Home › California › Walnut Creek › Acalanes Ridge
Acalanes Ridge
4.7 ★★★★★ 69 Google reviews · Running trail in Walnut Creek, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Acalanes Ridge's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Open space on 202 acres offering 4 mil of dog-friendly trails with panoramic views.
What runners say about Acalanes Ridge
“The views are consistently great, and trail is well kept.”
“It is March and everything is so rich and green and beautiful and the poppies are out.”
The views here are absolutely incredible. It's a decent hike up & through the hills so you get a nice workout while you enjoy the view. This is our new go-to spot to walk the dogs as it is off leash. So much space for them to run around & play.
Great lush hike with stunning views. Multiple entrances; you could spend a few weeks mapping it out and revisiting your favorite parts. It's moderately challenging. There are trails that lead to the same place, so you can tailor your challenge level.
Beautiful hike, pretty easy, gorgeous views. Dogs allowed. Would be even more amazing when the grass is green!
Great view of the city . Great wild life views . quiet and a great trail . it's thrilling .
Trail conditions & character
“It is March and everything is so rich and green and beautiful and the poppies are out.”
“This is our new go-to spot to walk the dogs as it is off leash.”
“It's a decent hike up & through the hills so you get a nice workout while you enjoy the view.”
Plan your run at Acalanes Ridge
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitewalnut-creek.org
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Walnut Creek
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lafayette Ridge Staging Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 69 reviews
Popular trailhead featuring a mix of wide trails and single-track paths through rolling hills.
Civic Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,367 reviews
10-acre park with gardens, picturesque views & a community center & gazebo used for weddings.
Iron Horse Regional Trail, Walnut Creek
4 ★★★★☆ 8 reviews
Dinosaur Hill Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 231 reviews
Hilly, 13-acre expanse featuring hiking trails & panoramic views of the valley & Mount Diablo.
Pleasant Oaks Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 279 reviews
Public park with sports facilities such as ball diamonds, soccer fields & a kids' playground.