Pacifica, California

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

Top Running Spots in and near Pacifica

  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • San Francisco, California

    Coit Tower Stairs

    4.0
    0.49 mi / 200 ft gain
    There are 2 sets of stairs for Coit Tower on Sansome St. The first set is at Greenwich and the second is at Filbert. The Filbert steps are a little deeper per step and are mostly wood and concrete. The Greenwich steps are a little tougher because of the shallower, brick stairs as you get toward t...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Whittemore Gulch and Harkins Ridge Loop Trail

    4.6
    6.43 mi / 1772 ft gain
    There are two places to park for this specific loop- the main parking area on Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and a smaller parking lot on the western end of the park. I would recommend parking at whichever is closest. Find directions to both on Openspace.org. From the main parking lot, the trail...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop Trail

    9.27 mi / 2165 ft gain
    The Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop Trail, nestled in the scenic Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve near Redwood City, California, is a popular choice for hikers looking for a moderately challenging yet rewarding experience. This 9-mile loop trail winds through lush redwood fo...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Point Bonita Lighthouse

    1 mi / 210 ft gain
    Point 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...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Hassler Loop Trail

    4.0
    1.48 mi / 289 ft gain
    Experience the natural beauty of the San Francisco Peninsula on the scenic Hassler Loop Trail, a 1.5-mile moderately challenging hiking trail nestled in Redwood City's Emerald Hills neighborhood. This beloved local trail offers hikers, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers a perfect blend...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Cordilleras & Dusty-Footed Woodrat Loop

    3.7
    3.83 mi / 676 ft gain
    Getting there: exit Highway 280 at Edgewood Road, travel .75 miles east, turn left on Crestview Drive, then immediately left again on Edmonds Road. Once parked, there are several different path options through the park. All of them connect in a large loop, and return to the parking lot. The Cord...
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  • Emerald Hills, California

    Edgewood Loop

    4.0
    3.29 mi / 607 ft gain
    Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve rests in San Mateo County, California. The sweeping hillsides exemplify the true native flora of California, as the foundation of rock and soil is poor in nutrients. Only a few specialized native plants are adapted to live here--don't miss the unique wildflower ...
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  • Emerald Hills, California

    Sylvan Loop Trail

    2.53 mi / 522 ft gain
    Sylvan Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Redwood City, California.
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  • Sausalito, California

    Slacker Hill

    5.0
    1.02 mi / 344 ft gain
    Although the Headlands can be crowded, particularly at the parking-lot chaos of the Vista Point and pull-offs along Conzelman Road, the three routes leading to the summit of Slacker Hill remain relatively quiet, even during busy weekends. Each can be tied into larger loops throughout the Headland...
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  • Sausalito, California

    Ninja Loop

    4.3
    9.37 mi / 1831 ft gain
    This loop can start from several different locations, including Rodeo Beach and the Golden Gate Bridge parking lot. Starting from the GGB will add 2 more miles onto this run. I like to start at the Coastal Trailhead parking lot off of McCullough and Conzelman Roads (just a notch down from Hawk Hi...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Miwok, Marincello and Bobcat Trail

    8.17 mi / 1391 ft gain
    Miwok, 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...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Coastal Trail Loop

    2.57 mi / 420 ft gain
    Coastal Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Sausalito, California.
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  • Redwood City, California

    Crystal Springs Trail Loop

    4.0
    5.4 mi / 1227 ft gain
    This 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...
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