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Markham Nature Area

4.7 ★★★★★ 263 Google reviews · Running trail in Concord, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

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

Confirmed from Markham Nature Area'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.

ScenicDog-friendlyRestroomsQuiet

Compact, tree-topped park with winding trails, open lawns, gardens & an arboretum.

What runners say about Markham Nature Area

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (263 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 10 mentions

“Absolutely beautiful and would highly recommend to anyone who wants to spend some quality time exploring nature and variety of fauna from different parts of the world.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 6 mentions

“So peaceful and many many little trails to walk on.”

🐕 dog-walking favorite 3 mentions

“Seems family and dog friendly, just be aware of the coyotes that come from up the hill after 5pm!”

Cool small tranquil park nestled amongst the houses and has a small creek running through it. Great area for a short walk in the afternoon. No bathrooms on site that I found, or playground. They have a community gardens area, and a nice creek walkway and some other paths throughout the park, but no poison oak found.

★★★★☆ — Savageasflux , Sep 2019

Beautiful hidden gem in Concord, love walking here on my lunch breaks!

★★★★★ — Beatrice , Mar 2025

LOVE WALKING ALONG CREEK W MY ROCKY! Been coming here since I was a kid. Love when stream is so full!!!!👍👍😉😉🥰🥰

★★★★★ — Shawna , Mar 2023

Nice nature area. We took a little walk and followed the path to a hilly place with coyotes which we were lucky enough to get to see. Overall it was nice. We will revisit when it is dryer. It had rained recently and was a bit wet. But the water in the creek was flowing as a result which was nice.

★★★★☆ — Mxd , Feb 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 263 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 10 mentions

“Absolutely beautiful and would highly recommend to anyone who wants to spend some quality time exploring nature and variety of fauna from different parts of the world.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 6 mentions

“So peaceful and many many little trails to walk on.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 4 mentions

“Seems family and dog friendly, just be aware of the coyotes that come from up the hill after 5pm!”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“The portable toilets they were there were padalocked (930 am) and the hand wash station was out of water.”

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Plan your run at Markham Nature Area

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
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitemarkhamarboretum.org
  • Phone+1 925-681-2968
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6 am–5 pm
Tuesday 6 am–5 pm
Wednesday 6 am–5 pm
Thursday 6 am–5 pm
Friday 6 am–5 pm
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday 6 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 Markham Nature Area

1202 La Vista Ave, Concord, CA 94521

Get directions

Running trails near Concord

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

Dave Brubeck Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 140 reviews

Concord, CA

Shaded

Playground-equipped park featuring climbing structures, swings, slides and rolling grassy hills for kites.

1.4 miles away

Lime Ridge Open Space

4.6 ★★★★★ 711 reviews

Walnut Creek, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

Undeveloped ridgeline offering hiking & biking trails amid diverse wildlife & chaparral vegetation.

1.5 miles away

Start Trail Ride - Contra Costa Canal Trail

4.2 ★★★★☆ 10 reviews

Concord, CA

1.5 miles away

California Riding & Hiking Trail Trailhead

4.3 ★★★★☆ 3 reviews

Concord, CA

1.6 miles away

Newhall Community Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,120 reviews

Concord, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

Set around a creek, with trails, a dog run & picnic areas, plus bocce courts & ballfields.

1.6 miles away

Ygnacio Valley Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 451 reviews

Concord, CA

ShadedDog-friendly

Basic neighborhood park with ball fields, a jogging path, picnic facilities & a kids' play area.

1.8 miles away

All running trails in Concord, 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.