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Montclair Railroad Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 97 Google reviews · Running trail in Oakland, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Montclair Railroad Trail'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.
Easy, mostly level trail leading through the woods and a canine-friendly park.
What runners say about Montclair Railroad Trail
“Not as challenging but very detailed with great views including houses and scenery.”
“Easy trail that is about a mile long and looks way better kept now.”
“Easy walking trail and good for dog walkers.”
The Google pin is not the correct location for the entrance of this trail. We parked at 6235 LaSalle Ave. Oakland. There is a sign and parking lot there, so easy access. The beginning of the trail is up a few stairs and a steep hill about 200 feet.
Easy walking trail, two miles round-trip. Steepest incline is from the Montclair parking lot to the top of the trail start; 45 degrees and approximately 50 feet. They rest of the trail is easy peasy. Wide asphalt path, dirt path alongside on most of the walk. Bicycle, leashed dogs and people friendly.
Great walk from hills down to montclair. Even connects to Shepard canyon park. Nice little botanical garden anywhere. Pathetic so good for a short bike ride.
Used to hike this trail to and from school. 1980-90's. Easy trail that is about a mile long and looks way better kept now. Planted two redwood trees with my dad for some boys scouts eagle project on it near the downtown tunnel. The smells of oak and Eucalyptus fills the air on the route. History and train course.
Trail conditions & character
“The big problem with this walk, as with many bay area walks, concerns the dog owners.”
“Steepest incline is from the Montclair parking lot to the top of the trail start; 45 degrees and approximately 50 feet.”
“The owner of the former rail station at Paso Robles' house is still there overlooking it.”
“Great mostly level paved trail through the woods behind Montclair Village and through Shepherd Canyon.”
“It is a lovely walk in a surprisingly secluded area for how accessible it is.”
“Great mostly level paved trail through the woods behind Montclair Village and through Shepherd Canyon.”
“Love this trail cause it's easy, wooded, mostly flat, and not busy.”
“Steepest incline is from the Montclair parking lot to the top of the trail start; 45 degrees and approximately 50 feet.”
Plan your run at Montclair Railroad Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemontclairrrtrail.org
- Phone(510) 615-5566
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Oakland
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Shepherd Canyon Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 184 reviews
Park with a flat area and hiking trails in the hills, plus soccer fields, restrooms, and picnic tables.
Bridgeview Trail at Monterey Blvd
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Redwood, tree-shaded, hilly, muddy trail with kid-pleasing swings and troll statues.
Palos Colorados Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 81 reviews
Park, plus hilly and woodsy trails through canyons, woods and a creek with waterfalls, plus gnomes.
Moon Gate
4.8 ★★★★★ 168 reviews
Redwood forest, popular for hiking, biking and off-leash dog walks.
Skyline Gate Staging Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 576 reviews
Carpark & gateway to a protected area spanning over 1000 acres of redwood forest & grassland.
Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 550 reviews
This 241-acre wooded preserve features a self-guided, botanic interpretive trail & restrooms.