When people ask me for recommendations on the best trail running near Walnut Creek, there are quite a few great options depending on what you’re looking for.

Some trails offer sweeping views of Mount Diablo. Others are great for longer training runs or steep hill climbs.

But if I’m introducing someone to trail running—or recommending a place I’d happily revisit over and over again—there’s one trail that almost always comes to mind.

Redwood Trail in Moraga.

Located only about 20 minutes from Walnut Creek, this trail feels like you’ve driven much farther into the mountains. Instead of exposed hillsides baking in the summer sun, you’ll spend nearly the entire hike or run beneath towering old-growth redwood trees that keep the trail cool, quiet, and incredibly scenic.

It’s become one of my favorite local trails, and if you’ve never been, I think it deserves a spot on your list too.

A Local Trail That Feels Like a Weekend Getaway

One of the things I appreciate most about Redwood Trail is how quickly the scenery changes.

The drive from Walnut Creek is short, but once you reach the trailhead, it doesn’t feel like you’re still in the middle of the East Bay.

The towering redwoods immediately create a completely different atmosphere.

The temperature drops.

The air feels cooler.

The sounds of traffic disappear.

Instead, you’re surrounded by enormous trees, shaded dirt trails, and the peaceful feeling that makes you forget you’re only a few miles from home.

If you’ve ever driven all the way to Muir Woods hoping for a similar experience, you’ll appreciate having something much closer.

Why I Keep Coming Back

I’ve run this trail several times now, and every visit reminds me why it’s one of my favorites.

The route itself isn’t especially technical.

Instead, it’s simply enjoyable.

The climb is steady without being overwhelming.

You don’t spend the entire run grinding up steep hills.

Instead, you gradually make your way through the forest until you eventually reach a scenic overlook before turning around and heading back down.

The return trip feels almost effortless compared to the climb up.

It’s the kind of trail where you can actually look around and appreciate where you are instead of constantly watching your footing.

A Perfect Distance for Almost Anyone

Another reason I recommend Redwood Trail so often is because it’s approachable.

The entire out-and-back route is only 3.2 miles round trip.

That makes it incredibly flexible.

If you’re a runner, it’s an easy morning run.

If you enjoy hiking, it’s a relaxing walk through the redwoods.

If you’re bringing kids or family members, the distance usually isn’t intimidating.

And if you’re newer to trail running, it’s a fantastic place to start because you don’t feel committed to an eight- or ten-mile adventure.

You can also turn around whenever you’d like.

There’s no pressure to finish the entire route.

One of the Coolest Places to Run During Summer

Living in Walnut Creek has plenty of advantages.

Summer running isn’t always one of them.

By late morning, temperatures can climb quickly, making many local trails feel much harder than they should.

That’s one of the biggest reasons I enjoy Redwood Trail.

Thanks to the dense tree canopy and its location in the Moraga hills, the trail usually stays noticeably cooler than many of the open-space trails around Walnut Creek.

Even on warm days, running through the shade makes an enormous difference.

If you’re looking for a place to escape the summer heat without driving hours into the mountains, this is one of the best options I’ve found.

Great for More Than Just Running

Although I’ll usually run the trail, I recommend it just as often to people looking for a hike.

The scenery is beautiful enough that you don’t need to be exercising at all to enjoy it.

In fact, one of my favorite things about discovering local trails like this is having places to bring friends and family who are visiting from out of town.

Not everyone wants an intense hike.

Not everyone wants to spend hours driving.

Redwood Trail strikes a great balance.

You get the experience of walking through an old-growth redwood forest without making a full-day trip out of it.

It’s one of those places that leaves people pleasantly surprised that something like this exists so close to Walnut Creek.

Join Us on Sunday, July 12

If you’ve been meaning to spend more time outdoors, we’d love to have you join us.

Sunday, July 12th
9:00 AM

Meet at:
EBMUD Valle Vista Staging Area
Canyon Road, Moraga

Whether you run the whole trail, hike at your own pace, or simply come to enjoy the scenery, everyone is welcome.

There’s no race.

No pressure.

Just a chance to enjoy one of the most beautiful local trails in the East Bay.