HomeCaliforniaStevinson › Great Valley Grasslands State Park

Great Valley Grasslands State Park

4.1 ★★★★☆ 132 Google reviews · Running trail in Stevinson, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Great Valley Grasslands State 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.

ScenicRestroomsQuiet

Free grassy area offering a peaceful landscape for fishing and hiking, as well as wildlife observation.

What runners say about Great Valley Grasslands State Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (132 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's too bad that this is all that's left of this beautiful valley but am great full we still have this to visit.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 6 mentions

“PRO: Peaceful, pretty, free, good place for fishing, has a boat/kayak loading/launch dock, ample parking, have some shade, easily accesible for handicaps.”

Was beautiful and a great example of how the valley used to look back before they plowed it. Was disappointed in the lack of access to the park. Fishing can only be done by boat and the park is not labeled well. No signs. Quiet and lots of birds , nice place to walk around and enjoy the country space.

★★★★☆ — Rs , Feb 2025

PRO: Peaceful, pretty, free, good place for fishing, has a boat/kayak loading/launch dock, ample parking, have some shade, easily accesible for handicaps. CON: Short trail, does have ticks so check your dog/s afterwards. RECOMMENDATION: Recommended for short stroll, fishing, kayaking.

★★★★☆ — G , May 2022

Beautiful! It's very flat here and after it rains everything is reflecting off these gorgeous lakes in puddles. There's a hunting area right next to where you can hike. So their shotguns going off all around you.

★★★★☆ — Mark , Feb 2017

Great Valley Grasslands State Park showcases vast open grasslands, diverse wildlife, and peaceful trails. Perfect for birdwatching, hiking, and experiencing California’s natural beauty.

★★★★☆ — Fiza , Sep 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 132 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 6 mentions

“It's too bad that this is all that's left of this beautiful valley but am great full we still have this to visit.”

More trails like this →

🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 6 mentions

“PRO: Peaceful, pretty, free, good place for fishing, has a boat/kayak loading/launch dock, ample parking, have some shade, easily accesible for handicaps.”

More trails like this →

🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“On this amazing fishing spot there are restrooms for both men and women.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Great Valley Grasslands State Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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
  • Websiteparks.ca.gov
  • Phone(209) 826-1197

Hours

Monday 8 AM–5 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–5 PM
Thursday 8 AM–5 PM
Friday 8 AM–5 PM
Saturday 8 AM–5 PM
Sunday 8 AM–5 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Great Valley Grasslands State Park

Gonzaga Rd, Stevinson, CA 95374

Get directions

Running trails near Stevinson

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

San Luis National Wildlife Refuge - Main Unit

4.5 ★★★★★ 525 reviews

Los Banos, CA

BoardwalkScenic

Extensive protected wetlands & grasslands with a wealth of native plant and animal species.

8.1 miles away

8.1 miles away

8.1 miles away

Los Banos Wildlife Area Birding Trail

5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews

Los Banos, CA

8.9 miles away

Joseph Gallo Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 130 reviews

Livingston, CA

Clean outdoor area with a playground that's popular with families.

9.8 miles away

Los Banos Wildlife Area

4.4 ★★★★☆ 116 reviews

Los Banos, CA

Dog-friendly

Birding, fishing & hunting are popular at this expansive wetland area & migratory bird habitat.

12.7 miles away

All running trails in Stevinson, 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.