San Francisco Bay Area Trail Runs

Explore the diverse natural beauty of the Bay Area while running on these scenic trails. Trail running can be more strenuous and time consuming than road running, by following a few caveats you can make your workout more enjoyable. Scroll downward to the bottom of the page for some Bay Area trail running tips.

Designates a good place to ride your bike, or do a brick workout. Some of the areas have family or easy rides mentioned so everyone can participate. Many of these routes are training rides for the CA AIDS Ride.

Houlihan's to Houlihan's 12K

San Francisco:

Lake Merced, Fort Funston, The Great Highway to the Cliff House, and Lands End

The Golden Gate Promenade

Peninsula:

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Boulder Creek

Butano State Park, Pescadero

Edgewood Park,San Mateo

Huddart County Park,Woodside

McNee Ranch State Park, Half Moon Bay

San Bruno Mountain Park, San Bruno

San Pedro Valley Park, Pacifica

Sawyer Camp Trail, San Mateo

Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, Palo Alto

Stanford University Academic Reserve, Palo Alto

Sweeney Ridge, San Bruno

South Bay:

Almaden Quicksilver County Park, South of San Jose
Lexington Reservoir, Los Gatos

Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, Mountain View

Stevens Creek County Park, Cupertino

“Antony’s San Jose Runs” Nice resource, click on camera for pictures.

East Bay:

Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline, Martinez and Crockett

Castle Rock Recreation Area, Walnut Creek

Contra Costa Canal Trail, Concord, Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill

Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont

Hayward Shoreline Marsh, Hayward

Inspiration Point, Nimitz Way, Berkeley

Lafayette-Moraga Trail, Lafayette and Moraga

Lafayette Reservoir, Lafayette

Mount Diablo Challenge, east of Walnut Creek

Point Isabel Regional Shoreline, El Cerrito

Rose Peak, Ohlone Wilderness Trail, Sunol

North Bay:

The Dipsea Trail, Mill Valley to Stinson Beach

The Marin Headlands and the Point Bonita Lighthouse, Marin County

Tule Elk Peninsula, Point Reyes National Seashore

Beyond the Bay Area:

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” Henry David Thoreau

Half Dome, Yosemite National Park

Point Lobos State Reserve, Monterey Peninsula

Trail Running Tips:

Most of these runs have facilities only at the park entrance or trail head. It is a good idea to take a drinking system to stay hydrated. For a long run, fill your Camelbak halfway and freeze overnight, top it off with the cold liquid before you leave. Put a small cooler in your car with two large bottles of water, one of them frozen. The frozen one will keep your other bottle and perishable food items cool, and also provide an ice cold refreshing drink after your run. In the winter, nothing beats having a thermos of coffee or your favorite hot beverage waiting for you when you return.

Always carry several energy gels and bars. Many trails have uphill finishes, and you may need to refuel for a strong return back. My favorite energy gel and hydration system consist of a Camelbak with a Hammergel flask holder looped into the strap. Position the flask upside down and lay it on your shoulder for a nearly hands-free squirt. The flask holds over four servings without the hassle of dealing with packets. Order by the jug and save money. For easy training, I just fill the flask with all-fruit preserves. For races and hard training days I use the mocha-flavored gel with caffeine for that extra oomph! It is also great for a quick "attitude adjustment" when you are in a rough patch. Here are some recipes to make your own energy drinks and bars. A stash of non-perishable snacks such as figs, raisins, cereal or pretzels should always be kept in your car so you have them handy if you get hungry while driving home or stuck in traffic.

Sunglasses, a visor and sunscreen are a must, even on overcast days, you can burn. The weather can change abruptly, so layer your clothing or take a light wrap. After heavy rainfalls, trails with poor drainage have large mud patches that can cut your run short. Inquire about the trail conditions before starting. Some wooded areas have pesky insects, or the dreaded deer tick that can carry Lyme disease. Avon's Skin So Soft is an effective sunscreen and insect repellent, however; it is only SPF 15.

If you have a small cellular phone with a slim battery, take it. Some of these places are in remote areas with no one around to assist in an emergency. Picture this: "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!" Two accidents I had I didn't need to use it, but I have called for help for others. Also, if you are late or just want to add some miles, you can quickly phone home to let your family know you are all right.

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