The best running trails around Union City

Lace up your jogging shoes for the Old Creek and Wood Duck Trail Loop, an easy 3.0-mile (4.7 km) route that offers a refreshing escape. You'll find yourself winding along flat terrain, with shimmering lakes like Rainbow Lake and Horseshoe Lake reflecting the sky and lush greenery around you. This pleasant jog, with a minimal elevation gain of just 16 feet (5 metres), takes approximately 32 minutes to complete. It's a peaceful haven, transformed from a former gravel quarry, where you can enjoy the serene atmosphere. Keep an eye out for various birds, including raptors and herons, as you move through the scenic landscape.

Planning your visit to Quarry Lakes Regional Park is straightforward, as parking is generally available, making access simple for this popular jogging spot. The park is a 462-acre oasis, providing more than just jogging opportunities; you can also enjoy boating, swimming, and picnicking. Consider arriving early to secure a good parking spot, especially on weekends, and to make the most of the tranquil morning hours. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for a relaxed run or a family outing.

This trail is part of a larger network within Quarry Lakes Regional Park, an area that has been thoughtfully transformed from its industrial past into a vibrant natural space. The park's trails also connect to the broader Alameda Creek Regional Trail and the San Francisco Bay Trail, offering extended exploration options if you wish to lengthen your outing. You might even catch a glimpse of the distant triangular peak of Mission Peak, adding another layer to the scenic backdrop of your jog.

Embark on the High Ridge Loop Trail for a moderate jogging experience that takes you through varied scenery. This 3.7-mile (6.0 km) route features open ridges offering expansive views of Hayward and the San Francisco Bay, contrasting with attractive wooded canyons and oak forests. You will gain 339 feet (103 metres) in elevation, making for a good workout that typically takes around 39 minutes. As you jog, keep an eye out for grazing cows in the grassy hills and the notable Jordan Pond. The trail provides dramatic views of the urban plain, especially on descents, and you might even see wildflowers depending on the time of year.

When planning your visit, be aware that the trail can get muddy, particularly around the cow pond, so choose your footwear accordingly. You might also encounter bugs in the oak woodlands, especially during the warmer months, so consider bringing insect repellent. Parking is generally available at Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park, which often provides a less crowded starting point compared to other popular trails in the Bay Area. This makes it a convenient option if you prefer a quieter experience.

The High Ridge Loop Trail stands out as a solid choice for joggers seeking diverse terrain without extreme challenges. Its blend of open vistas and shaded woodlands offers a dynamic environment for your workout. The route's moderate difficulty makes it accessible for many, while the changing scenery keeps your run engaging. It serves as an excellent alternative to more congested Bay Area trails, providing a refreshing outdoor escape.

The Vista Peak Loop Trail offers a moderate jogging experience through Garin Regional Park, covering 4.7 miles (7.5 km) with an elevation gain of 632 feet (193 metres). You can expect to complete this route in about 57 minutes. As you jog, you'll encounter a mix of paved sections, uncompacted dirt, and singletrack paths, winding through rolling hills and open pastures. Keep an eye out for the wooded canyon with its larger trees, and on clear days, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Bay Area, including the Coyote Hills in Fremont, especially from the Vista Peak Loop Trail Viewpoint.

Before you head out, be aware that the first half of the loop can get quite muddy, particularly after rain, so plan your footwear accordingly. The hills are also heavily grazed by cows, which means you might see brown stubble and cow manure during the summer months. It's always a good idea to check for current conditions before your visit, as recent storms have sometimes led to erosion and closures of adjacent trails like Garin Woods Trail and Zeile Creek Trail.

This route is a great choice if you're looking for a varied workout with scenic rewards. The landscape is particularly vibrant and green between January and April, offering a different visual experience compared to the drier summer months. The presence of grazing cows is a notable feature of the park's ecosystem, contributing to the open pasture feel of much of the trail.

Jog the Tolman Peak and South Fork Loop, a 4.6-mile moderate trail in Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park with diverse scenery and Bay Area view