San Francisco Bay Area, California

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

Top Running Spots in and near San Francisco Bay Area

  • Larkspur, California

    King Mountain Loop Trail

    5.0
    3.53 mi / 755 ft gain
    This 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
  • Mill Valley, California

    Sun, Redwood, Panorama, Lost and Fern Creek Loop

    5.0
    4.41 mi / 1030 ft gain
    Sun, Redwood, Panorama, Lost and Fern Creek Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Mill Valley, California.
    Read more
  • Mill Valley, California

    Bootjack Trail Loop

    6.29 mi / 1634 ft gain
    Bootjack Trail Loop goes through both Muir Woods National Monument and Mt. Tamalmpais State Park is located near Mill Valley, California. With the starting point for this hike at the entrance to Muir Woods, there will be an entry fee to enter the national monument (click here for more details).  ...
    Read more
  • San Rafael, California

    Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site

    4.7
    4.37 mi / 988 ft gain
    The 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
  • Mill Valley, California

    Temelpa Trail

    4.5
    2.94 mi / 1929 ft gain
    The Mt. Tam Hill Climb via Temelpa Trail is an iconic, "best-of" climb in the trail running community, drawing some of the world's greatest athletes to experience its breathtaking views and technical downhill. Surprisingly though, outside of locals and the running community, the trail remains lar...
    Read more
  • Muir Beach, California

    Owl Trail

    5.0
    2.06 mi / 390 ft gain
    The Owl Trail runs between Slide Ranch and the Muir Beach Overlook and is a great way to take in the breathtaking views, flora and fauna of the Northern California coast.  The easiest way to access the trail is to park at the Muir Beach Overlook and to take the trail down to Slide Ranch and then...
    Read more
  • Pacifica, California

    Milagra Overlook Trail

    5.0
    2.51 mi / 558 ft gain
    Found 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
  • Marin County, California

    Mountain Home Inn to Mount Tam East Peak

    5.0
    3.93 mi / 1532 ft gain
    Mountain Home Inn to Mount Tam East Peak is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Mill Valley, California.
    Read more
  • 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.
    Read more
  • Marin County, California

    Mount Tamalpais via Matt Davis and Railroad Grade Trails

    5.0
    7.59 mi / 1939 ft gain
    Mount Tamalpais via Matt Davis and Railroad Grade Trails is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Mill Valley, California.
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • Walnut Creek, California

    Southern Lime Ridge Loop

    4.0
    5.57 mi / 1089 ft gain
    The Southern Lime Ridge Loop is a trail system located near Walnut Creek, CA. There is a parking lot at the trailhead located across the street from the Boundary Oak Golf Course. The trail is fairly exposed with limited shade, so bring appropriate sun protection especially on the warmer days.  D...
    Read more
  • Vallejo, California

    Camp at Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve

    4.0
    1 mi / 20 ft gain
    This old Naval Base is now home to, well, almost nothing. As a weekend volunteer trip, myself and about 50 others got a little dirty creating 3 new campsites for you and your friends!During the day, the island has hikers exploring everywhere, but the preserve closes upon sunset and it's just you ...
    Read more
  • Ross, California

    Phoenix Lake Loop

    4.5
    2.85 mi / 518 ft gain
    Enjoy the peacefulness of making it out to the lake for a quick hike without worrying too much about challenging climbs or difficult terrain. Take the wide fire road from the car uphill and then jump on the Phoenix Lake Trail. From here, you’ll combine this trail with the Gertrude Orr and Bill Wi...
    Read more