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Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 405 Google reviews · Running trail in Pilot Hill, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 12 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cronan Ranch Regional Trails 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.
Park featuring river views along with trails for riding and hiking (some steep or easy).
What runners say about Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park
“Cronan Ranch – Greenwood & Gerle Loop 🌼🐾 Beautiful easy trail with river views, small beach coves, and white baby’s breath wildflowers in the meadows.”
“💫💫 It got hot in the afternoon so for sure bring a hat and enough water (most trails are long walks with no shade).”
“Great and easy hike, although the trail was washed out in one area, where the river was a little too high, this was expected though, since we just had a few days of heavy rain”
“My dog loved dipping his paws in the water 🐶💦.”
Great place for hiking, biking, and exploring. Not too rocky, some trails are mellow while others can be steep. If you go in the summer, be sure to start before 9 or 10 am, because the temperature can get up to 100 degrees. This trail particularly at the start doesn't have much shade.
A Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers This trail is absolutely stunning! The mountain views are breathtaking, and the slopes provide just the right amount of challenge for hikers. The paths are well-marked and varied, ranging from rocky climbs to smooth, scenic roads surrounded by beautiful nature.
Took the Down & Up Trail and loved it!! Best done in spring or fall as there is little shade cover. Stunning views and some moderate uphill sections. Watch out for mountain bikers and please clean up after your dog.
Had a great time here hiking. Very beautiful. Wish we were here maybe two weeks sooner to catch the beautiful blooms. We were just on the tail end of everything but still very beautiful here.
Trail conditions & character
“Cronan Ranch – Greenwood & Gerle Loop 🌼🐾 Beautiful easy trail with river views, small beach coves, and white baby’s breath wildflowers in the meadows.”
“Just make sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as some of the slopes can be steep.”
“💫💫 It got hot in the afternoon so for sure bring a hat and enough water (most trails are long walks with no shade).”
“The paths are well-marked and varied, ranging from rocky climbs to smooth, scenic roads surrounded by beautiful nature.”
“Watch out for mountain bikers and please clean up after your dog.”
“Bathrooms are also available at the parking lot and near the river.”
“Cronan Ranch – Greenwood & Gerle Loop 🌼🐾 Beautiful easy trail with river views, small beach coves, and white baby’s breath wildflowers in the meadows.”
“If you're terrified of pit toilets like I am, try to make a bathroom stop before coming to this park.”
“Lots of trails from road beds to single track and the American River is accessible from many locations.”
Plan your run at Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance12 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — 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.
- Websiteblm.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–9 PM |
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