California

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

Top Running Spots in and near California

  • Sonoma County, California

    Kortum Trail

    5.0
    9.27 mi / 968 ft gain
    The Kortum Trail in the Sonoma Coast State Park connects Goat Rock with Wrights Beach, winding along the top of the sea cliffs and affording incredible views of the California Coast and its numerous sea rocks and arches.  To get there take the Pacific Coast Highway / Highway 1 to either Wright's...
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  • Santa Barbara County, California

    Black Mountain via Cherry Canyon Trail

    6.54 mi / 1329 ft gain
    Words fail in describing the beauty of the Channel Islands National Park and Santa Rosa Island, the second largest of the Channel Islands and perhaps the most diverse in terms of terrain, flora and fauna, and also the only to allow backcountry beach camping. While the opportunities for exploratio...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Methuselah and El Corte De Madera Creek Loop

    6.5 mi / 1778 ft gain
    This loop hike will provide people with the opportunity to experience the tranquility of the lower canyons of the preserve, which tend to be more isolated than the heavier-trafficked trails that are closer to the main highway. Be warned that this hike is fairly strenuous because of the large amo...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Hidden Garden Steps

    4.3
    0.1 mi / 39 ft gain
    These tiles steps are ironically iconic, as they are called the "Hidden" Garden Steps.  They are one of 3 tiled staircases that San Francisco is famous for. The others are the 16th Ave Tiled Steps and the Lincoln Park Steps. Tip: When calling an uber, try to get dropped off at the top of the ste...
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  • Paso Robles, California

    Bike Peachy Canyon

    10.5 mi / 2200 ft gain
    Peach Canyon is the *the* iconic cycling road in the Paso Robles area, beginning downtown and connecting with many other roads in the mountains west of town making for numerous beautiful loops through vineyards, orchards, and black oak groves. Peachy Canyon Road begins at Olive and 6th Street and...
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  • Oakland, California

    Dunn Loop

    5.0
    3.08 mi / 758 ft gain
    The Redwood Regional Dunn Loop is just outside of Oakland, and can be reached from anywhere in the Bay Area for a fun day or half-day trip. The trail is open year-round. In the spring, wildflowers are abundant. The trail has a great mix of sun and shade. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash. 
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  • Tahoe City, California

    Hike the Ellis Peak Trail

    5.0
    6.3 mi / 1660 ft gain
    The Ellis Peak Trail is close to North Lake Tahoe. The trail features scenic wildflowers in the spring and summer. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash.  Directions from Truckee: Take Highway 80 south and drive to Tahoe City - continue south on Highway 89 from Tahoe City for 4....
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  • Big Sur, California

    Vicente Flat Trail via Kirk Creek Campground

    10.12 mi / 3307 ft gain
    The Vicente Flat Trail is well kept and wide, with many campsites at the end. This trail is very close to Cone Peak, and is used for mountain biking, trail running, birding, and nature trips.  The turnaround point for this out-and-back trail is once you reach the junction with Vicente Flat Trial...
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  • San Jose, California

    Senador Mine & Guadalupe Loop

    4.3
    4.83 mi / 863 ft gain
    The trails are well maintained and offer good visibility. The trail can be muddy after it rains, and does not have much shade (so bring extra water in the summer).  Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife - this trail is frequently used for bi...
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  • Oakhurst, California

    Camp at Nelder Grove Campground in Sierra National Forest

    0 mi / 0 ft gain
    Sites are located along Willow Creek with plenty of shape. Right out of the campground you can hike nearby Bull Buck Trail and discover the giant sequoia trees. This is a first-come first-serve campground so arrive early.Directions: Take Hwy 41 north from Fresno; continue thru Oakhurst to Sky Ran...
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  • Santa Ysabel, California

    West Vista Loop & Coast to Crest Trail

    3.0
    10.16 mi / 1946 ft gain
    Starting at the trailhead on Hwy 79, enter through the gate and make sure to close it behind you - the preserve is open range area for herds of cows, make sure not to disturb them when hiking. From the gate you'll see the sign with a detailed map of trails that are available for hiking. The trail...
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  • Lake Elsinore, California

    Hike Bear Canyon Trail to Sitton Peak

    6.4 mi / 2200 ft gain
    A MUST hike for any orange country resident! The hike starts of off Ortega HWY 74 at the Bear Canyon Trail head on the same side of the road as the Ortega oaks candy store. Its recommended you park in the lot across the street from the trail head (tip:there is a working water spicket in the parki...
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  • Jamul, California

    Hollenbeck Canyon Trail

    4.65 mi / 709 ft gain
    The trail is wide and well maintained. The first mile of the trail is well shaded by oak trees. You'll see stunning rocky peaks and rolling green hills as the trail continues. There are three creek crossings to be aware of. Cleveland National Forest is dog friendly, but bring a leash! Hunting is ...
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  • Bishop, California

    Treasure Lakes Trail

    5.0
    5.79 mi / 1375 ft gain
    The Treasure Lakes Trail is dog and kid friendly, just make sure all parties can handle the elevation gain. The scenery throughout the entire hike is amazing, and early in the summer, the creeks roar. The lake is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. The trail is best used in the summer an...
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  • Newport Beach, California

    Deer Canyon Loop

    5.0
    7.76 mi / 1119 ft gain
    The Deer Canyon Loop Trail is an easy drive from Orange County and Newport Beach. In the spring, wildflowers are abundant along the trial. This is a favorite spot for trail runners, hikers, and mountain bikers. The trail is kept in great condition year-round and is very wide. There is very little...
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  • San Diego, California

    Beach Trail

    5.0
    1.43 mi / 259 ft gain
    I'm stoked for those of you to find this adventure! Torrey Pines is home to a species of tree that is one of the most rare native pines in the United States. Below I have directions on how to get to the trailhead as well as the parking lot to park for the hike. There is a charge to get into the...
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