Año Nuevo-Goat Hill Trail Loop

Overview: This is one of the best moderate hikes at Butano State Park. It can start out from the park entrance or from the campground.

Highlight of the loop is the Año Nuevo Trail, which make a rugged ascent from the park entrance to the Olmo Fire Road. On clear days you can see the Pacific coastline, but often you'll be hiking in coastal fog.

IF you time your hike to coincide with the fog's burning off, you'll have splendid views of the ocean and the redwood forests rising from the coast.

The loop then descends under a thick redwood canopy until it reaches the campground, where it's a level walk back to the parking lot.

Trails on this hike: Año Nuevo Trail > Olmo Fire Road > Goat Hill Trail > Six Bridges Trail.

Butano is a great place to hike all year, especially during spring wildflower season.

Tips: Dress in layers -- it can be quite chilly at the start of the hike but warm on the parks' high ridges.

Call the park to make sure it's open before you go.

Contact: 650-879-2040

Hours: Call the park

Parking fee: $10/vehicle

Driving directions: From San Jose, take Highway 92 west to Half Moon Bay and head south on Highway 1 for 15 miles. Turn left on Pescadero Creek Road, go 2.5 miles to Cloverdale Road, turn right and go 4.3 miles to the park entrance.

From San Francisco, take Highway 1 south through Pacifica; from Half Moon Bay, follow the directions above.