Foothills trails

From Bell Canyon Preservation Trailhead, the route joins Bells Canyon Trail and climbs through open Wasatch foothills toward Lower Bells Canyon Reservoir, with valley views widening behind the path. Beyond the reservoir, the itinerary follows Bells Canyon Creek into a more enclosed canyon, where the track…

Distance: 4.8 mi • Elevation gain: 1,558 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,778 ft

Starting near Upper Penitencia Creek, this loop follows the Penitencia Creek Trail through Alum Rock Park’s canyon setting before climbing onto the North Rim Trail, where the route opens toward Eagle Rock and broader views over San José and the South Bay foothills. From Eagle Rock, the hike continues onto…

Distance: 7.7 mi • Elevation gain: 1,952 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,883 ft

Starting near the Sugar Pine boat-ramp area, this anti-clockwise loop follows the Joshua M. Hardt Memorial Trail along the eastern shore of Sugar Pine Reservoir, with broad lake views, wooded slopes and the quiet backdrop of Tahoe National Forest. The route then rounds the northern coves and inlets, passing…

Distance: 4.4 mi • Elevation gain: 528 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,717 ft

From the Mount Falcon Morrison Trailhead, the route sets out on Turkey Trot Trail above Vine Street, leaving the park edge for open foothill slopes, low scrub, and scattered pines with early views toward Morrison, Red Rocks Park, and the Denver plain. It continues west on Turkey Trot Trail as the loop wraps…

Distance: 3.3 mi • Elevation gain: 902 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,788 ft

The Cervidae Peak Trail is a steep but rewarding hike. The path ascends through open, sagebrush-covered hills, with the effort paying off in sweeping views of the Lucky Peak and Arrowrock reservoirs, as well as the Boise foothills. While challenging due to its steep elevation gain, the summit offers a serene…

Distance: 4.7 mi • Elevation gain: 1,942 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,954 ft

Starting near East Overlook Terrace and South Hidden Canyon Road in Anaheim Hills, this Weir Canyon Trail Loop enters the Weir Canyon side of Santiago Oaks Regional Park and climbs along open slopes where coastal sage scrub, grassland, and rolling foothill scenery frame the start of the hike. After the upper…

Distance: 2.7 mi • Elevation gain: 499 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,211 ft

From the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, the Watchman Trail follows the Virgin River past the Watchman Campground area before leaving the canyon floor. The route climbs through dry desert slopes, scattered shrubs and sandstone foothills toward the Watchman overlook loop. From the viewpoint, hikers look back over…

Distance: 3.1 mi • Elevation gain: 784 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,452 ft

From Stratton Forest Heights, the route joins Cresta Trail and Ponderosa Trail through Stratton Open Space’s foothill scrub and scattered pines. It follows Ponderosa past Arroyo Grande to Ridge Trail, reaching the South Suburban Reservoir area. The walk then rounds the reservoir setting before returning…

Distance: 2.7 mi • Elevation gain: 285 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,522 ft

The Table Rock Viewpoint and Quarry Loop Trail is a well-loved hike offering panoramic views of the city, the Boise River, and the surrounding foothills. Starting near the Old Idaho Penitentiary, this moderately challenging trail winds through sagebrush and grasslands, leading to a flat mesa with a prominent…

Distance: 3.8 mi • Elevation gain: 961 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,652 ft

The Coyote Song and Swallow Trail Loop at South Valley Park offers a peaceful escape through meadows and striking red rock formations, typical of Colorado's Front Range. Hikers will enjoy expansive views of rolling hills and nearby foothills while traversing a mostly level, well-maintained path. It's an easy…

Distance: 2.9 mi • Elevation gain: 344 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,024 ft

Stack Rock Loop is a scenic, moderately challenging trail popular with hikers and mountain bikers alike. The route offers a mix of shaded forest areas, open meadows, and rocky outcrops, with sweeping views of Boise and the surrounding foothills. A highlight of the hike is reaching the impressive Stack Rock…

Distance: 12.3 mi • Elevation gain: 2,703 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,843 ft

From West Hills Community Church in Morgan Hill, the route leaves the neighborhood edge and joins the Open Space Authority Trail toward El Toro Open Space Preserve. It climbs through open grassland, oak woodland, and hillside switchbacks toward the prominent El Toro summit, a local landmark above the Santa…

Distance: 2.5 mi • Elevation gain: 978 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,368 ft

From Ortega Flats Campground in Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, the hike leaves the camping area and enters the San Juan Creek corridor, following a quiet canyon setting shaped by seasonal water, riparian vegetation, oak woodland, and chaparral-covered slopes. The route continues upstream along San Juan…

Distance: 10.2 mi • Elevation gain: 1,247 ft • Maximum elevation: 814 ft

Brown-Lowery Provincial Park. #Hiking #Loop #Forest #Nature

Distance: 3.0 mi • Elevation gain: 354 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,669 ft

The Chautauqua Trail in Boulder, Colorado, offers a classic introduction to the city's beloved Flatirons. Starting at the historic Chautauqua Park, the trail ascends through a mix of open meadows and shaded pine forests, providing hikers with sweeping views of Boulder, the plains, and the towering rock…

Distance: 1.3 mi • Elevation gain: 479 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,178 ft

The Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Park is a delightful loop that showcases the park's breathtaking red rock formations and offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes. As you meander along this well-maintained path, you’ll encounter several sets of stairs that add a fun challenge, all while being…

Distance: 1.6 mi • Elevation gain: 361 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,276 ft

The Flagstaff Mountain Loop offers a memorable hiking experience within Boulder’s iconic foothills. Along the route, hikers are treated to sweeping views of the Flatirons, the city of Boulder below, and lush forested areas, especially as the trail ascends towards Flagstaff Mountain. The diverse scenery…

Distance: 4.1 mi • Elevation gain: 1,237 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,946 ft

The Amicalola Falls Loop is a captivating hike offering a mix of natural beauty and a moderate challenge. Starting along a bubbling creek, the trail leads to the park's famed waterfall, with cascading views, lush surroundings, and 600 steps that ascend toward the falls' summit​. Hikers can also enjoy…

Distance: 2.1 mi • Elevation gain: 869 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,556 ft

The Rattlesnake Ledge Trail offers a scenic and invigorating hike that begins at Rattlesnake Lake and ascends through lush forested areas. As you gain elevation, you'll be treated to expansive views of Rattlesnake Lake, the surrounding Cascade foothills, and, from the summit, panoramic vistas of the Southern…

Distance: 4.4 mi • Elevation gain: 1,480 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,995 ft

The Etiwanda Falls Trail, situated in the San Bernardino National Forest near Rancho Cucamonga, California, offers hikers a moderately challenging journey through diverse terrains. The path meanders through chaparral-covered foothills, providing occasional vistas of the surrounding mountains. Upon reaching the…

Distance: 3.2 mi • Elevation gain: 787 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,848 ft

The Mallory Cave Trail via the NCAR and Table Mountain offers a rewarding hike through Boulder’s iconic foothills. Starting from the NCAR campus, the trail winds through open meadows, offering striking views of the Flatirons and red rock formations. The final section involves a challenging scramble up to the…

Distance: 2.8 mi • Elevation gain: 932 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,824 ft

The Mount Sanitas and Sanitas Valley Loop offers a rewarding hike with a combination of steep ascents, scenic overlooks, and diverse terrain. The route begins with the Sanitas Valley Trail, which meanders through open valleys, providing expansive views of the Boulder foothills. Once you begin the climb toward…

Distance: 3.2 mi • Elevation gain: 1,260 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,762 ft

Distance: 6.7 mi • Elevation gain: 741 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,573 ft