The best running trails in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve
4.4
(7)
1,319
runners
121
runs
Jogging in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve offers a diverse trail system across 366 acres, featuring approximately 6 miles of routes with elevation changes of around 500 feet. The preserve is characterized by cool canyons, lush mixed evergreen forests, and oak woodlands. Higher elevation trails provide views of the San Francisco Bay and surrounding hillsides. The varied terrain includes hills, canyons, and ridge tops, offering a dynamic experience for runners.
Best jogging routes in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve
- The most popular jogging route is Dream trail loop from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, a 5.8 miles (9.3 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 13 minutes to complete. This moderate route explores varied terrain within the preserve, including canyons and forests.
- Another top favourite among local runners is Tank Trail Bay View – Harold Drake Trail loop from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, a difficult 5.5 miles (8.8 km) path. This route features significant elevation gain and offers expansive views.
- Local runners also love the Running loop from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, a 3.0 miles (4.9 km) trail leading through mixed evergreen forests, often completed in about 40 minutes.
- Jogging in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is defined by cool canyons, lush mixed evergreen forests, and rewarding views of the San Francisco Bay. The network offers options for different ability levels, from less strenuous paths to more challenging routes with significant elevation gain.
- The routes in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.3 stars from 3 reviews. More than 800 runners have used komoot to explore Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
46
runners
9.32km
01:13
260m
260m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
runners
5.17km
00:41
150m
150m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
runners
4.87km
00:40
180m
180m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
runners
10.1km
01:10
190m
190m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This 366-acre preserve offers several walking trails with nice shade, and an off-leash dog area. You can access the preserve right from the fringes of Redwood City.
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Pretty, near-panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
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The Edgewood Trail runs east to west along the northern edge of the park and is easlity accessible from the main parking lot or the Edgewood Trailhead at Edgewood and Cañada Road. Beginning from the main parking lot, expect a challenging half-mile ascent with an average grade of 9.5% as the route winds through a beautiful oak woodland, providing a shady canopy before opening up to fantastic views of the rolling hiilsides, perfect for a wonderful hike, especially on a warm day.
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This trail is fantastic, winding through the beautiful forest, chaparral, and meadows in this beautiful park. The route switchbacks up the hillside, offering spectacular views of the canyon. Along the path, you'll find a bench, which is perfect for resting and taking in the stunning scenery.
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This trail is a short connector to the Harold Drake Trail. It offers beautiful bay views, and just below the trail, you may spot deer resting, who call this area home and travel the trails frequently. It’s a fantastic start to a great hike through Big Canyon Park.
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Edgewood Park and Nature Preserve spans 467 acres of serpentine grasslands and is renowned for its stunning wildflowers each spring, with lovely trails throughout the grounds to explore. The park's location is just off I-280 and Edgewood Road, making it easily accessible for an opportunity to immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery not far from the San Francisco Peninsula.
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This mile-long trail is the perfect mix of serene woodlands and panoramic Bay views as it weaves through coast live oak and beautiful flowers, especially during spring. Keep an eye out for a charming trailside waterfall about halfway through the trail, as it may be visible when water levels are higher. Dogs are not allowed on this trail, so you'll need to leave your pup at home.
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This 366-acre preserve offers several walking trails with nice shade, and an off-leash dog area. You can access the preserve right from the fringes of Redwood City.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve?
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve offers a wide selection of over 90 running routes. These range from easy paths to more challenging trails, catering to various fitness levels.
What kind of terrain and elevation can I expect on the running trails?
The preserve features a diverse trail system with a mix of singletrack trails and some paved sections. You'll encounter cool canyons, lush mixed evergreen forests, and oak woodlands. Elevation changes are typically around 500 feet, with some routes offering up to 1000 feet of gain for a more strenuous workout.
Are the running trails in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve dog-friendly?
Yes, Pulgas Ridge is very dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed on all trails when on-leash, and there's a significant 17.5-acre off-leash area, making it a great spot for runners who want to bring their canine companions.
Are there family-friendly running options in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve?
Absolutely. The preserve offers trails suitable for families. For example, the Cordilleras Trail is designed to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, providing a less strenuous experience through a meadow to a quiet, wooded area by Cordilleras Creek.
What are the typical distances of running routes in the preserve?
Running routes vary in length. You can find shorter paths around 2.8 miles, such as the Running loop from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, up to longer routes like the Woodside Store Historic Park loop from Woodside which is over 10 miles.
Can I find circular running routes in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve?
Yes, many of the running routes in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular examples include the Running loop from Emerald Lake Hills and the Dream trail loop from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve.
Are there scenic viewpoints along the running paths?
Yes, higher elevation trails in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve provide rewarding views. You can enjoy vistas of the San Francisco Bay, surrounding hillsides, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. The Dusky-footed Woodrat Trail, for instance, offers great views from the ridge after a strenuous climb.
What natural attractions or wildlife can I observe while running?
The preserve is home to about 90 native species of trees, shrubs, ferns, and flowers. In early spring, you might spot vibrant wildflowers like Indian warrior and milkmaids. During the rainy winter, many varieties of mushrooms, including chanterelles, can be found. Keep an eye out for local wildlife in the diverse landscapes.
Is parking available at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve?
Yes, parking facilities are available at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, making it convenient for visitors to access the trailheads for their runs.
What do other runners enjoy the most about jogging in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.7 stars from 6 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse trail system, the varied landscapes including cool canyons and forests, and the rewarding views of the San Francisco Bay from higher elevations.
What is the best time of year to go running in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve?
The preserve experiences mild weather year-round, characteristic of parks on the peninsula, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. Early spring is particularly beautiful for spotting wildflowers, and the rainy winter brings out various mushrooms.
Are there challenging running routes for experienced runners?
Yes, while there are easier paths, Pulgas Ridge also offers more challenging routes. Some trails can be up to 10 miles with 1000 feet of elevation gain, requiring good fitness. An example of a difficult route is the Top of Eaton Park loop from Devonshire.
Most popular routes in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve
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