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Gateway Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 79 Google reviews · Running trail in San Mateo, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Gateway 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 a playground and a creek that’s home to resident ducks.
What runners say about Gateway Park
“Beautiful area on the creek and nice little playground for older kids.”
“It's quiet despite it's proximity to the freeway.”
San Mateo creek is on one side of the park. It's home to resident ducks where families bring kids to feed the ducks. There is no parking lot or bathrooms at this neighborhood Park with kids play ground, grassy fields, picnic tables and a large concrete gazebo.
Gem not well known on the outskirts of Downtown San Mateo San Mateo Creek meanders along this small park making its way to San Francisco Bay We bicycle along The Bay Trail and buy sandwiches in Downtown SM and picnic at the park
Nice little green space next to a creek Small playground and paved trails for kids to ride scooters on
Trail conditions & character
“Never crowded but usually occupied by a few Moms and kids, bicyclist or dog walkers.”
“There is no parking lot or bathrooms at this neighborhood Park with kids play ground, grassy fields, picnic tables and a large concrete gazebo.”
“There is no parking lot or bathrooms at this neighborhood Park with kids play ground, grassy fields, picnic tables and a large concrete gazebo.”
Plan your run at Gateway Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
Running trails near San Mateo
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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