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Alvarado Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 687 Google reviews · Running trail in Richmond, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Distance
25 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Alvarado Park'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.

Mixed25 miScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADARestroomsWaterTrailhead parking

Part of Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, this area has a playground, picnic sites & historic stonework.

What runners say about Alvarado Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (687 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 5 mentions

“It's very pretty, paths decently maintained, facilities well kept.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 4 mentions

“Beautiful park and great place for picnics and celebrations.”

Beautiful park, clean and safe, lots of hiking, lots of secluded spots to sit and contemplate life, look at the sky and the trees and maybe the secret fish pond, if you can find it.

★★★★★ — Daryl , Mar 2022

Great park for picnics and birthday parties. Lots of spaces available for reservation, most of which are shaded. A playground, large grassy area, and river for kids to keep occupied. Public bathroom and trails for hiking. Parking is very limited, so I recommend bringing a wagon to bring in, and out, items for a party.

★★★★☆ — Naomi , Mar 2024

Great park for hiking, walking dogs, picnics and parties. I think Alvarado park hits all the marks. Clean. Accommodating. Trails are wide and defined. There are 2 large bathrooms. A play structure for kids ages 3-12. I've been having a great time at this park for decades.

★★★★★ — R. , Oct 2018

Lots of dog scat that people don't pick up. lots of poison oak so be careful and vigilant. It's very pretty, paths decently maintained, facilities well kept. Should totally go and explore

★★★★☆ — Serena , Apr 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 687 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🐕 Dog-friendly 7 mentions

“Great park for hiking, walking dogs, picnics and parties.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 5 mentions

“They have a creek going through the middle of it that have little tide pools and waterfalls.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 5 mentions

“Parking is very limited, so I recommend bringing a wagon to bring in, and out, items for a party.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 5 mentions

“Definitely worth the visit and accessible via public transportation.”

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🚻 Restrooms 4 mentions

“Public bathroom and trails for hiking.”

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🛣️ Paved surface

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

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🚰 Water fountains

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🏃 Long-run distance (5mi+)

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Plan your run at Alvarado Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
  • Distance25 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • 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.
  • Websiteebparks.org
  • Phone+1 510-544-3092
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 5 am–10 pm
Tuesday 5 am–10 pm
Wednesday 5 am–10 pm
Thursday 5 am–10 pm
Friday 5 am–10 pm
Saturday 5 am–10 pm
Sunday 5 am–10 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Alvarado Park

5755 McBryde Ave, Richmond, CA 94805

Get directions

Running trails near Richmond

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Wildcat Canyon Regional Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,266 reviews

Richmond, CA

25 miLoopMixedShaded

Spacious park offering miles of multi-use trails plus a children's playground & picnicking areas.

under a mile away

Wildcat Canyon Upper Entrance

4.7 ★★★★★ 96 reviews

Richmond, CA

25 miLoopMixedScenic

Neighborhood park featuring kid-friendly hikes and scenic views of San Francisco.

under a mile away

Tiller Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 149 reviews

Richmond, CA

Dog-friendly

under a mile away

Mira Vista Field

4.1 ★★★★☆ 33 reviews

Richmond, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

under a mile away

Clark-Boas Trailhead

4.3 ★★★★☆ 27 reviews

El Sobrante, CA

PavedScenic

1.3 miles away

Tassajara Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 242 reviews

El Cerrito, CA

Dog-friendly

Kids' park featuring play structures, a sand pit and basketball courts plus tennis courts.

1.4 miles away

All running trails in Richmond, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.