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Mussel Rock Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,738 Google reviews · Running trail in Daly City, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Mussel Rock 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.
Known for its rocky coastline, this park boasts sandy beaches, scenic ocean vistas & hiking trails.
What runners say about Mussel Rock Park
“Great views of the ocean and coast here and a great place to learn about the history and geology of the area.”
Ah, what to say about this park. You'd be tempted to call it a diamond in the rough. It isn't. It's more like the abandoned field behind the city's outskirts trailer park. It reeks of left behind, lost in the budget spreadsheet, civilized but unmanaged.
I never forget the day I was there. It was a coincidence but miracle. I met my inner self and healed from inside. I really needed this. Beach was like a dream. The walk barefoot on the sand, and the breeze kissing my face was a pure bliss. My hair was dancing in the air. I just wanted to stay forever.
It’s a natural unregulated site with some gravel trails and quite often some kind of construction going on. There’s no functional bathrooms, and the parking lot has had several break ins over the couple years I’ve been going here. But for me it’s the paragliding that makes it the best.
This was an amazing place with great coastal views as well as large and elegant human flying birds! It was our first time so I don't know if it was usual to have that many hang gliders out but there were many last Saturday afternoon. It may have been an excellent wind day or just normal.
Trail conditions & character
“A good spot for a short walk with very wide trails, good ocean view, and large parking lot, but no toilets though.”
“There’s no functional bathrooms, and the parking lot has had several break ins over the couple years I’ve been going here.”
“People fish down on the beach, and hikers with dogs can roam up the trails and road all the way up to the perch which is the highest paragliding launch in the park.”
“There’s no functional bathrooms, and the parking lot has had several break ins over the couple years I’ve been going here.”
Plan your run at Mussel Rock Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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 trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecaliforniabeaches.com
- Phone+1 650-991-8000
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Daly City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Esplanade Beach Overlook Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 109 reviews
Picturesque oceanfront spot with trails, for whale watching and sunsets.
Hillside Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 174 reviews
Recreational venue with a playground and a dog-friendly area featuring a basketball court and a tennis court.
