Petaluma, California

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

Top Running Spots in and near Petaluma

  • San Bruno, California

    Sweeney Ridge via Sneath Lane

    4.5
    3.88 mi / 646 ft gain
    Starting 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...
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  • Jenner, California

    Central Trail

    2.41 mi / 577 ft gain
    Salt Point State Park, about 90 miles north of San Francisco, features rugged, windswept coastline and dramatic forests of cypress, pine and redwoods. The Central Trail is a great way to experience much of the inland portion of the park including a unique highland Prairie where elk graze and are ...
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  • Clayton, California

    Hike the Waterfalls of Mount Diablo Loop Trail

    5.0
    6 mi / 1627 ft gain
    Winter and spring rains create scenic waterfalls in this hike at Mount Diablo, the East Bay's signature peak. Be careful hiking immediately post-rain, watch for slippery sections of mud. The trail is moderately difficult and is used by hikers, walking groups, trail runners, and for nature trips. ...
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  • Jenner, California

    Salt Point Trail: Gerstle Cove to Stump Beach

    4.0
    3.28 mi / 75 ft gain
    There are numerous points at which you can enter the trail from Highway 1, but on the south end it begins at Gertsle Cove and heads north as the Salt Point Trail heads toward Stump Beach. You can choose to head further north of Stump Beach along the Bluff Trail or south of Gerstle Cove State Mari...
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  • Jenner, California

    North Trail to the Pygmy Forest

    3.33 mi / 814 ft gain
    Salt Point State Park, about 90 miles north of San Francisco, features rugged, windswept coastline and dramatic forests of cypress, pine and redwoods. The North trail is a great way to experience much of the inland portion of the park including the unique Pygmy Forest, named for the stunted trees...
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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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  • Pacifica, California

    Montara Mountain Trail

    5.0
    6.77 mi / 1900 ft gain
    Montara Mountain Trail is a loop trail that takes you through a forest out to ocean views at the top of Montara Mountain. This hike located near Pacifica, California. and can be accessed from Highway 1 as well. If you're looking to do a similar loop hike from the coast, consider Montara Mountain ...
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  • Pacifica, California

    Brooks Falls Loop

    4.0
    2.26 mi / 781 ft gain
    Brooks Falls Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Pacifica, California.
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  • 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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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Gray Whale Cove Trail

    4.5
    2.23 mi / 367 ft gain
    Gray whale cove trail is a splendid, short, and easy hike for the entire family with beautiful ocean views. The starting point is conveniently located near a parking lot that accesses Montara State Beach. From the south end of the parking lot, follow the trail up through the coastal scrub. Within...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Montara Mountain North & Middle Peaks Loop

    4.3
    7.22 mi / 1929 ft gain
    NOTE: as of 2019, North Peak has been fenced off around the installation of a radio tower and weather station. Additionally, the summit has been found to be a habitat for the endangered San Bruno elfin butterfly. The Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a popular seaside trail that’s just 20 minutes s...
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  • Burlingame, California

    Bayside Park to Robert E Woolley State Park Loop

    4.5
    2.06 mi / 20 ft gain
    Bayside Park to Robert E Woolley State Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Burlingame, California.
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  • Burlingame, California

    Ed Taylor Loop Trail

    4.0
    1.42 mi / 295 ft gain
    This hike can be done at any time of year. Hiking in winter and spring means that many varieties of wildflowers will be present, and the creek will have much more water. Summer and fall mean higher temperatures and drier conditions, but the hike is still a pleasant experience. Begin the hike at ...
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  • Burlingame, California

    Mills Canyon Nature Area Trail Loop

    4.0
    1.45 mi / 331 ft gain
    Nestled within Burlingame, California, the Mills Canyon Nature Area Trail Loop offers hikers a serene escape into nature. This approximately 1.5-mile loop meanders through diverse landscapes, including mixed woodlands and grasslands, providing opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying native ...
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  • Moss Beach, California

    Cypress Tree Tunnels at Moss Beach

    4.5
    0.79 mi / 105 ft gain
    The Cypress Tree Tunnels are a quick jaunt from San Francisco (22 miles) and make for a great half-day trip. Getting here depends on traffic, but 30 minutes from the center of the city is doable. Parking is relatively easy. You can either park at the south end of the area at the Cypress Cove entr...
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