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Bair Island Wildlife Refuge & Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 381 Google reviews · Running trail in Redwood City, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Bair Island Wildlife Refuge & Trail'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, flat area with water views popular for bird-watching, biking, and walking.
What runners say about Bair Island Wildlife Refuge & Trail
“Bair Island is a vital and beautiful gem, a preserved space from an earlier era, and one of the last remaining natural marshlands in the bay.”
“Great place for running, jogging and walking also for bird watching.”
“Easy walking with some nice lookouts and educational signs.”
Such a wonderful open space that highlights the restoration of natural wetlands. I saw a variety of birds and enjoyed a gentle morning breeze as I walked the path. Seems like a great spot for birding. I saw 2 photographers with some seriously long camera lenses taking shots of a large white heron or egret.
We love this trail. It’s 2.6miles one way. It’s super pretty when it’s is high tide. This open space is reserved as home for migratory species bird. On clear day you can see Hayward and Fremont peaks. My kids love biking here.
Great experience with my buddy… Flat and open trail perfect for brisk walk and biking. There are observatory deck on either end of the trail for observing the wild life especially the birds which migrate during different seasons and from different parts of US. Colse encounter with a beautiful hummingbird..
Came here for a birdwatching tour and highly recommend the trails around this spot. There’s quite a contrast with the condos, industrial yards, Hwy 101 and this restored wetland that borders them. There are several informative placards along the way.
Trail conditions & character
“Bair Island is a vital and beautiful gem, a preserved space from an earlier era, and one of the last remaining natural marshlands in the bay.”
“Great experience with my buddy… Flat and open trail perfect for brisk walk and biking.”
“Parking at end of road with about 10 slots, bocce court, new playground and covered picnic tables”
“Dogs are not allowed on the main trail - just FYI!”
Plan your run at Bair Island Wildlife Refuge & Trail
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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefws.gov
- Phone+1 510-792-0222
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Redwood City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bair Island State Marine Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 69 reviews
Nature preserve with views of the bay & adjacent wetlands also known for hiking, kayaking & birding.
Steinberger Slough Trail
4.2 ★★★★☆ 6 reviews
Mariner Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 59 reviews
Tranquil lawned field with a playground, a bayfront bench and space to walk or jog.
Eaton Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 164 reviews
This hilly 58-acre park offers hiking trails & sweeping views of the bay & surrounding areas.