this segment has limited elevation change and offers unobstructed views of Mount Umunhum (and even Mount Tamalpais on a clear day) with the entire Santa Clara valley at your feet. Park at the trailhead, then make your way to the viewpoint where a bench awaits. Pack a lunch on sunny days and layers for windy ones. 

Length: 1.3 miles
Surface: dirt
Elevation: 111 feet, <5% grade
Exposure: Full

Alpine Pond Loop, Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve 
The view on this short loop is of a small pond, nearby Borel Hill and a nature center that is open on summer weekends. A wheelchair accessible viewing platform gives an elevated view for spotting animals and a wheelchair accessible pit toilet can also be found on the edge of the pond.

Length: 0.6 miles
Surface: packed dirt and gravel
Elevation gain: 39 feet, <4% grade 
Exposure: limited shade, mostly exposed

Napa River Trail, John F. Kennedy Memorial Park
Nearby hills, the Napa river and local marshlands will be your viewpoint for this hike which means the area is also teaming with wildlife. Keep an eye and ear out for wrens, herons and the sweet song of the red-winged blackbirds. Wheelchair accessible restrooms can be found in the middle of the park as well as accessible picnic tables and grills. 

Length: 2-4 miles
Surface: paved and dirt
Elevation: 22 feet, <3% grade
Exposure: full