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Big Canyon Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 143 Google reviews · Running trail in San Carlos, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 1.2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Big Canyon 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.
Hilly city park featuring rugged, narrow hiking trails with benches & panoramic views.
What runners say about Big Canyon Park
“Such a great trail - quickly get to a beautiful vista, and it's a nice short roundtrip with lots of add-on options.”
“Nice park and 🐕 dog friendly, the baseball field is huge and in good condition, I have not seen it all yet but until the next adventures 😀”
This is a great park with a moderate walk.its steep but you almost don't feel it because the trails are gentle enough. You will keep walking and then realize that you have a great view and it wasn't so hard to get there. You can also follow to the other side, less shaded but with an even better vista.
A great park with two loop trails which can be combined to form a larger hiking loop. There are multiple lookout viewpoints from the trail and a few small bridge crossings. The trail climbs up the hillside or canyon to the top and follows the rim of the hill before descending again.
Beginner-Intermediate level trails with vast panoramic views of San Carlos hills and overlooking Redwood City at the end. 99% were wearing masks. A few dogs off leash occasionally. No restrooms. Trails are very narrow with most areas have steep drops so please pay attention. 2 trailheads on Crestview and Brittan.
Good place, beautiful views. Good fitness for your muscles. Many narrow winding trails.
Trail conditions & character
“Beginner-Intermediate level trails with vast panoramic views of San Carlos hills and overlooking Redwood City at the end.”
“Beginner-Intermediate level trails with vast panoramic views of San Carlos hills and overlooking Redwood City at the end.”
“Nice park and 🐕 dog friendly, the baseball field is huge and in good condition, I have not seen it all yet but until the next adventures 😀”
“There’s only one restroom and somehow we missed it lol.”
“A great park with two loop trails which can be combined to form a larger hiking loop.”
“good workout but it's in a neighborhood so it's not secluded at all and the street parking fills up quickly.”
Plan your run at Big Canyon Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance1.2 mi back to where you parked
- 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.
- Websitecityofsancarlos.org
- Phone(650) 802-4382
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near San Carlos
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Crestview Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 322 reviews
Kid-friendly destination featuring picnic tables, basketball courts, playgrounds, a soccer field and trails.
Eaton Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 164 reviews
This hilly 58-acre park offers hiking trails & sweeping views of the bay & surrounding areas.
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 958 reviews
Dog-friendly preserve offering 366 acres of open space, with hiking trails through canyons & ridges.
Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,387 reviews
467 acres of woodlands & grasslands known for its hiking, wildflowers, bird-watching & scenic views.