Los Altos, California

Looking for the best running in Los Altos? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Los Altos. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Running Spots in and near Los Altos

  • Danville, California

    Summit Mount Diablo via Rock City Trail

    5.0
    7.8 mi / 2299 ft gain
    Although steep in sections, this trail is a wonderful workout and hikers are more than rewarded for their efforts. The Rock City Trail is a direct route to the summit of Mount Diablo, and the park is an ecological treasure dear to the hearts of Bay Area residents. The best views are on clear days...
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  • Danville, California

    Hike in Mount Diablo's Madrone Canyon

    2.8 mi / 550 ft gain
    This hike starts at the Rock City area of Mount Diablo State Park. Begin at the Madrone Canyon Trail, hiking southeast towards the Devils Slide trail. Along this section of the hike, the trail dips into a wooded canyon and follows the path of a small creek. To best experience the beauty of the cr...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Lyon Street Steps

    4.5
    0.2 mi / 102 ft gain
    Rumor has it there are almost 300 stairs from top to bottom. This is a great place to get some exercise in if you're up for running or walking up the stairs. Do a few laps (roundtrip) and you'll be pretty happy with your workout. If you're really looking to get after it, throw in a few pushups an...
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  • Berkeley, California

    Stonewall Panoramic Trail

    4.5
    1.44 mi / 663 ft gain
    From the trailhead at Stonewall Road, the 1.5-mile trail makes for an excellent before or after-work run. But the steep hills and loose ground aren’t for those looking to find an easy nature walk. The incline starts well before the Stonewall-Panoramic trailhead, so you won’t even have time to w...
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  • Berkeley, California

    Panoramic Hill, Chaparral Peak and Strawberry Canyon Loop

    4.0
    6 mi / 1670 ft gain
    The Panoramic Hill, Chaparral Peak, and Strawberry Canyon Loop in Berkeley, California is a moderately challenging hiking trail that spans approximately 6 miles. The trail is known for its steep inclines and declines, making it a suitable choice for intermediate to advanced hikers. The trail be...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Presidio Ecology Trail

    5.0
    1.82 mi / 427 ft gain
    Presidio Ecology Trail is a loop trail through the Presidio located near San Francisco, California. This loop can be started at the Upper Ecology Trail off of Arguello Blvd near Pacific or down at the Lower Ecology Trail near the Inn at the Presidio. This trail is dog friendly on-leash. 
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  • San Francisco, California

    Presidio Loop

    5.95 mi / 823 ft gain
    This route starts and ends on Jackson street in the Presidio Terrace neighborhood of San Francisco. This loop can be started in several areas of the Presidio including off of the Lyon street steps, but this starting point creates a good midpoint of the loop.  Along the route, be sure to keep an ...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Presidio Bay Area Ridge Trail

    5.0
    2.73 mi / 203 ft gain
    Presidio Bay Area Ridge Trail is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near San Francisco, California.
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  • San Francisco, California

    Hopper's Hands via the San Francisco Bay Trail

    4.6
    3.07 mi / 69 ft gain
    Hundreds of people touch Hopper's Hands every day as a turn-around point on their runs in and around Crissy Field and The San Francisco Bay Trail. Running west through Crissy Field, passing the Warming Hut and pier, you follow Marine Drive until you dead end at Fort Point. If you continue through...
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  • Lafayette, California

    Lafayette Reservoir via Nature Area Rim Trail

    4.9
    5 mi / 758 ft gain
    Lafayette Reservoir is perfect for canoeing, mountain biking, trail running, and hiking. The Reservoir trail system is also used for nature walks and birding. The loop has several high points that have amazing views. The trails become very muddy after wet weather - so tread with caution.  Th...
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  • Livermore, California

    Condor, Volvan, Stone Corral, Coyote Loop

    4.5
    4.38 mi / 620 ft gain
    This regional preserve is perfect for day hikes. There are also designated campsites and even a backpack campsite. Horses and dogs are welcome in the preserve. There are many different clearly marked trails that one can choose from. A good 4.5 mile loop is to start at the Park Residence entrance...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Lands End Trail

    4.7
    3.26 mi / 518 ft gain
    The Lands End Trail is a 3.26 mile out-and-back hike located in the northwest corner of San Francisco along the city's rugged coastline. Offering spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and the Pacific Ocean, the hike is one of the most popular trails in San Francisco for ...
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  • Sand Ladder, California

    Baker Beach Sand Ladder

    4.4
    0.25 mi / 138 ft gain
    The Baker Beach Sand Ladder is a section of the Pacific Coast Trail that is comprised of 200 ten foot poles tied together to form stairs down to North Baker Beach from Lincoln Blvd. If you’re looking for a lung and butt-busting workout, and you’d like a break from your standard routine, you need...
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  • Walnut Creek, California

    Juniper to the Summit Loop Trail and Meridian Ridge

    6.56 mi / 2037 ft gain
    Juniper to the Summit Loop Trail and Meridian Ridge is a loop trail that is strenuous located near Diablo, California.
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  • Walnut Creek, California

    Run the Mt. Diablo Foothill Loop

    5.0
    6.2 mi / 875 ft gain
    Continue by car down Castle Rock Road until it dead ends at the beginning of the trail. Parking is usually easy to find. If full, there is another overflow lot about 500 ft back the way you came in.You'll walk a good half mile down the trail before getting the main gate. As you're walking, you'll...
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  • Walnut Creek, California

    Castle Rock Trail

    5.0
    6.06 mi / 971 ft gain
    Located near Walnut Creek, the trail is easily accessible from anywhere in the Bay Area. The trail is kept open year-round, and happens to be part of the American Discovery Trail and the Coast to Crest trail. If you are not done hiking, connecting trails allow you to summit Mt. Diablo.  This tra...
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