Valley • Foothills • Sierra

Best Hiking & Trails in the 209

From shaded valley paths to Sierra waterfalls and giant sequoias, explore the best trails across the Central Valley and Gold Country.

You don't need to drive to Yosemite for a great hike. The 209 has world-class trails hiding in plain sight — from the boulder-strewn banks of the Stanislaus River at Knights Ferry to the ancient giant sequoias of Calaveras Big Trees. Spring brings wildflowers to Table Mountain, summer offers shaded creek walks on the Dry Creek Trail, and fall colors light up the Arnold Rim Trail. We've mapped 11 trails across the valley and foothills for every fitness level.

Know a trail we're missing?

We feature the best. Tell us about your favorite local hike.

Best Hiking & Trails in the 209

Stanislaus River Trail — Knights Ferry — Easy — 2.8 mi Out & Back • River Views (Oakdale)
A scenic out-and-back along the Stanislaus River starting at the historic covered bridge in Knights Ferry. Beautiful river views, boulder fields, and birds of prey overhead. Paved and dirt sections perfect for all skill levels.
Calaveras Big Trees — North Grove — Easy — 1.5 mi Loop • Giant Sequoias (Calaveras)
Walk among ancient giant sequoias on this accessible loop starting at the Visitor Center. The North Grove Trail showcases some of the largest trees in the park and connects to the Three Senses Trail. Family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible sections.
Calaveras Big Trees — South Grove — Moderate — 5 mi Loop • Old Growth Solitude (Calaveras)
Escape the crowds in the South Grove for a cathedral-like hike through old-growth giant sequoias. The 5-mile loop passes the Agassiz Tree and Palace Hotel Tree with far fewer visitors than the North Grove. True Sierra solitude.
Arnold Rim Trail to San Antonio Falls — Challenging — 8.5 mi Out & Back • Waterfall (Calaveras)
A signature Sierra hike climbing through mixed conifer forest past Cougar Rock to San Antonio Falls and the granite viewpoint known as Top of the World. Epic outlooks, refreshing streams, and one of the best waterfall hikes in Calaveras County.
Angels Creek Trail — Moderate — 2.7 mi Loop • Lake Views (Calaveras)
A scenic loop along the shore of New Melones Lake with lovely water views and enjoyable hills on a well-maintained trail. Mostly exposed — bring sun protection and water. Great for birding, hiking, and mountain biking.
Dry Creek Trail (Peggy Mensinger) — Easy — 7.8 mi Out & Back • Shaded Creek (Modesto)
Modesto's premier trail winding through a narrow stretch of woods beside Dry Creek. Lined with beautiful oak trees offering plenty of shade, with both paved and dirt surfaces. Popular for runners, bikers, and dog-walkers year-round.
Oak Grove Regional Park — Easy — 1.5 mi Nature Trails • Ancient Oaks (Stockton)
Two nature trails in Stockton's best park: the 1.5-mile Mi-Wuk trail among ancient grove trees and the quarter-mile Yokuts handicapped-accessible trail. Also features disc golf, playgrounds, fishing, and paddleboats on summer weekends.
Caswell Memorial State Park — Easy — 3.5 mi Loops • Rare Oak Riparian Forest (Ripon)
A wild haven preserving one of the last mature oak riparian forests in the Central Valley. Multiple shaded loops along the Stanislaus River — the River Bend, Majestic Oaks, and Gray Fox trails. A welcome escape from Valley heat.
Calaveras River Bike Path — Easy — 7 mi Paved Path • Urban Greenway (Stockton)
A seven-mile paved path along the Calaveras River levee in north Stockton. Scenic and traffic-free, connecting multiple neighborhoods with parks and amenities. Great for walking, running, and biking any time of year.
Table Mountain — Moderate — 4+ mi • Wildflowers & Geology (Tuolumne)
An ancient lava mesa near Jamestown with stunning spring wildflowers, unusual volcanic geology, and views of New Melones Lake. Best visited mid-March to mid-April when carpets of wildflowers bloom. Unmaintained trails add to the adventure.
Glory Hole Loop — New Melones — Moderate — 4.2 mi Loop • Reservoir Panoramas (Calaveras)
A rolling loop at New Melones Lake with panoramic reservoir views, switchbacks, and excellent birding. The trail offers great elevation variety with some climbing. Restrooms and water at the trailhead. Watch for rattlesnakes in warm months.