Redwood Regional Park
What is that? A redwood forest in the hills above Oakland? Believe it or not, it's true. Nestled in the hills just above the city of Oakland is the 1800+ acre Redwood Regional park. The park features rolling ridge-tops, wooded valleys, and hillsides covered with 150-foot coastal redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). The park features a mix of fire roads and singletrack with moderate climbs and great options for trail running. In addition, the park connects to Anthony Chabot Regional Park to the south, offering the possibility of longer multi-park runs. In addition, drinking water is available at several locations within the park, see the trail map for locations.
There are many trailheads that offer access to Redwood Regional Park along Skyline Blvd. or Redwood Road. Two popular access points are the Skyline Gate Staging Area and the Canyon Meadow Staging Area. In addition, access is available via a 1.7-mile long Redwood Trail from the Valle Vista Staging Area near Moraga. Use of these trails requires permits from EBMUD. Click here for more information.
The Dirt:
There are many trailheads that offer access to Redwood Regional Park along Skyline Blvd. or Redwood Road. Two popular access points are the Skyline Gate Staging Area and the Canyon Meadow Staging Area. In addition, access is available via a 1.7-mile long Redwood Trail from the Valle Vista Staging Area near Moraga. Use of these trails requires permits from EBMUD. Click here for more information.
The Dirt:
- Click here for the official park site with trail maps.
- Click here for directions to the Skyline Gate Staging Area via Google Maps.
- Click here for directions to the Canyon Meadow Staging Area via Google Maps.
- Click here for directions to the Valle Vista Staging Area (in Moraga) via Google Maps.
- There is drinking water is available at several locations within the park, see the trail map for locations.
Favorite Run #1: The Super-Loop (18.3 mi, ~2500 feet elevation gain)
This run is not for the faint-hearted, but it is the grand tour of Redwood Regional Park. There is a significant amount of climbing on this run, but you *almost* forget about the pain, given the beauty that is all around you. There are many options to shorten or lengthen this run, so just grab a trail map and start exploring!
This run begins from the Valle Vista Staging Area near Moraga (see "The Dirt" for directions to this trailhead). Note that the first 1.7 miles is an EBMUD trail, the use of which requires a permit from EBMUD. Click here for more information.
This run begins from the Valle Vista Staging Area near Moraga (see "The Dirt" for directions to this trailhead). Note that the first 1.7 miles is an EBMUD trail, the use of which requires a permit from EBMUD. Click here for more information.
- 0.0 mi: Start from the Valle Vista Staging Area. Enter through the gate, then turn right and head up the fire road. Very soon you will encounter a short, steep climb.
- 0.2 mi: Just after the steep climb, veer right onto the singletrack (Redwood Trail).
- 0.8 mi: You will come out through a gate to the intersection of Pinehurst and Canyon Road. Cross over the street and continue through the gate on the other side. You will now hit several switchbacks heading up into Redwood Regional Park.
- 1.7 mi: Go through the gate, then turn left onto the Canyon Trail. You're now in Redwood Park...
- 2.1 mi: Turn right and descend down Canyon Trail.
- 2.5 mi: At the Canyon Meadow Staging Area. Turn right onto Stream Trail.
- 2.7 mi: Just after the bridge, turn left onto Bridle Trail, heading toward West Ridge Trail.
- 3.3 mi: Veer right onto West Ridge Trail, and start climbing.
- 3.6 mi: Turn left onto Golden Spike Trail. This is a narrow singletrack which climbs, twists, and turns. Stay on Golden Spike for the next few miles until it ends. You'll pass several trail intersections, but always stay on Golden Spike.
- 5.1 mi: Near Piedmont Horse Stables. You'll have to make several jogs left & right to stay on Golden Spike.
- 6.5 mi: After a short but steep climb, Golden Spike Trail ends on Dunn Trail. Take a right on Dunn Trail and follow it through Serpentine Prairie. Stay on Dunn as it starts gradually climbing.
- 7.3 mi: Turn left onto Graham Trail. Stay on Graham trail all of the way through Roberts Regional Recreation Area to the West Ridge Trail.
- 8.3 mi: At Redwood Bowl. Turn left onto West Ridge Trail. You will stay on the West Ridge Trail for the next two miles.
- 8.6 mi: Pass through the parking lot for Chabot Space and Science Center. Stay on West Ridge Trail. You will pass several trails, but continue on the West Ridge Trail toward the Skyline Gate Staging Area.
- 10.3 mi: At the Skyline Gate Staging Area. Fill up with water! Then turn around and head back the way you came on the West Ridge Trail.
- 10.9 mi: Turn left on the French Trail. Get ready for a wild ride! The French Trail is an up-and-down singletrack roller coaster ride for the next four miles. You will pass multiple trail crossings along the way, but continue to follow signs for the French Trail until it ends on Orchard Trail. Note: There are a few trail intersections where it is tricky to follow the French Trail. Always check the signs, even if the way looks obvious!
- 14.9 mi: When French Trail ends, turn left onto Orchard Trail and descend to Bridle Trail.
- 15.3 mi: Turn left onto Bridle Trail. At this point, you will head back to the car the way you came in...
- 15.5 mi: Turn right onto Stream Trail, and cross the bridge.
- 15.8 mi: At Canyon Meadow Staging Area. Get some water, then head up Canyon Trail.
- 16.3 mi: Turn left onto East Ridge Trail.
- 16.6 mi: Turn right (through the gate) onto the EBMUD trail (Redwood Trail). Follow this trail back the way you came in.
- 18.3 mi: Back at your car!
