With spring finally here, Monte Vista students are looking for an excuse to enjoy the nice weather. The Bay Area has a vast range of trails to choose from that are guaranteed not to disappoint. Hiking is proven to reduce stress while building muscle. So if you plan on walking solo or getting fresh air with friends,
Monte Vista senior, Kate Antonova said, “There’s this one trail on Sycamore that’s about two miles in a loop, with cows so you have to be careful to not get in their way. There’s also a bench at the top of the hill to sit and watch the sunset.”
The Sycamore Valley Open Space Preserve is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and to take in the environment. The rolling hills hug the side of the trail, encasing the landscape into a breathtaking view. Spanning out over four miles, the smooth landscape encapsulates the calming terrain.
“There’s another hike on Mount Tamalpais that’s also really pretty. I recommend going when there’s a sunset and it’s really nice,” Antonova said. “It is a very long hike, but you can shorten it to whatever you want.”
Mount Tamalpais State Park overlooks canyons that dip into gentle hills. It’s scattered with redwood trees and open grasslands, providing a little bit of everything. The average spring climate typically stays around 72°F, keeping the sunshine beaming on the trails. If you’re looking for a hike to challenge yourself and keep you occupied, this path is for you. A medium to high difficulty is perfect for exploring during this spring break.
Junior Riyana Melvani said “I like walking around the Lakeside Nature Trail in Lafayette. It’s very calm and scenic, especially when I went a lot in the fall, because the trees were turning colors. It wasn’t so challenging that it was tiring, but enough that I was getting a good workout.”
The 1.5 mile loop wraps around the Lafayette Reservoir, wrapping alongside the oak and willow trees on the trail. The stunning waterfront creates the perfect view to relax alongside during your trek.. A variety of birds sing along the path, including the waterfowl and songbirds who live nearby.
Whether you’re looking for a hike to challenge yourself with this spring or a leisurely stroll, there are plenty of wide ranging options to choose from. The warming weather, blooming flowers, and longer days gives the perfect excuse to embrace the outdoors. Staying active while providing an escape from academic stressors is much needed more than ever. So pick a trail, lace up your sneakers, and let hiking sneak its way into your springtime bucket list this season.
