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Fossil Hill Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 124 Google reviews · Running trail in Walnut Creek, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Fossil Hill 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.
Trail-laced nature preserve featuring grassy hills and wildflowers plus some fossilized shells.
What runners say about Fossil Hill Trail
“Early morning is best time to visit also mid March to Early May is the peak time, where you get to see all the beautiful bloom it's open 24 hrs.”
“Accessibility is straightforward, with well-marked entry points and sufficient parking.”
“This trail winds through vibrant, wildflower-speckled meadows and rolling green hills, offering a peaceful escape into nature.”
“The trail is also dog-friendly, so it's a wonderful opportunity to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.”
This is a nice calm trail to walk through the hills of Walnut Creek. The views and the wind gusts makes your mind at peace and appreciate the open reserves of nature. You can bike on this trail, however there are other entangled trails that doesn’t allow it. Less shade but multiple entrances.
One of many great entrances to Shell Ridge open space. Small parking lot and trailhead with maps, water fountain access (for dogs too!).
This place is amazing, the most beautiful spot to see the poppy flowers in the Bay Area. Very easy to walk. Please be careful when you walk to don’t step on them.
This is a nice trail with good views of the diablo valley and Mt. Diablo. This winter, I went when it snowed on Mt. Diablo, and the views were spectacular.
Trail conditions & character
“Early morning is best time to visit also mid March to Early May is the peak time, where you get to see all the beautiful bloom it's open 24 hrs.”
“Accessibility is straightforward, with well-marked entry points and sufficient parking.”
“The Fossil Hill Trail, nestled in a picturesque setting, is a hidden gem for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts alike.”
“The trail is also dog-friendly, so it's a wonderful opportunity to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.”
“This trail winds through vibrant, wildflower-speckled meadows and rolling green hills, offering a peaceful escape into nature.”
“Accessibility is straightforward, with well-marked entry points and sufficient parking.”
“Small parking lot and trailhead with maps, water fountain access (for dogs too!”
Plan your run at Fossil Hill Trail
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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
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 Walnut Creek
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sugarloaf Open Space
4.7 ★★★★★ 242 reviews
More than 3,000 acres of woodlands, grasslands & chaparral with picnic areas & multi-use trails.
Civic Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,367 reviews
10-acre park with gardens, picturesque views & a community center & gazebo used for weddings.
