A scenic view of rolling green hills and yellow flowers under a bright blue sky.

Hiking, History, and Scenic Views at Garin Regional Park

If you’re looking for a beautiful spot to spend the day outdoors near your apartment in Hayward, Garin Regional Park is a must-visit. As part of the East Bay Regional Parks system, this park has miles of hiking trails, beautiful views, and rich local history. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, or just wondering what to do in Hayward this weekend, Garin Regional Park has something for everyone.

Hiking Trails with Scenic Views near Hayward

This Hayward park has some of the best hiking trails in California. Vista Peak Loop Trail is just 3.7 miles long and includes a moderate climb of approximately 600 feet. The climb is definitely worth it, with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay at the top.

This trail takes you on a longer loop around the park, roughly 6 miles, with stunning views of the bay and rolling hills. It winds through woods and around ponds and opens up to hillside areas filled with wildflowers in the spring.

This trail follows a creek and can be combined with the Garin Woods Trail for shorter loops of one to two miles. 

Tips for Visitors

  • Parking and Amenities: Visitors can park at the Garin Ave entrance or use the lesser-known Ziele Creek Drive entrance for free street parking. The park has on-site amenities like outhouses, trash cans, and water faucets near the Vista Peak Loop Trail.
  • Wildlife enthusiasts: Enjoy spotting birds like Western Bluebirds and Red-winged Blackbirds, while Jordan Pond provides a habitat for fish, ducks, and other waterfowl. The park also has cows grazing in open areas—visitors are advised to keep a respectful distance.

Garin Regional Park Moments Away from Your Hayward Apartment

Garin Regional Park has a network of trails for hiking and exploration for fitness levels. Whether you’re looking for a shorter hike or something that presents more of a challenge, you’ll love every minute of your time at this Hayward park. Best of all, Garin Regional Park is just a short drive from our apartment community, so you can stay active and enjoy the outdoors without going far from home.