Terrain

Two parallel mountain ranges run north to south through the Bay Area -- The Coast Range on the west and the Diablo Range on the east. Flatlands ring the San Francisco Bay and the broad area between the ranges south of San Francisco forms Silicon Valley. The California Delta empties into the bay from the east.

The Coast Ranges have two distinct regions: the Santa Cruz Mountains south of San Francisco and the Marin Hills north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Both feature abundant redwood forests and a few of the last remaining stands of old-growth redwoods, some of which are up to 2,000 years old. The forests are mesmerizing and the vistas from the hills overlooking the coast are amazing.

The Diablo Range is anchored by Mount Diablo, the massive peak that dominates the East Bay skyline. The terrain is more rugged than the Coast Range and the weather hotter in the summer, but the spring wildflower show in the Diablo Range is among the best in the region. The hills also have abundant evidence of the Ohlone people, who lived there for centuries before Western settlers arrived.

South Bay

Big Basin Redwoods State Park: California's first state park, in the Santa Cruz Mountains west of San Jose, has some of the biggest trees on earth; the hiking and camping are unbeatable.

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Birds galore dwell in the shallow waters, and thousands more pass through this major stop on the Pacific Flyway. Flat trails access much of it from areas near Fremont and northern San Jose.

Henry Coe State Park: The Bay Area's only true backcountry destination attracts hardy hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, backpackers and wildlife watchers. Spring time at Henry Coe, when the wildflowers are in full bloom, is lovely.

Santa Cruz Mountains: Trails zigzag through much of these Coast Range hills, which are excellent for hiking, biking and scenic driving along Highway 35.