Best Parks & Dog Walks
in Belmont, CA

Belmont has several excellent open spaces & parks which even most locals don’t realize are there. As an added bonus almost all of them allow leashed dogs (exceptions are noted below). Here are some of the best and a map (below) of their locations.

City of Belmont Open Space Area

Belmont has a big beautiful open space canyon with several nice trails and some decent views. See our descriptions below of some of the best trailheads and this open space trail map.

Water Dog Lake Park
Nice short 1-mile (roundtrip) hike on a fire road up a big canyon. Dogs can swim at the destination lake. You can also easily extend this walk via several trails including the Water Dog Lake Loop trail which starts at the lake. See more.
Hidden Canyon Park
This trailhead to several good, well maintained trails is the best access to open space hikes. Excellent for both hiking and for riding mountain bikes. See more. See more.
Trailhead at the top of the big canyon
Good access to Chapparal Trail and John Brooks Trail. See more.

Crystal Springs Cross Country Run

Beautiful open rolling hills which has been used for decade for college cross country championships. San Mateo Jr College cross country practices there. Most of the time is just a beautiful open space where its fun to hike or run. No dogs allowed! See more.

Twin Pines Park

This is quiet, woodsy, well-developed older park behind City Hall near El Camino & Ralston Ave. It’s good for a stroll but not a long hike. There are several community activities here as well. See more.

Canada Road Bike & Hike

Canada Road is kept car-free every Sunday starting just south of Hwy 92 in Belmont. Other days of the week it is still nice for a bike ride or a hike on the trail beside the road. See more.

More Nice Walks Near Belmont

Sugar Loaf Mountain – Beautiful little grass park (Laurelwood Park) backed by a nice, but fairly steep hill (Sugar Loaf Mountain) you can hike up. The reward for the climb will be some beautiful views.
College of San Mateo – Has a beautiful park-like setting and great view of the Bay. This is a good place to walk on weekends when there is hardly anyone there.
Sawyer Camp Hiking Trail – One of the most popular hiking trails in San Mateo County. Runs along Crystal Springs Lake. No dogs allowed.
Foster City Trails – Foster City has many very nice hiking trails. Good for relaxed cycling as well.
Redwood Shores – Redwood Shores Bay trail is beautiful.

Map of Best Parks & Dog Walks in and near Belmont Click icons for details.