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Alston Park Off-Leash Dog Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 136 Google reviews · Running trail in Napa, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Alston Park Off-Leash Dog Area'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.
Enclosed park for dogs, featuring shaded picnic tables, off-leash areas and trails.
What runners say about Alston Park Off-Leash Dog Area
“There isn't much shade on the trails but enough spread out for the dogs to find relief in-between sprints.”
“Pet owners are very respectful and my dog couldn't love going more, she knows as soon as we turn on dry Creek Road we're going to alston and she couldn't love life more.”
Nice off leash area for dogs, much less unpicked dog waste compared to other trails and parks in the Bay Area.
64 acres (I believe) of dog walking. What could be better. Surrounded by vineyards creeks, nature. There are two penned in areas for people who like to socialize their dogs but dont like to walk, a couple mi off leash area, and the rest is all on leash
There was fresh water for the dogs to drink, plus little wading pools for the dogs to play in. Several benches with shade trees above them. Friendly people. A wonderful path, that I only heard about. I didn't take the walk. I was very impressed.
The park has wonderful sunsets and a decent view of the Napa valley. Just beware its all dirt trails that are quite muddy after rains and foxtails do abound. If you show up in the morning on a day the weather is right this is a common landing spot for the hot air balloons and the ground crews are friendly.
Trail conditions & character
“The North half of the park is leash required, there is a small separate parking lot up Dry Creek road near the North half if you want to avoid off leash dogs and crowds.”
“Amazing view, convenient water bowl areas with picnic tables and benches along the trail.”
“There isn't much shade on the trails but enough spread out for the dogs to find relief in-between sprints.”
“The North half of the park is leash required, there is a small separate parking lot up Dry Creek road near the North half if you want to avoid off leash dogs and crowds.”
“I find the water fountains,each with at least 3 bowls, are a great convenience.”
Plan your run at Alston Park Off-Leash Dog Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecityofnapa.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–6 pm |
Running trails near Napa
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Alston Park
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Timberhill Park
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Trancas Crossing Park
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