Find the top rated running trails in Petaluma, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I rode this trail from the Livermore end to just past Danville. Overall, it seems more suited to local users that have identified sections that fit their needs (e..g. running, walking, or shorter bike rides. There were two fairly lengthy detours secondary to construction. Parts of the trail have cracks wide enough that they are a serious risk to causing anyone with skinny tires to crash, though other parts are as perfect as a path can be. Foot traffic in the Danville section, at least on a weekend, is heavy. There are many traffic crossings, and having to wait for a light to change in order to get across is not uncommon. For anyone attempting to ride the entire length of the trail, a spirit of adventure and a bit of determination would be required. Of note is that one can get on the trail right in front of the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station. As BART is a bike friendly way of getting around, this opens up trail access to people throughout the Bay Area. Other than dangerous cracks in the path, safety is not an issue.
Beautiful shady trail short and sweet
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.
We rented bikes and followed the bike map provided by the rental outfit. We rode on Washington Blvd through this area. It is a pleasant ride on a street through a residential area and golf course. Very little traffic. Saw a number of other bikers and walkers. Didn't see any trail signage for this trail. Although did see a trail parallel to the road at times but didn't see anyone on the trail. Think would really need to specifically look for the trail if intent on riding. The street was good.
If you're a fan of dedicated bike paths, and in the area, don't miss the opportunity to ride Lafayette-Moraga. Almost the entirety of the path is along a shaded corridor, gently curving back and forth, beautiful homes visible in wooded settings, quirky sections (e.g. a brief segment with many dozens of miniature bird houses hanging from trees), St. Mary's of Moraga's beautiful campus visible at one point.
I'd recommend starting from the Lafayette side. This trail is not flat: the out and back registered 600 vertical feet on Ride with GPS. Starting on the Lafayette side will result in about 5 miles of mildly climbing trail, a descent of about 2 miles at the far end, and then a somewhat steeper (but not steep) climb back to the summit. The last 4.75 miles of a round trip to Lafayette involves a swooping and delightful descent back to where you started. While the climbing is not negligible, it is well within the capabilities of even moderately fit riders.
My partner and I rode this trail on our tandem trike on a Wednesday, finding light to moderate foot and bike traffic. If you're family oriented, use caution with the younger riders, as on the downhill slopes some riders will be coming down in excess of the 15 mph speed limit.
Overall, a gem of a ride, scenic, interesting, and just enough of a challenge to feel that your heart and lungs benefited from a great day outside.
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