5 California Hikes for New Year, New You
These awesome trails, which are perfect for January, are also part of my 'Top 25 Waterfalls near the Bay Area' Series. Plus, check out a forbidden bonus waterfall...
Start your New Year with breathtaking scenery and invigorating hikes! Here’s my curated guide to trails perfect for January; they also happen to rank #11-#15 in my top Bay Area waterfalls. If you missed waterfalls ranked 16-25, check out that post here.
Each hike offers something unique, from family-friendly trails to hidden gems, with a bonus “forbidden” waterfall behind the paywall for subscribers.
If you are new here, you can also check out the video version of these trails on Instagram; I post new guides on my feed 2-3 times per week.
Dream Big for 2025
What’s on my radar for the year ahead? I’m kicking off January with a goal of 31 hikes in the month (for at least 100 miles), attempting to write my first book, hoping to double the group hikes I lead, and ultimately spark a love for the outdoors in even more people than I can count. Big goals? Absolutely. But every dream starts with one simple thing: setting it.
Now it’s your turn—what’s your big, bold goal for 2025? Share it with me below, and let’s inspire each other to make it happen.
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11. Linda Falls
A hidden treasure in Angwin, just north of Napa, this ~50 ft waterfall is a great add-on to your next wine country trip.
Trail Details:
Trail: Linda Falls Road to Linda Falls Trail, Angwin, CA. Link to Alltrails: Here.
Parking Fee: Free parking at a baseball field on Howell Mountain Rd.
Best Time to Visit: February–April
Distance: ~2 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 250 ft
Kid-Friendly: Yes, though rocks near the falls can be slippery.
Facilities: None
Dog-Friendly: Not allowed
Gear Tips: Long sleeves and pants for poison ivy, water, and a camera.
Shade: Mostly shaded
Wildlife: Keep an eye out for newts, spotted owls, and rattlesnakes!
Insider Tip: Church groups sometimes visit, so expect some crowding, but it clears quickly.
12. Buck Gulch Falls (Fairway Falls)
Located in Novato, this easy and kid-friendly hike is perfect for the family.
Trail Details:
Trail: Buck Gulch Falls Trail. Link to Alltrails: Here.
Parking Fee: Free parking on Fairway Drive—respect the neighbors.
Best Time to Visit: January–March, right after the rains.
Distance: 0.75 miles one way
Elevation Gain: 100 ft
Kid-Friendly: Yes, with fun rock-hopping opportunities.
Facilities: None
Dog-Friendly: Dogs on leash
Gear Tips: Bring hiking poles for creek crossings and a container for muddy shoes.
Shade: Mix of exposed and covered sections.
Insider Tip: This trail is perfect for a short adventure and a serene waterfall view after the rains.
13. Dawn Falls
Larkspur is home to this scenic seasonal waterfall, offering a peaceful and picturesque hike.
Trail Details:
Trail: Dawn Falls Trail Loop, Larkspur, CA. Alltrails: Here.
Parking Fee: Free, but parking is very limited on Madrone Ave.
Best Time to Visit: January–March
Distance: 2.9 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 300 ft, with steep switchbacks near the falls.
Kid-Friendly: Yes, but keep an eye on kids near the narrow sections.
Facilities: None (nearest bathrooms are at the park).
Dog-Friendly: Dogs on leash
Gear Tips: Wear full pants for brush, and bring a hiking pole and muddy shoe container.
Shade: Fully shaded
Insider Tip: Look for a smaller waterfall “appetizer” off to the right during the first mile!
⚠️ Safety Tip: The edges of the main waterfall are dangerously slippery. Stay back from the edge—trust me on this one.
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14. Stengel Beach Falls
This North Bay tidefall is a rare beauty and a must-see for waterfall chasers.
Trail Details:
Trail: Bluff Trail. No Alltrails map for this one.
Waterfall: Stengel Beach Falls (~20 ft tidefall)
Parking Fee: Free parking lot—paste “84CRPG8R+PX” into Google Maps.
Best Time to Visit: Now, after the rains.
Distance: <0.25 miles, flat and easy.
Elevation Gain: None
Kid-Friendly: Very kid-friendly!
Dog-Friendly: Dogs on leash
Facilities: Bathrooms at the parking lot.
Shade: Mixed sun and shade
Insider Tip: Although the stairs to the best viewing spot are under repair, the surrounding area is absolutely worth exploring.
15. Canyon Trail Waterfall
Nestled in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, this seasonal waterfall is also a prime spot for salmon spawning.
Trail Details:
Trail: Canyon and Pony Gate Loop. Alltrails: Here.
Parking Fee: $10 (use coordinates for parking: 38.4426166, -122.5307828 or 38.4412203, -122.5247257).
Best Time to Visit: Now through May, with wildflowers in bloom.
Distance: 0.5–2.2 miles, depending on your starting point.
Elevation Gain: Up to 600 ft
Kid-Friendly: Yes, but trails can get muddy—bring extra shoes.
Dog-Friendly: Dogs not allowed on trails.
Facilities: None
Shade: Fully shaded
Insider Tip: Look for Chinook salmon spawning in the creek near the falls. Fishing is prohibited, so enjoy observing this natural wonder responsibly.
Bonus: The Forbidden Waterfall – Behind the Paywall
Located near Occidental, this stunning waterfall is a cherished local treasure.
Discover why this spot is off-limits to the public, how to visit, and what makes this preserve a haven for rare flora and fauna.
And for my paid subscribers, make sure you have chat activated for more group hiking - it’s for more spontaneous opportunities and to connect with each other in 2025.