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

  • Napa, California

    Alston Park Loop Trail

    5.0
    2.76 mi / 184 ft gain
    Alston Park Loop Trail, located in Napa, California, is a 2.76-mile loop trail that offers a moderate level of difficulty for hikers. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running and is accessible year-round. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, making it suitable for ...
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  • Inverness, California

    Sculptured Beach from Limantour

    6.41 mi / 574 ft gain
    Sculptured Beach along the Point Reyes National Seashore is reached by an an out-and-back trail along the Coastal Trail. Starting from Limantour Beach, leave the parking lot down toward the beach, then after a brief walk, head away from the coast shortly to join the Coastal Trail. This trail will...
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  • Los Altos, California

    Stevens Creek & Canyon Loop

    4.5
    2.77 mi / 446 ft gain
    This hike is best done in the late fall, winter, and spring so that the creek is running and the hills are green. Starting at the preserve parking lot, the first half of the hike is predominantly downhill. At the main trailhead, start in the direction of the Stevens Creek Nature Trail, as told by...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Russian Ridge Loop

    4.5
    5.45 mi / 837 ft gain
    Russian Ridge offers a great place to jump on the trail and in the right season, see some of the best wildflowers blooming. On top of that, you get access to amazing views from the ridge. Once you get your parking space, jump on the Ridge Trail and start gaining a little elevation while you head...
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  • Cupertino, California

    Black Mountain via PG&E, Quarry and Black Mountain Trail

    3.0
    11.72 mi / 3901 ft gain
    Black Mountain via PG&E, Quarry and Black Mountain Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Cupertino, California.
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  • Loma Mar, California

    Camp Under the Redwoods at Memorial Park

    With old growth redwoods and a creek swimming area, Memorial Park is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. Memorial Park is only a few miles east of the town of Pescadero. To get here, you can either approach from Highway 1 and drive up Pescadero Creek Road or take Highway ...
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  • Loma Mar, California

    Bike Pescadero Creek County Park

    5.0
    12.5 mi / 1350 ft gain
    Pescadero Creek County Park and the connected Sam McDonald and Memorial Park are located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains holding a vast network of secluded trails. From biking to backpacking, this area is a perfect place for a day or weekend adventure. This area also has the added bonus having r...
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  • Glen Ellen, California

    Corridor Ridge Loop Trail

    4.5
    2.48 mi / 289 ft gain
    Corridor Ridge Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Glen Ellen, California.
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  • San Jose, California

    North Rim Trail to Eagle Rock

    5.0
    1.94 mi / 240 ft gain
    North Rim Trail to Eagle Rock is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near San Jose, California.
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  • Santa Rosa, California

    Crane Creek Canyon Loop

    4.3
    1.4 mi / 154 ft gain
    With multiple loops of varying length, this park is great for anyone looking for a casual hike around a beautiful area in the foothills of Rohnert Park. Crane Creek has nice secluded picnic areas next to the creek in the cover of willow, alder, buckeye and bay trees. There's also an 18-hole disc ...
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  • Inverness, California

    Marshall Beach

    5.0
    2.41 mi / 305 ft gain
    Marshall Beach located on the Tomales Bay side of Point Reyes National Seashore is reached via an out-and-back hiking or mountain biking trail.  Camping:There are boat-in campsites available at Marshall Beach. The campsite does not permit hike-in campers, boat-in only via kayak, canoe, paddleboa...
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  • Pescadero, California

    Canyon Rim Route

    5.0
    8.94 mi / 2070 ft gain
    Located deep within the Santa Cruz Mountains, Butano State Park boasts a large redwood canyon with many miles of hiking trails as well as campsites. This state park is one of the quietest and least visited parks on the peninsula making a perfect place to escape the hustle of the Bay Area  Butano...
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  • Boulder Creek, California

    Sempervirens Falls (Temporarily Closed)

    4.0
    3.29 mi / 305 ft gain
    Sempervirens Falls in Big Basin State Park is Temporarily Closed due to fires. More updates can be found at Parks.CA.Gov. The hike to Sempervirens Falls is an easy 3.3 mile out-and-back hike on the Sequoia Trail. You'll travel through the redwood forest and some of the campgrounds located in Big...
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  • Santa Rosa, California

    Taylor Mountain Loop

    4.4
    4.86 mi / 1076 ft gain
    From the northern entrance to the park, you can access an 18-hole disc golf course as well as a number of trails. The Eastern Trail takes you up a steep 1,000 feet to the top of Taylor Mountain, where you can see most of Sonoma County laid out before you. Mt. St. Helena is visible in the distance...
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  • Santa Rosa, California

    Western Route to Eastern Route Loop

    5.0
    2.26 mi / 535 ft gain
    The Western Route to Eastern Route Loop in Santa Rosa, California, is a 2.3-mile moderately challenging trail popular for its scenic views and diverse landscape. The loop offers a steady ascent, rewarding hikers with panoramic vistas of Sonoma County and lush natural surroundings. It’s known for ...
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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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