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Fire Trails
4.8 ★★★★★ 173 Google reviews · Running trail in Berkeley, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Fire Trails' 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.
Popular hiking area with views, leading from Memorial Stadium to the Lawrence Discovery Store.
What runners say about Fire Trails
“Beautiful place to hike, and the walk up is pretty neat as you get to see all the interesting houses along the hill interconnected by staircases.”
“There's shade throughout.”
A classic East Bay hiking area. The fire trail itself is just challenging enough to tire out an active five year old boy taking a nice slow walk with his friend. We didn't hike the whole trail but we walked up the steep part and had a picnic at the top.
One of the nicest hikes in Berkeley. Easily accessibly by city bus. One of the best places to visit on a sunny weekend.
Well, it's an easily accessible trail, i went to this trail by walking from UC Berkeley. A mistake though, like I already used all my energy to walk from the UC Berkeley to the start of this trail lol.
Easily accessible trails. Quite some elevation gain to get there but completely worth it. Beautiful view of the bay area. Perfect for a relaxing walk or run. Dogs allowed.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful place to hike, and the walk up is pretty neat as you get to see all the interesting houses along the hill interconnected by staircases.”
“Beautiful place to hike, and the walk up is pretty neat as you get to see all the interesting houses along the hill interconnected by staircases.”
“Parking off Centennial Drive is very limited and is a rugged dirt lot.”
“Well, it's an easily accessible trail, i went to this trail by walking from UC Berkeley.”
Plan your run at Fire Trails
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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 — 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.
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 Berkeley
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Clark Kerr Fire Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 60 reviews
Scenic trail with a steep climb & panoramic views over the bay.
Woodbridge Metcalf Grove
5 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
Stonewall-Panoramic Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 142 reviews
Hiking trails with panoramas, plus tree-lined stretches offering shade.
Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 496 reviews
208-acre preserve with hiking & equestrian trails, plus views of nearby cities & San Francisco Bay.