The best running trails in Ravenswood Open Space Preserve
4.5
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3,392
runners
249
runs
Jogging in Ravenswood Open Space Preserve offers routes through a landscape characterized by wetlands, tidal marshes, and the San Francisco Bay shoreline. The terrain is generally flat, providing accessible paths for various fitness levels. This preserve is known for its open spaces and views across the bay, making it a suitable location for outdoor running. The area features mostly paved, gravel, and dirt surfaces, with minimal elevation gain.
Best jogging routes in Ravenswood Open Space Preserve
- The most popular jogging route is San Francisquito Creek β Duck Pond π¦ Palo Alto wetlands loop from East Palo Alto, a 6.5 miles (10.4 km) trail that takes 1 hour 11 minutes to complete. This route offers views of the wetlands and creek.
- Another top favourite among local runners is San Francisco Bay Trail β Bayfront Salt Marsh loop from East Palo Alto City Hall, an easy 2.6 miles (4.2 km) path. This trail provides a loop through the bayfront salt marsh scenery.
- Local runners also love the San Francisquito Creek Trail, a 3.1 miles (5.1 km) trail leading through creek-side environments, often completed in about 32 minutes.
- Jogging in Ravenswood Open Space Preserve is defined by bayfront paths, wetland loops, and creek trails. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and more challenging running experiences.
- The routes in Ravenswood Open Space Preserve are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 35 reviews. More than 2900 runners have used komoot to explore Ravenswood Open Space Preserve's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
5
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
32
runners
5.05km
00:32
0m
0m
Jog the 3.1-mile San Francisquito Creek Trail in Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, a flat route with creek views and diverse bird life.
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2
runners
13.2km
01:36
10m
10m
The San Francisco Bay Trail: Coyote Hills offers a dynamic jogging experience, blending flat, scenic marshlands with optional, steeper hill climbs. You'll traverse a mix of paved paths, dirt, and gravel, enjoying expansive views of the South Bay salt ponds, Alameda Creek, and the Dumbarton Bridge. On clear days, you might even spot the San Francisco and Oakland skylines, making for a constantly engaging run.
This moderate 8.2-mile (13.2 km) jogging route has a minimal 22 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 35 minutes to complete. Parking is available at Coyote Hills Regional Park, and it's generally accessible year-round. For the best experience and to avoid the strongest sun, plan your run for the morning or late afternoon.
Beyond the diverse terrain, the park is rich in history and wildlife. You can explore reconstructed Ohlone villages and ancient shellmounds, offering a glimpse into early Native American habitation. The marshes are a significant wildlife sanctuary, especially for birdwatching, as they lie along the Pacific Flyway for migrating waterfowl.
5.0
(1)
71
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
24
runners
9.28km
01:02
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
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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The Shoreline Trail is a 4-mile trail that runs along the East Bay Side of the bay. This trail is part of the larger Bay Trail System and connects to a large county park as well as other trails. The trail is built upon an old levee and is made of gravel.
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The flood prevention scheme on the San Francisquito creek is now complete, and the bridge has re-opened.
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San Francisquito Creek is a riparian oasis in the midst of a densely urban area, with a nice dirt trail alongside it. It's fed by tributaries running out of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and is one of the only streams in the bay area that retains a natural bed instead of a concrete channel.
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This little pond is exactly what the name implies β a fun place for kids to admire the resident ducks. It's also nice waypoint along your run, though, and a good place to watch for other waterfowl and wildlife, too.
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Quaint, artificial round pond popular with ducks and feeding humans, surrounded to the north by the larger, more natural lagoon that opens to the SF Bay.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available in Ravenswood Open Space Preserve?
There are over 200 running routes in Ravenswood Open Space Preserve, offering a wide range of options for different fitness levels and preferences.
Are there easy jogging routes suitable for beginners in Ravenswood Open Space Preserve?
Yes, Ravenswood Open Space Preserve offers several easy jogging routes. Approximately 35 routes are classified as easy, providing gentle, flat paths ideal for beginners or those looking for a relaxed run.
What kind of terrain can I expect when jogging in Ravenswood Open Space Preserve?
The terrain in Ravenswood Open Space Preserve is generally flat, characterized by paths through wetlands, tidal marshes, and along the San Francisco Bay shoreline. This makes for accessible and scenic running experiences.
Are there any loop jogging trails in Ravenswood Open Space Preserve?
Yes, many of the running paths in the preserve are loop trails. For example, the San Francisquito Creek β Duck Pond π¦ Palo Alto wetlands loop from East Palo Alto is a popular 6.5-mile loop offering wetland views.
What are some notable sights or landmarks I can see while running in the preserve?
While jogging, you can explore several points of interest. The Ravenswood Open Space Preserve itself offers expansive bay views. You might also encounter the Ravenswood Boardwalk or visit Cooley Landing, which provides scenic overlooks of the bay.
Is Ravenswood Open Space Preserve suitable for family-friendly running outings?
Yes, the generally flat and accessible nature of the trails makes Ravenswood Open Space Preserve suitable for families. Many routes offer easy terrain that can be enjoyed by runners of various ages and abilities.
Are there dog-friendly jogging trails in Ravenswood Open Space Preserve?
Many trails within Ravenswood Open Space Preserve are dog-friendly, though it's always recommended to check specific trail regulations for leash requirements and any restricted areas before heading out with your pet.
Where can I find parking for jogging routes in Ravenswood Open Space Preserve?
Parking is available at various access points to the preserve. Specific trailheads often have designated parking lots, making it convenient to start your run. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route for the nearest parking options.
What do other runners enjoy most about jogging in Ravenswood Open Space Preserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 40 reviews. Reviewers often praise the peaceful bayfront paths, the open wetland scenery, and the generally flat, accessible trails that make for enjoyable running.
Are there any routes that offer particularly good views of the San Francisco Bay?
Absolutely. Many routes in Ravenswood Open Space Preserve run directly along the San Francisco Bay shoreline, providing expansive views of the bay and its wetlands. The San Francisco Bay Trail: Coyote Hills section, for instance, offers excellent bay vistas.
Can I spot wildlife while running in Ravenswood Open Space Preserve?
Yes, the preserve's wetland and bayfront environment is home to diverse wildlife. Runners often spot various bird species, especially waterfowl, and other marshland creatures, making for an engaging outdoor experience.
What is a good moderate-difficulty running route in the preserve?
For a moderate run, consider the Duck Pond, Palo Alto β Palo Alto Duck Pond π¦ loop from Hooks Island. This 5.8-mile (9.3 km) loop offers a good balance of distance and scenic views without significant elevation changes.
Most popular routes in Ravenswood Open Space Preserve
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