TrailStompers.com: San Francisco Bay Area Trail Running

Anthony Chabot Regional Park is a hidden gem nestled in the Oakland hills.  The park extends from San Leandro northward to Redwood Regional Park.  In fact, the two parks are connected via the MacDonald Trail so that very long trail runs can be done (see, for example, the Skyline 50k!).

The trails in the park are a mix of fire roads and singletrack, many of which are shaded.  Lake Chabot, although a reservoir, is actually quite pretty and makes for some excellent views from the surrounding hills.  Speaking of hills, the climbs in the park are moderate, with the maximum elevation in the park being just over 1000 feet.  In addition, water is available at several trailheads within the park, so routes can be planned that include water stops. 

There are many trailheads for this park.  Directions to several of these are given on the official park site.  The run on this page starts at the Proctor Staging Area, which is the southernmost access point, and the closest to San Leandro.

The Dirt:

• Click here for the official park site with trail maps.
  
• Click here for directions to the Proctor Staging Area (on Redwood Road) via Google Maps.

Extras:

• Drinking water is available at several trailheads within the park.  Refer to the park map for locations.
• Anthony Chabot Regional Park connects to Redwood Regional Park to the north via the MacDonald Trail.
  

This loop has everything: smooth fire roads with views of Lake Chabot, swooping singletrack through eucalyptus forest, wooded canyons, and hilltop vistas.  The run starts at the Proctor Staging Area off of Redwood Road, which is the closest trailhead to San Leandro.

• 0.0 mi: From the parking area, head up the hill and towards the left onto the Brandon Trail.
  
• 0.3 mi: Turn right onto the Ten Hills Trail.
  
• 1.3 mi: Pass the Proctor Trail, then turn right onto the Cameron Loop Trail.  You will soon find yourself running alongside a golf course.
  
• 1.9 mi: Turn right and cross the bridge towards the Honker Bay Trail (if you're lucky you'll see the "honkers"!).
  
• 2.0 mi: Turn left onto the flat Honker Bay Trail fire road.  You'll follow this trail for the next 1.4 miles.
  
• 3.4 mi: After a nice 200-ft. climb, turn left onto the Columbine Trail.  Get ready for 2 miles of great singletrack!
  
• 5.6 mi: Columbine Trail crosses Grass Valley Creek.  Turn right to stay on the Columbine Trail.  (In the winter this may be flooded and you will have to cross the creek a few times to stay on Columbine Trail.  Prepare to get wet feet!)
• 6.0 mi: After some climbing, veer right onto Cascade Trail.  In the winter when the creek is running you will soon see a nice little waterfall.
  
• 7.1 mi: At the stone bridge, continue straight ahead onto the Brandon Trail (dirt road).
• 7.7 mi: Turn right toward the Redtail Trail.  After going through the gate, continue up the hill and toward your right.
• 7.9 mi: Turn left onto Redtail Trail (there will be a sign).  This trail will climb steeply for a bit up toward the ridge.  You will stay on the Redtail Trail for the next 3.1 miles.  The trail will eventually lead alongside Marciel Road and, in fact, cross the road several times.  Follow Redtail Trail until it ends at Brandon Trail.
  
• 11.0 mi: Veer left onto Brandon Trail.  The trail is a wide fire road that descends slowly back down to the golf course.
• 11.1 mi: At Towhee Trail junction.  Continue straight on the Brandon Trail.
• 12.3 mi: Brandon Trail enters golf course.  Stay along the fenceline to keep on the Brandon Trail.  Past the driving range, the trail will run alongside Redwood Road.  Follow the Brandon Trail back to your car.
• 13.0 mi: Back at your car!