Contra Costa County, California
Looking for the best running in Contra Costa County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Contra Costa County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Running Spots in and near Contra Costa County
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Mill Valley, California
Miwok, Marincello and Bobcat Trail
8.17 mi / 1391 ft gainMiwok, Marincello and Bobcat Trail is a scenic 8.2-mile loop trail in the Marin Headlands offering panoramic Bay Area views Trail Overview Distance: 8.2 miles Elevation Gain: 1,177 feet Difficulty: Moderate Type: Loop Location: Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area Best...Read more -
San Rafael, California
Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site
4.74.37 mi / 988 ft gainThe Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site trail in San Rafael, California, is a moderately challenging hike. The trail spans approximately 4.37 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 988 feet. The path is well-maintained and marked, making it suitable for hikers of varying skill levels....Read more -
San Francisco, California
Fort Funston Trail
4.71.81 mi / 253 ft gainFort Funston is an SF gem I discovered when looking for a dog friendly hike near the city. Located west of Lake Merced, you'll find a gorgeous Northern California beach oasis where you and your dog can run wild and free :). Parking is located at the top of the park where you'll descend a steep se...Read more -
San Bruno, California
Sweeney Ridge via Sneath Lane
4.53.88 mi / 646 ft gainStarting from the parking lot on Sneath Lane Trail, you’ll head through the gate and continue on the path up Sweeney Ridge. This is a 5.7 mile out-and-back trek. There is a 600 ft. elevation gain, which comes mainly in the first 1.5 miles of the trail. Your legs and lungs may hurt a bit, but if t...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Point Bonita Lighthouse
1 mi / 210 ft gainPoint Bonita Lighthouse stands as a historic sentinel at the entrance to San Francisco Bay, offering visitors a unique blend of maritime history, stunning coastal views, and natural beauty. This comprehensive guide will help you plan an unforgettable visit to one of California's most dramatic l...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Coyote Ridge Loop
5.06.15 mi / 1001 ft gainStarting just before the Tennessee Valley parking lot, head out from the Miwok Trailhead. This Mill Valley hike offers incredible views of the San Francisco Bay, the Pacific Ocean (fog permitting of course!), and on occasion, wildlife. Unfortunately, this trail is not dog-friendly. Keep in mind...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Milagra Overlook Trail
5.02.51 mi / 558 ft gainFound this hike with some friends after spending some time googling in my car when we were in the area looking for a quick hike with a view! Dog friendly Free parking (but quite limited) Ocean views Known to have gorgeous wildflower blooms (we were not there during this)Porta-potty type toilet...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Coastal Trail Loop
2.57 mi / 420 ft gainCoastal Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Sausalito, California.Read more -
Napa, California
Lake Marie Road, Marie Creek, Buckeye Trail Loop
3.55.8 mi / 961 ft gainEnter the parking lot just off of Hwy 221. Plan to pay a $5 entrance fee at the kiosk. The trail head begins at the edge of the parking lot where you'll soon be passing by the Martha Walker Native Habitat Garden on your right. Veer left to continue along Lake Marie Road where you'll enter the blu...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Miwok, Coyote Ridge and Coastal Trail Loop
5.05.97 mi / 1191 ft gainMiwok, Coyote Ridge and Coastal Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Mill Valley, California.Read more -
Larkspur, California
Blithedale Loop
4.03.47 mi / 1027 ft gainBlithedale Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Corte Madera, California.Read more -
Larkspur, California
Baltimore Canyon Via Dawn Falls Trail Loop
5.93 mi / 1309 ft gainBaltimore Canyon via Dawn Falls Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a forested setting at the start, up switchbacks to Dawn Falls, and then to views of King Mountain Open Space Preserve as you loop back along Southern Marin Line Road. This is a dog friendly (on-leash) trail located ...Read more -
Larkspur, California
King Mountain Loop Trail
5.03.53 mi / 755 ft gainThis beautiful hike takes you around King Mountain and through the King Mountain Open Space Preserve. The first .5 miles is on an exposed gravel fire road that is fairly steep, but the loop itself slopes gently around the mountain and through the forest, providing lots of shade. This is a an ea...Read more -
Palo Alto, California
Arastradero Preserve: Juan Batista & Meadowlark Loop
3.04.65 mi / 597 ft gainGetting There: From Hwy 280, take the Page Mill Road exit and head West on Page Mill Road, away from Downtown Palo Alto (if you're taking 101, exit on Oregon Expressway). Then turn right on Arastradero Road. There will be a small sign indicating the dirt parking lot on the eastern side of the st...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Crystal Springs Trail Loop
4.05.4 mi / 1227 ft gainThis is a great hike for any season of the year, with rushing streams during the winter, wildflowers in the spring, and cool, shaded canyons during the summer. Starting from near the Zwierlein Picnic area, take the Crystal Springs to the left into the redwood forest. Stay straight at the next tr...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Dias Ridge
5.06.09 mi / 968 ft gainDias Ridge is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Sausalito, California.Read more