HomeCaliforniaRidgecrest › Gateway Trailhead

Gateway Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 9 Google reviews · Running trail in Ridgecrest, California · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Gateway Trailhead yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.

Scenic

What runners say about Gateway Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (9 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 4 mentions

“It truly is a Beautiful place for a hike with stunning scenery & perfect panoramic views.”

This was a fun trail, and it was great for trail running. The views were nice, and there are just enough ups and downs for a good run. I was the only one on the trail, and I had a great time. There are benches along the way for anyone needing a stop.

★★★★★ — Zachary , Dec 2022

I brought my 9yo & autistic 5yo daughters here for a little hike to see all the flowers that have bloomed due to the very rainy season this year(2023). It had a couple different trails which were perfect for them & not difficult at all.

★★★★★ — Molly , Apr 2023

I want to high five every person involved with this desert tortoise sign! As usual: stunning. Interesting mining remnants… don’t put your head in there. It’s really easy to walk farther than you think. Be aware of your time, your water, your direction. Bring a dang cover up and a ton of sunscreen.

★★★★★ — Mona , Apr 2026

Neat spot to go for a walk, or horse back ride. Watch for snakes! Seen lots of them here!! No services, no water, trails are kinda rough. There is a lot of relics from the mining past and always new things to discover.

★★★★☆ — Freelancerider , Oct 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 9 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 7 mentions

“It truly is a Beautiful place for a hike with stunning scenery & perfect panoramic views.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Gateway Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • 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.

Where to find Gateway Trailhead

901 E Belle Vista Ave, Ridgecrest, CA 93555

Get directions

Running trails near Ridgecrest

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Sunland Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 9 reviews

Ridgecrest, CA

under a mile away

Sky Point Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 8 reviews

Ridgecrest, CA

under a mile away

College Heights Rademacher Trailheads

4.8 ★★★★★ 5 reviews

Ridgecrest, CA

1.1 miles away

Cholla Trailhead

4 ★★★★☆ 2 reviews

Ridgecrest, CA

2.1 miles away

Lone Ridge Lower Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 12 reviews

Ridgecrest, CA

2.2 miles away

2.4 miles away

All running trails in Ridgecrest, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.