Explore the best rated trails in Petaluma, CA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the UC Davis and Russell Boulevard Paths and Foss Creek SMART Pathway . With more than 73 trails covering 648 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Pluses: the trail is well maintained, with smooth pavement. Flat, decent for family bike rides,
Negatives: The trail is not entirely on a dedicated path, with a section that is out on the streets. Signage is there, but a bit too easy to miss, regarding getting you through the section on the streets,
The western half of the trail is out in the country, and though it parallels a fairly busy highway, fairly pleasant. The eastern half, though the trail itself is in good shape, is remarkable only for being a good commuter trail. It passes through a semi-industrialized region of the city, and has little esthetic value.
Bottom line: A good commuter trail, good for a quick out and back if you're passing through and want to get some exercise on a decent trailm but not worth making a special trip to get to.
Road is closed to vehicle traffic on weekends. Great road condition and amazing view of ocean beach.
Beautiful shady trail short and sweet
This paved trail from Santa Rosa City Hall to Railroad Square with extensions to the west along Santa Rosa Creek is a great bit of nature in the downtown. Restored 20 years ago from a paved trapezoidal channel, it is now grown out with towering trees and pools and riffles. It even goes under Highway 101. It is also lined with murals and art pieces. Newly adopted by a group called Friends of the Prince Memorial Greenway, it is clean and well maintained and frequently patrolled by Santa Rosa Police and members of the Friends Committee?
This is just a path from point A to point B. Nothing remarkable. It goes through homeless camps and under highway bridges. Not the most beautiful experience. Nicely paved.
Mostly this location is good to hike. MTB was tough since there’s some pretty steep hills and not a ton of room to run. me and my friend had fun but we had to walk our bikes up a couple times. We are also both almost 60 year old women so… Maybe a young 25 year old guy can write up those with no problem …¿ but we didn’t see anybody else riding bicycles there maybe one guy. a lot of the areas are not shaded or protected so don’t go when it’s over 90°. But it’s a beautiful spot with some cool areas to explore. but if I was gonna go back I would probably just go for hiking
I loved this trail! The main trail is all paved. It has underpasses under the cross streets to allow you to keep rolling without risk of cross traffic entanglement. The scenery is fantastic, at least in the spring time when we rode it. There is lots of trees that can provide shade if it's a hot sunny day. There is lots of birds that sing as you ride. It's truly a wonderful ride. Once you get part way outbound, there is a field on the right side of the paved trail, providing variety of shade trees on the left and green fields on the right. There wasn't that many other riders or pedestrians. Be sure to gently alert the walkers as you approach them from behind so as not to startle them and let them know you are approaching.
All of the north side of the Santa Rosa creek trail is paved. However, the side branch that "Y"s off to the NE along the Piner creek is gravel on both side, but it's not a problem to ride unless you don't like gravel and the rougher ride that comes with it. There are two wide blvd crossings on that route so be careful there. The south side of the Santa Rosa creek is also gravel (I think, but I didn't actually ride it to confirm.)
I am biased, but the Greenway is my favorite part of living in Vis Valley. My dog loves to go for walks through all 6 parks. There are a lot of varieties of birds through all the trails, along with some friendly neighborhood cats! There is a lovely coffee shop at the bottom on Leland Ave.
The Park and Ride at the trailhead is now a homeless encampment. There is a park you could leave from, but it is also a homeless encampment. I could see a portion of the trail from the freeway but it looked like chopped up blacktop, very narrow and overgrown. Seemed like bollards blocked access to the little bridge. I have a three wheel bike and would not be able to traverse the trail. Could not determine of trail was open at the trail head.
Only rode a short section at Golden Gate Park. Trail is rough. Is wide but nothing great about it. Better to ride in Golden Gate Park.
We rented bikes and followed the bike map provided by the rental outfit. The park is really nice and well worth a visit. Lots of trails and at times a bit confusing to follow a specific route. However, can't really get lost. Really enjoyed the portion of JFK drive that is blocked to traffic. Big wide boulevard with lots to see and enjoy. Could spend a lot of time just wandering all through the park. Recommend a visit.
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