HomeCaliforniaPetaluma › Helen Putnam Regional Park: Windsor Drive Trailhead

Helen Putnam Regional Park: Windsor Drive Trailhead

5 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · Running trail in Petaluma, California · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
6 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Helen Putnam Regional Park: Windsor Drive Trailhead'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.

Paved6 miScenicDog-friendlyHillyRestroomsWaterTrailhead parking

What runners say about Helen Putnam Regional Park: Windsor Drive Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (12 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

When I first saw the Windsor Drive trailhead I thought "Huh?" why would anyone want to start so far away from the park? But eventually I figured out it was an opportunity to spend more time doing what I loved - hiking, exercise, enjoying the gift of nature with hills, views, heavily wooded areas rich with vegetation…

★★★★★ — Michael , Mar 2023

I have been coming to this gorgeous Sonoma County regional park since it first opened. The space continues to increase the number of hiking trails. I love a hike that offers me a variety of trails to choose from. I especially appreciate the numerous strategically placed picnic tables that are under oak trees.

★★★★★ — Lisa , Jan 2025

This is the best place to hike in Petaluma. There are 6 miles of trails and wonderful views in all directions.

★★★★★ — Karen , Sep 2022

Walked to the top of Pomo trail to watch the sunrise, well worth the hike! Trails are clear the wildflowers are blooming and God is good!

★★★★★ — Janette , Apr 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 12 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

“I have been coming to this gorgeous Sonoma County regional park since it first opened.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“Great set of trails overlooking rolling hills and Petaluma”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“Fabulous views and easy parking (free if you have a Sonoma County Regional Parks Pass).”

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🏃 Long-run distance (5mi+) 3 mentions

“8 mile 300 foot ascent is very gradual with a wide, consistent grade so I don't mind sharing this with you.”

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🛣️ Paved surface

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🚻 Restrooms

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🚰 Water fountains

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🐕 Dog-friendly

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Plan your run at Helen Putnam Regional Park: Windsor Drive Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • Distance6 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websiteparks.sonomacounty.ca.gov
  • Phone(707) 875-3540
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Helen Putnam Regional Park: Windsor Drive Trailhead

373 Windsor Dr, Petaluma, CA 94952

Get directions

Running trails near Petaluma

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

Helen Putnam Regional Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 716 reviews

Petaluma, CA

6 miLoopMixedShaded

Rustic area featuring several steep hiking trails, some leading to a pond, plus wildlife viewing.

under a mile away

Petaluma River Park

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2.0 miles away

Deer Creek Village Dog Park

4.1 ★★★★☆ 239 reviews

Petaluma, CA

Natural surfaceShadedDog-friendly

Park with benches, fenced areas and water bowls, plus a grassy area for pups.

2.5 miles away

Petaluma Marsh

4.3 ★★★★☆ 12 reviews

Petaluma, CA

Dog-friendly

2.9 miles away

McDowell Park

4.1 ★★★★☆ 38 reviews

Petaluma, CA

Dog-friendly

2.9 miles away

Shollenberger Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 551 reviews

Petaluma, CA

2 miLoopMixedShaded

This park with 165 acres of wetlands offers paths for walking & cycling, plus a fishing pier.

3.6 miles away

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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.