The Best Running Trails in California (United States)

Loyola Marymount University Trail (LMU)

Running

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kengele

Distance

5.10mi

Elevation +

633f

TrailRank

34

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Fire Road trail near Playa Vista that is an easy dirt trail used mainly by dog walkers and strollers with views from Westchester and Layola Marymount university over Playa Vista and Los Angeles. More information availabl...

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Crystal Springs Reservoir

Running

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Grey3000

Distance

8.65mi

Elevation +

3422f

TrailRank

33| 4.33

A well kept asphalt trail, biking, running, and walking are permitted. A notable thing is this trail follows the San Andreas Fault :). Lovely landscape with the trail following the north shore of the reservoir. The trail...

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Coyote Hills Regional Park

Running

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Grey3000

Distance

3.90mi

Elevation +

630f

TrailRank

32

A combination of the Boardwalk, Dust Trail, Alameda Creek Trail and Red Hill Trail. Picasa Album: Coyote Hills State Park, San Jose, Ca

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Peters Canyon Loop

Running

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runningdm

Distance

6.08mi

Elevation +

574f

TrailRank

32

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The first 1/3 mile of these tracks were in error. The GPS picked up a random point and teleported me there and back. Distance and speed stats will be affected.

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San Francisco (CA) - Embarcadero

Running

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Maurizio Coccioli

Distance

6.67mi

Elevation +

23f

TrailRank

27

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San Francisco Embarcadero, through Financial District. Starting from and arriving at the Powell St. Station.

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Financial District - pier 39 with hills

Running

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cvilate

Distance

5.12mi

Elevation +

407f

TrailRank

26

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nice run with nice views and some hill training on the way back. great views of san francisco from the hill

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Jon-De-Leon-Golden-Gate-Park-10.4-km-San Francisco-CA-US-6-2-2009

Running

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JonDeLeon (USA)

Distance

6.43mi

Elevation +

518f

TrailRank

24

The beautiful and very popular Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California, USA. This park is am wonderful for Running. You can change your route many times and even end up at the beach. It will be cool in the morning ...

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San Carlos Flat 10K Loop

Running

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SLincke

Distance

6.62mi

Elevation +

157f

TrailRank

24

10K running loop that stays in the flatter areas of San Carlos, California through residential streets and a straight run past the little restaurants and shops of the town. On the north end, it likely runs a bit into Bel...

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Venice beach run

Running

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panoramix8

Distance

4.75mi

Elevation +

3f

TrailRank

24

Short run around Venice beach. Starts at Washington Blvd, follows the beach till Ocean View Park and returns through Abbot Kinney Blvd. When at the Ocean Front Walk you run mostly on pavement, but there are also small...

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Crystal Cove Running

Running

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Rusiman

Distance

4.56mi

Elevation +

190f

TrailRank

21

A short run around Crystal cove and its beach. Straight out from the parking, cross the road to enter Crystal cove. You'll find restaurants and nice views on the way.

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San Carlos Flat 5K Loop (plus short cooldown)

Running

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SLincke

Distance

3.36mi

Elevation +

69f

TrailRank

21

Running loop around the flat area of San Carlos, California. Route does go down Laurel Street - if the few cars on the street bother you, the next street over works well too. Only real hill is coming up Arroyo and its le...

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PT 27.5

Running

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jvernon

Distance

29.27mi

Elevation +

3691f

TrailRank

21

From Pantoll Station above Stinson Beach, this multi looped course is as beautiful as it is difficult. It descends to Stinson Beach twice before heading the the Marin Municipal Water District and Mt Tamalpais.

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Berkeley Strawberry Canyon Firetrail

Running

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rjhintz

Distance

7.71mi

Elevation +

2769f

TrailRank

20

Trail run. This version started at UC Berkeley Space Science Center then generally down to Centennial, then return.

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Mather Park / 'Eagle's Nest 5k'

Running

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woody.g.fox

Distance

3.06mi

Elevation +

20f

TrailRank

20

I just park near the starting line...A 3.1 mile loop around Mather Lake and Mather Golf Course that includes a flat spot to walk and cool down at the end. <<>> The starting area CAN BE VERY SOGGY and WET The trail consis...

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Newport Mountails to the sea trail &amp; bikeway

Running

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Rusiman

Distance

8.38mi

Elevation +

72f

TrailRank

19

Nice small canyon going from Newport beach inland, following the river. All of the trail is either off-traffic or with very little traffic, this track just covers the part that's closest to Newport beach - it can easily ...

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Lake Cunningham regional Park

Running

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Grey3000

Distance

2.19mi

Elevation +

413f

TrailRank

19

Lake Cunningham is one of the largest lakes in San Jose, CA. A brisk walk is decent exercise, a run around the lake is a workout. Along the trail there is sit up boards, push up areas and other aerobic equipment so you c...

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Santee Lakes Loop

Running

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deafcaesar

Distance

4.60mi

Elevation +

102f

TrailRank

19

A jog around the Santee Lakes. I'd love to know how this connects to Sycamore Canyon to make it a through hike.

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Redlands

Running

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everettdsmith

Distance

5.23mi

Elevation +

144f

TrailRank

16

First day back running , felt good to be ambulating in running motion !! All my miles are dedicated #forthekids #LoveisAll 90 degrees + LunaSandals

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crafton hills thunderbird to zanja almost 3/8

Running

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everettdsmith

Distance

5.73mi

Elevation +

66f

TrailRank

16

This is half the distance gps didn't work first leg awesome beautiful green single track and dirt path

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San Diego - Mission Hills

Running

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corcic

Distance

6.27mi

Elevation +

285f

TrailRank

16

first km uphill, then quite easy. Last 3 km back in the bike route from Ocean beach to Mission Valley. Nice 10 km training.

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Tilden Nimitz Way

Running

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rjhintz

Distance

8.17mi

Elevation +

938f

TrailRank

16

also known as Inspiration Point; all weather out and back; asphalt paved several cattle guards; free parking at start; closed to traffic; locally popular for walking, running, bikes, and horses

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Auburn SRA-ROB-Western States terrace

Running

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ClipperCreekWanderer

Distance

0.73mi

Elevation +

23f

TrailRank

12

Auburn State Recreation Area ( http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=502 ) Robie Point area: If you are trying to get from Murphy's gate to mile 0 of the Western States Trail or if you are trying to get for Mile 2 of WST to m...

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Auburn SRA-ROB-Robie Pt to Western States Trail

Running

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ClipperCreekWanderer

Distance

1.71mi

Elevation +

226f

TrailRank

12

Robie's point to the end of the Western States Trail. Part dirt road, part single track. The single track portion is labeled for no bikes. This trail is used by joggers, hikers and horse riders. About 2 miles to the end ...

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Auburn SRA-ROB-Robie Pt to Murphy's gate(hwy 49)

Running

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ClipperCreekWanderer

Distance

0.90mi

Elevation +

118f

TrailRank

12

Auburn State Recreation Area ( http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=502 ) Dirt road popular with joggers and horse riders. View of the river. Junctions to other trails in the area including the Western States Trail. Parki...

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Independence / Woodring Loop (2.4m/3.85k)

Running

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woody.g.fox

Distance

2.39mi

Elevation +

0f

TrailRank

12

scenic run along trails, and semi covered (weedy) paved road. Field mice scatter in front of ya sometimes out in the field. Only ever saw one but keep an eye out for snakes in usual places.

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