The best running trails around East Palo Alto
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Jogging routes around East Palo Alto are characterized by their proximity to the San Francisco Bay, offering a unique blend of tidal and freshwater habitats. The region features extensive marshlands, open space preserves, and natural creeks, providing predominantly flat terrain ideal for running. These natural features, including the Baylands and San Francisquito Creek, create a diverse environment for outdoor activities. The area's trails are generally accessible and offer scenic views of the Bay and its abundant wildlife.
Best jogging routes around East Palo Alto
- The most popular jogging route is San Francisquito Creek Trail, a 3.1 miles (5.1 km) trail that takes 32 minutes to complete. This route offers flat paths alongside the natural creek, providing a pleasant and accessible running experience.
- Another top favourite among local runners is San Francisquito Creek – Duck Pond 🦆 Palo Alto wetlands loop from Hooks Island, a moderate 6.0 miles (9.7 km) path. This loop explores the wetlands and features the Palo Alto Duck Pond, offering diverse scenery for a longer run.
- Local runners also love the San Francisco Bay Trail – Bedwell Bayfront Park loop from East Palo Alto, a 6.1 miles (9.8 km) trail leading through Bedwell Bayfront Park and along the San Francisco Bay Trail, often completed in about 1 hour 2 minutes.
- Jogging around East Palo Alto is defined by its Baylands, marshlands, and creek-side paths. The network provides options for various ability levels, from short, easy runs to longer loops through natural preserves.
- The routes in East Palo Alto are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 3000 runners have used komoot to explore East Palo Alto's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Bedwell Bayfront Park is 160 acres in size and encourages hiking, running, bicycling, dog walking, bird watching, kite flying, and photography. This Park is walled in by Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, so the chances of seeing wildlife is higher here.
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This 160-acre park is surrounded on three sides by the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, making it an excellent place to spot wildlife, especially of the winged variety.
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The San Francisco Bay Trail consists of over 350 miles of interconnected trails around the eponymous bay. This section, between the urban sprawl and evaporation bonds for salt mining, won't win any awards for its scenic views. However, it is a nice separate trail that allows you to ride away from road traffic.
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The San Francisco Bay Trail consists of over 350 miles of interconnected trails around the eponymous bay. This section, between the urban sprawl and evaporation bonds for salt mining, won't win any awards for its scenic views. However, it is a nice separate trail that allows you to ride away from road traffic.
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If you look to your north you'll see some former salt ponds that were freshly exposed to the tides with the breaching of a nearby levee. Now, those rehabilitated ponds are an integral part of restoring wetlands in this area.
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This small stream has managed to largely avoid development, and therefor can offer a glimpse of what the area looked like before modern times. You can also use the creek and the delineator between San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
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From this spot on the SF Creek Path, you get a truly wild view of the Palo Alto Airport. You can see straight down the runway and if you're lucky, planes might be taking off and landing overhead!
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As the name suggests, this pond is home to various types of ducks for you to admire. There's a nice trail that encircles the pond, with a lagoon bordering its northern edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available in East Palo Alto?
East Palo Alto offers a wide selection of running routes, with over 240 options available on komoot. These range from easy, flat paths to longer, more moderate loops, catering to various fitness levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on jogging trails in East Palo Alto?
Jogging routes in East Palo Alto are predominantly flat, characterized by their proximity to the San Francisco Bay. You'll find trails through extensive marshlands, open space preserves, and alongside natural creeks, offering a unique blend of tidal and freshwater habitats. Many paths are well-maintained dirt or paved surfaces, suitable for all runners.
Are there any family-friendly running routes in East Palo Alto?
Yes, many of the flat and accessible trails in East Palo Alto are suitable for families. The San Francisquito Creek Trail, for example, offers a pleasant 3.1-mile (5.1 km) flat path alongside the creek, which is great for a leisurely family run. The Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve also features numerous easy trails.
Which running trails in East Palo Alto are dog-friendly?
Many trails in the East Palo Alto area, particularly those within the Baylands Nature Preserve and along the San Francisquito Creek, are dog-friendly. The San Francisquito Creek – Duck Pond 🦆 Palo Alto wetlands loop from East Palo Alto is a popular choice, allowing you and your canine companion to explore wetlands and enjoy scenic views. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and follow local regulations.
What natural features or landmarks can I see while jogging in East Palo Alto?
East Palo Alto's running routes offer access to several notable natural features and landmarks. You can explore the vast Baylands Nature Preserve, enjoy scenic creek views along the San Francisquito Creek Trail, or discover the diverse birdlife around the Duck Pond 🦆 Palo Alto wetlands. The San Francisco Bay Trail also provides continuous routes with stunning Bay views, and you might even spot the Ravenswood Open Space Preserve.
Are there any loop running trails in East Palo Alto?
Yes, East Palo Alto features several excellent loop running trails. A great option is the San Francisquito Creek – Duck Pond 🦆 Palo Alto wetlands loop from East Palo Alto, which is a moderate 6.5-mile (10.4 km) path. Another popular choice is the Emily Renzel Wetlands loop from Walter Hays Elementary School, covering 4.9 miles (7.9 km) through diverse wetlands.
What do other runners enjoy most about jogging in East Palo Alto?
The running routes in East Palo Alto are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 50 reviews. Runners frequently praise the flat, accessible paths, the scenic views of the San Francisco Bay and wetlands, and the abundant birdlife. The variety of routes, from short creek-side runs to longer loops through preserves, is also a highlight.
Are there any easy running routes for beginners in East Palo Alto?
Absolutely. East Palo Alto is ideal for beginners due to its predominantly flat terrain. The San Francisquito Creek Trail is an excellent choice, offering a 3.1-mile (5.1 km) flat and easy path alongside the creek, perfect for a gentle introduction to running in the area.
Can I find long-distance running trails in East Palo Alto?
Yes, for those looking for longer runs, East Palo Alto offers several options. The Ravenswood Open Space Preserve – Duck Pond 🦆 Palo Alto wetlands loop from Palo Alto Airport is a moderate 7.2-mile (11.6 km) route, providing ample distance through scenic wetlands. The extensive San Francisco Bay Trail also connects various open spaces, allowing for extended runs.
Are there running routes with good parking access in East Palo Alto?
Many of the popular running areas in East Palo Alto, such as the Baylands Nature Preserve and Ravenswood Open Space Preserve, offer designated parking facilities. Access points to trails like the San Francisquito Creek Trail also typically have nearby parking options, making it convenient to start your run.
What are the best times of year for jogging in East Palo Alto?
East Palo Alto is generally pleasant for jogging year-round. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summers can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon runs are often preferred. Winters are typically mild, though you might encounter occasional rain, making waterproof gear advisable. The flat terrain means trails are usually accessible regardless of the season.
Are there any shaded jogging trails in East Palo Alto for warmer days?
Given the open nature of the Baylands and marshlands, many trails in East Palo Alto, such as those in Ravenswood Open Space Preserve or along the San Francisco Bay Trail, have limited natural shade. For runs on warmer days, it's advisable to go early in the morning or later in the evening, and always carry water and wear sun protection. Some sections along the San Francisquito Creek might offer partial shade from riparian vegetation.
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